Delectable Zucchini Surprise Pie
This mouthwatering Zucchini Surprise Pie is a twist on the classic apple pie, proving that with a little creativity, one can transform humble garden zucchini into a scrumptious dessert that will delight your taste buds. With its perfectly spiced filling and flaky crust, this pie is a fantastic way to use up those abundant zucchinis from your garden. The expert blend of sugars, spices, and the natural sweetness of zucchini creates a flavor profile that’s surprisingly reminiscent of traditional apple pie. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or as a surprising treat for guests, this pie will leave everyone guessing the secret ingredient!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
6-8 cups (peel, cut lengthwise, remove seeds, and slice 1/4-inch thick)
granulated sugar
3/4 cup
brown sugar
1/2 cup
cinnamon
2 teaspoons
fresh grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
fresh ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon
cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons
cornstarch or flour
2 tablespoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
vinegar
1 teaspoon (white or apple cider)
butter
1 tablespoon (dotted on top)
ready pie crusts
2 (Pillsbury preferred)
sugar for topping
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the zucchini slices and cook for just 2 minutes until they are barely tender; this helps to maintain their shape during baking.
3
Carefully drain the zucchini and transfer it to a colander. Allow it to cool slightly before patting the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked zucchini slices with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cream of tartar, cornstarch (or flour), and salt. Toss the mixture until the zucchini is evenly coated.
5
Roll out the first ready pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it down gently to fit the shape of the pan.
6
Pour the zucchini mixture into the crust. Dot the top with butter and drizzle evenly with vinegar for added flavor.
7
Cover the filling with the second pie crust, sealing the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
8
Brush the top crust lightly with water and sprinkle with the reserved sugar for an attractive finish.
9
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pie cool slightly before serving. For an indulgent treat, serve warm topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it chilled.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
32g
Carbs
1.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delectable Zucchini Surprise Pie?
It is a creative dessert that transforms garden zucchini into a spiced filling that tastes remarkably like traditional apple pie.
Does Zucchini Surprise Pie really taste like apple pie?
Yes, the combination of sugars, spices, and cream of tartar creates a flavor profile surprisingly reminiscent of classic apple pie.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this pie?
You should peel the zucchini, cut it lengthwise to remove the seeds, and then slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Why do I need to boil the zucchini for only 2 minutes?
Boiling for just 2 minutes ensures the zucchini becomes barely tender while still maintaining its shape during the baking process.
What spices are used in the zucchini filling?
The filling is spiced with a blend of cinnamon, fresh grated nutmeg, and fresh ground cardamom.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar helps provide the specific tangy flavor that mimics the acidity found in apples.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch as a thickener?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour to be used as a thickening agent.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to add flavor to the pie.
How much zucchini is required for one pie?
You will need between 6 to 8 cups of prepared zucchini slices.
What size pie pan is recommended?
A 9-inch pie pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for the initial baking phase.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45 minutes.
Why do I need to pat the zucchini dry?
Patting the slices dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, preventing the pie from becoming too watery.
What should I do to the top crust before baking?
Cut a few small slits to let steam escape, brush lightly with water, and sprinkle with a half teaspoon of sugar.
How many calories are in a serving of Zucchini Surprise Pie?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is there a specific brand of pie crust recommended?
The recipe notes that Pillsbury ready pie crusts are preferred.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this dessert?
There are 1.8 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the pie be served warm or cold?
It can be served warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoyed chilled.
How do I seal the edges of the pie?
You can seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or using a fork.
What do I do with the butter?
The butter should be dotted on top of the zucchini mixture before adding the top crust.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Is this a good way to use up garden vegetables?
Yes, it is specifically described as a fantastic way to use up abundant zucchinis from the garden.
How much sugar is used in the filling?
The filling uses 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include zucchini pie, dessert, hidden veggies, creative baking, and summer recipes.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, it calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the filling mixture.
Is it necessary to remove the seeds?
Yes, the preparation instructions specify to cut the zucchini lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Can I use this for a picnic?
Yes, it is suggested as being perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required for this Zucchini Surprise Pie.