Candy Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

Candy potato pie is a vacation favourite for a motive. It’s easy, candy, and filled with heat spices. This model is additional particular with a fluffy marshmallow meringue on high that’s evenly toasted for that golden end everybody loves. It seems spectacular, however it’s surprisingly easy to drag collectively.

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

This pie takes the whole lot you already love a couple of basic candy potato pie and provides a bit of 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 a substitute of a plain layer of whipped cream, I pile on a tender, fluffy marshmallow meringue that will get simply the best trace of toast on high. It seems spectacular, however truthfully, it’s simpler to make than it seems, 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 would additionally use canned candy potatoes. If utilizing canned candy potatoes in syrup, remind readers to rinse and drain them nicely to keep away from oversweetening.
• Pie Crust: Use your favourite 9-inch unbaked pie crust, homemade or store-bought. Simply make certain it’s not pre-baked.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This replaces each sugar and milk, retaining 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 if you happen to can.
• Egg Whites: Use 4 massive egg whites for the meringue. Make sure that there’s no yolk within the combine, or it gained’t whip correctly.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps the meringue grow to be thick and shiny.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps create stiff peaks.

The Secret to a Creamy Filling

One of many large 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 fantastic as written, however there are a number of methods to change issues up relying in your preferences or what you will have available:

Change up the spice combine: When you want a barely completely different profile, you’ll be able to skip the cloves or add a pinch of allspice as a substitute.

Add a splash of bourbon: A tablespoon of bourbon provides a delicate richness that goes rather 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 nicely, 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 about and a knife inserted 1 inch from the sting comes out clear.
5. Cool utterly: 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 type, then combine within the vanilla.
7. High and end: Unfold the meringue over the cooled pie, sealing it to the crust. Use a kitchen torch to toast the highest till golden if you happen to 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, however it’s a pleasant contact if you need that golden, marshmallow-toasted look and a touch of caramelized taste. When you 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 best approach 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 advocate 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 good is simpler than you suppose, however the following pointers will assist make certain 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. Make sure that it’s heat-safe, so glass or steel. No plastic.

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

Beat till stiff shiny peaks type: You’ll comprehend it’s prepared whenever you elevate 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 wish to warmth vanilla if you happen to might help it.

Unfold all the best way to the crust: Make sure that the meringue touches the crust edge to assist seal it in place.

Make Forward Directions

It’s potential to make this pie forward, however it solely holds up nicely if you happen to comply with a number of suggestions:

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 utterly and retailer it within the fridge lined.

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

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

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Serving Options

This pie is the sort 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 aspect. When you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of maple syrup or caramel over the meringue. I additionally love including a sprinkle of toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers for some crunch.