As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the crisp autumn air sets in, my thoughts turn to warm, comforting treats that celebrate the flavors of the season.
One such delightful indulgence that never fails to bring joy to my taste buds is a classic pumpkin pie. But today, I want to share with you a unique and healthier twist on this beloved fall dessert – pumpkin pie with Greek yogurt.
Pumpkin pie with Greek yogurt is a delightful variation of the traditional pumpkin pie recipe, where rich and creamy Greek yogurt is used to add a tangy flavor and a light, airy texture to the filling. This innovative twist not only enhances the taste of the pie but also boosts its nutritional profile.
1. Creamy Texture: The addition of Greek yogurt lends a velvety smoothness to the filling, making each bite of the pumpkin pie a luscious delight.
2. Healthier Option: Greek yogurt is a protein-packed, probiotic-rich ingredient that adds nutritional value to the dessert, making it a guilt-free treat.
3. Balanced Flavor: The tangy notes of Greek yogurt complement the earthy sweetness of pumpkin perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
4. Enhanced Moisture: Greek yogurt helps retain moisture in the pie filling, ensuring a moist and tender consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Mix well. Add the softened coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the coconut oil into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water to the flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add more ice water, a little at a time, until the dough holds together when pressed between your fingers.
Once the dough comes together, shape it into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your deep dish pie plate. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
Prick the bottom and edges of the pie crust with a fork. Line the pie shell with heavy foil, pressing it firmly against the sides of the crust to prevent drooping. Roll excess foil inward so the edge of the crust is exposed. Bake the pie crust on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until the crust starts to set. Remove from the oven and allow to partially cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lower the oven rack to the lower shelf. Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked pie shell. Bake the pie on the lower shelf of the oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges of the pie are set but the center is still slightly loose when the pan is moved.
Once baked, remove the pumpkin pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. Serve slices of the pumpkin pie with sweetened whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin pie with Greek yogurt!
1. Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to ensure a rich and creamy texture in the pumpkin pie filling.
2. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
3. Add a Dollop of Yogurt: Serve each slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
4. Enhance Flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on the whipped Greek yogurt topping for a festive touch.
5. Chill Before Serving: For the best taste and texture, refrigerate the pumpkin pie for a few hours before serving.
Pumpkin Pie with Greek Yogurt Flatbread (per serving):
To store leftover pumpkin pie with Greek yogurt, cover the pie dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness.
1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side complements the creamy tanginess of the Greek yogurt in the pie.
2. Cinnamon Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of cinnamon-flavored ice cream alongside the pumpkin pie for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
3. Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle toasted pecan pieces over the pie slices for a crunchy and nutty element.
4. Warm Spiced Apple Slices: Sautee apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg until tender and serve as a warm side dish to pair with the pumpkin pie.
1. Pie Crust: If you don’t have whole wheat pastry flour, you can use all-purpose flour or a pre-made pie crust.
2. Coconut Oil: Substitute softened butter or vegetable shortening for coconut oil in the pie crust.
3. Brown Sugar: Replace brown sugar with granulated sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile in the filling.
4. Plain Greek Yogurt: If you don’t have plain Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or whole milk yogurt as a substitute.
5. Spices: Adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences with substitutes like pumpkin pie spice or cloves.
In conclusion, pumpkin pie with Greek yogurt is a delightful and wholesome twist on the classic fall dessert. With its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and added nutritional benefits, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat after a hearty meal or as a festive addition to holiday gatherings, this pumpkin pie is a must-try for anyone looking to savor the flavors of autumn in a healthier way.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in a slice of this delicious pumpkin pie with Greek yogurt today!
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the crisp autumn air sets in, my thoughts turn to warm, comforting treats that celebrate the flavors of the season.
