Mother Johnson'S Date Pie
A rich, sweet date custard pie with a hint of nutmeg, perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to those who enjoy nostalgic, fruity baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stew the dates with enough milk to cover them until soft.
- Put the cooked dates and milk mixture through a colander or blend until smooth.
- Add the egg, salt, nutmeg, and light corn syrup to the date mixture and mix well.
- Pour the filling into an uncooked pastry shell.
- Bake as a custard pie until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mother Johnson's Date Pie, consider using Medjool dates for their rich sweetness. If you're out of corn syrup, light maple syrup makes a suitable substitute. For a creamier texture, replace half the milk with heavy cream. Ensure the pastry shell is chilled before filling to prevent sogginess. This pie is a delightful twist on traditional custard desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mother Johnson's Date Pie warm or chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile of this unique dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pie and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep the crust crisp while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother Johnson'S Date Pie contains roughly 555 calories, with 5g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1908mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
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 dried dates instead of fresh dates for this pie?
Yes, you can use dried dates for this pie. Just make sure to soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them before stewing with milk. This will help achieve the desired consistency and sweetness in your filling.
What type of pastry shell should I use for the pie?
A standard 9-inch uncooked pie crust works well for this recipe. You can use a homemade pie crust or a store-bought one for convenience. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free pie crust available in many grocery stores.
How can I make the pie filling sweeter if needed?
If you find the filling isn't sweet enough for your taste, you can add an extra tablespoon of light corn syrup or honey to the mixture before pouring it into the pastry shell. Just be sure to mix well to evenly distribute the sweetness throughout the filling.
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).