Skeeter'S Pie Crust
A hearty, spiced carrot and nut cake with warm cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg flavors, perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy wholesome, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cold milk ⓘ
- 1 c. grated carrots ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped dates ⓘ
- 2 c. raisins ⓘ
- 2 2/3 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 4 c. plain whole wheat or unbleached flour ⓘ
- 3 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the first eight ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, salad oil, cold milk, grated carrots, chopped dates, and raisins) in a large pan and bring to a boil slowly for 5 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the plain whole wheat or unbleached flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chopped nuts.
- Add the dry ingredients to the cooled wet mixture and stir to blend thoroughly.
- Stir in vanilla flavoring.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured large Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Frost with a cream cheese and honey mixture, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the flavor. Make sure to let the mixture cool completely before adding the dry ingredients to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust pairs beautifully with a cream cheese frosting, which adds a delightful sweetness. Serve it alongside a refreshing Starburst Salad to balance the flavors. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie crust for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skeeter'S Pie Crust contains roughly 663 calories, with 14g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (198% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% 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 a different type of oil instead of salad oil?
Yes, you can substitute salad oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but will work well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you're looking for a substitute for raisins, try using dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped figs. These alternatives will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the chewy texture.
Is there a way to make this pie crust gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also check that the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to ensure the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).