Date Nut Pie
A sweet and nutty dessert with dates, pecans, and a crisp saltine crust, perfect for those who enjoy rich, textured pies with a hint of almond flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg whites until stiff.
- Slowly add sugar to the beaten egg whites.
- Stir in crushed saltines, dates, pecans, and almond flavoring.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased pan, spreading it towards the outside to create a crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 270°F for 1 hour.
- Let the pie cool before cutting into wedges.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before adding sugar. You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred. If you want a sweeter pie, consider increasing the sugar slightly. Crushed graham crackers can replace saltines for a different flavor. This pie is a unique twist among traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Date Nut Pie chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. For a delightful contrast, consider serving with fresh berries or a fruit compote. A cup of coffee or tea complements this dessert perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Nut Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Nut Pie contains roughly 690 calories, with 23g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried dates?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but make sure to remove the pits and chop them finely. Fresh dates will add a different texture and moisture to the pie, which can enhance the overall flavor.
How do I prevent the pie from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, ensure you grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for added security. Allow the pie to cool completely before attempting to remove it.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this pie gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers instead of saltines. There are several brands available that offer great taste and texture, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious dessert.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).