Pumpkin pie is a timeless dessert, especially during the fall season and Thanksgiving celebrations. Its rich, creamy filling and warm spices are a comforting treat for many. However, there’s always room for a little creativity in the kitchen. Introducing the Cinnamon Toast Crusted Pumpkin Pie, a delightful twist that incorporates the beloved breakfast cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, into the crust for an added layer of flavor and texture. This unique combination brings a fun and nostalgic element to the classic pumpkin pie, making it a must-try for both cereal lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pie Crust
- 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree
- 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pie Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the cereal: Place the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Alternatively, you can place the cereal in a zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cereal, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Form the crust: Press the cereal mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling
- Combine the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling into the crust: Carefully pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared Cinnamon Toast Crunch pie crust.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should be slightly wobbly but will set as it cools.
- Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to firm up.
Tips and Variations
Tips for the Perfect Pie
- Even Crust: When pressing the crust into the pie dish, make sure it’s even to prevent any weak spots that might break when serving.
- Prevent Cracking: To avoid cracks in your pumpkin pie filling, avoid overbaking and try not to open the oven door frequently during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all filling ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, even filling.
Variations and Substitutions
- Golden Grahams Crust: For a slightly different flavor, substitute Golden Grahams cereal for Cinnamon Toast Crunch in the crust.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Pie: For a cold dessert variation, fill the Cinnamon Toast Crunch crust with softened vanilla or cinnamon ice cream and freeze until firm.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pudding Pie: Use instant vanilla or butterscotch pudding mix instead of pumpkin filling for a quick and easy dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 4g
The Cinnamon Toast Crusted Pumpkin Pie is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. This pie combines the traditional creamy pumpkin filling with a sweet and crunchy crust made from Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, adding an unexpected twist to a beloved classic. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.