Candy Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

Candy potato pie is a vacation favourite for a cause. It’s easy, candy, and filled with heat spices. This model is further particular with a fluffy marshmallow meringue on high that’s flippantly toasted for that golden end everybody loves. It seems to be spectacular, but it surely’s surprisingly easy to tug collectively.

Use a traditional pie crust or change issues up and use our graham shortbread crust.

This pie takes every thing you already love a few traditional candy potato pie and provides somewhat fancy end with the marshmallow meringue. The filling stays wealthy and silky as a result of the sweetened condensed milk retains it easy each time. And as an alternative of a plain layer of whipped cream, I pile on a tender, fluffy marshmallow meringue that will get simply the fitting trace of toast on high. It seems to be spectacular, however truthfully, it’s simpler to make than it seems to be, and it’s at all times the very first thing folks attain for on the pie desk.

Ingredient Notes

• Candy Potatoes: You’ll want 1 3/4 cups mashed, which is about 1 1/2 kilos or 2 massive candy potatoes. You possibly can additionally use canned candy potatoes. If utilizing canned candy potatoes in syrup, remind readers to rinse and drain them effectively to keep away from oversweetening.
• Pie Crust: Use your favourite 9-inch unbaked pie crust, homemade or store-bought. Simply ensure it’s not pre-baked.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This replaces each sugar and milk, preserving issues easy whereas giving the filling a wealthy, creamy texture.
• Eggs: Two grade AA massive eggs assist set the pie because it bakes.
• Spices: A mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves provides these fall taste vibes, much like pumpkin spice.
• Vanilla Extract: Attempt to use the true factor in the event you can.
• Egg Whites: Use 4 massive egg whites for the meringue. Be certain there’s no yolk within the combine, or it gained’t whip correctly.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps the meringue change into thick and shiny.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps create stiff peaks.

The Secret to a Creamy Filling

One of many massive causes this pie seems so silky is the sweetened condensed milk. It does the job of each the sugar and the milk, which retains the filling easy and foolproof. It’s thick and dissolves proper into the mashed candy potatoes and eggs, giving the pie that easy, custardy texture with none graininess from undissolved sugar. It additionally helps the filling set properly when it bakes, so that you don’t have to fret about cracks or curdling. Consider it as your built-in security web for good texture each single time.

Variations

This pie is great as written, however there are a number of methods to modify issues up relying in your preferences or what you have got readily available:

Change up the spice combine: If you happen to choose a barely totally different profile, you may skip the cloves or add a pinch of allspice as an alternative.

Add a splash of bourbon: A tablespoon of bourbon provides a delicate richness that goes very well with the spices. And don’t fear, the alcohol cooks off.

Orange zest enhance: Stir in 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the filling for a citrusy addition.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Cook dinner the candy potatoes: Peel and dice 1 1/2 kilos of candy potatoes. Boil till tender, drain effectively, and mash till easy. Measure out 1 3/4 cups for the filling.
2. Prep the crust and oven: Match a 9-inch unbaked pie crust right into a pie plate and set it apart. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
3. Make the filling: In a big bowl, whisk collectively the mashed candy potato, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, salt, and vanilla till easy and creamy.
4. Fill and bake: Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or till the middle is ready and a knife inserted 1 inch from the sting comes out clear.
5. Cool fully: Let the pie cool at room temperature for about 2 hours earlier than including the meringue.
6. Make the marshmallow meringue: In a heatproof bowl, whisk collectively egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar over simmering water till the combination reaches 160°F. Beat till stiff, shiny peaks kind, then combine within the vanilla.
7. Prime and end: Unfold the meringue over the cooled pie, sealing it to the crust. Use a kitchen torch to toast the highest till golden in the event you like.
8. Serve and retailer: Slice, serve, and refrigerate leftovers loosely lined for as much as 3 days.

Toasting the Meringue

Toasting the meringue isn’t required, but it surely’s a pleasant contact in order for you that golden, marshmallow-toasted look and a touch of caramelized taste. If you happen to don’t toast it, the meringue will nonetheless style like candy, fluffy marshmallow and is simply as scrumptious.

Utilizing a kitchen torch: That is the simplest solution to get that toasted end. Transfer the flame throughout the floor in sweeping motions, holding it a number of inches away. Don’t keep in a single spot too lengthy or it might burn.

No broiler, please: We don’t suggest utilizing your oven broiler. It heats inconsistently and might burn the meringue in a short time.

Depart it plain: The meringue is completely candy and marshmallowy by itself. Toasting is elective.

Ideas for the Excellent Meringue

Getting the meringue excellent is less complicated than you suppose, however the following tips will assist ensure it seems thick, shiny, and secure each time.

Use a clear, dry bowl: Any grease or moisture can preserve the egg whites from whipping correctly. Be certain it’s heat-safe, so glass or metallic. No plastic.

No yolks allowed: Even a small drop of yolk will stop stiff peaks.

Beat till stiff shiny peaks kind: You’ll understand it’s prepared whenever you carry the beaters and the peaks stand tall with out drooping.

Add the vanilla on the finish: This retains the flavour of the vanilla. You don’t need to warmth vanilla in the event you might help it.

Unfold all the way in which to the crust: Be certain the meringue touches the crust edge to assist seal it in place.

Make Forward Directions

It’s doable to make this pie forward, but it surely solely holds up effectively in the event you comply with a number of ideas:

If toasting the meringue, do it simply earlier than serving. This provides you the freshest look and finest texture.

Make the filling and bake the pie as much as 2 days upfront. As soon as baked, cool fully and retailer it within the fridge lined.

Add the meringue as much as 1 day earlier than serving for the very best look. In my testing, the meringue retains its form for as much as 3 days within the fridge, but it surely does deflate barely over time.

This pie is nice for when it’s good to get forward on vacation prep. You’ll be able to bake it as much as two days earlier than the large vacation, then preserve it within the fridge. Add the meringue and toast it on the day you propose to serve. That manner it seems to be recent and stays fluffy. It retains its form for hours and travels nice.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Serving Strategies

This pie is the form of dessert that doesn’t want a lot assist to shine, however a number of extras could make it even higher. Add a scoop of ice cream on the facet. If you happen to’re feeling fancy, drizzle somewhat maple syrup or caramel over the meringue. I additionally love including a sprinkle of toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers for some crunch.