Candy Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

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

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

Why My Recipe

• Topped with a fluffy, toasted marshmallow meringue for a wow issue.
• Sweetened condensed milk makes the filling silky clean and foolproof.
• Completely spiced with a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

This pie takes every part you already love a few traditional candy potato pie and provides slightly fancy end with the marshmallow meringue. The filling stays wealthy and silky as a result of the sweetened condensed milk retains it clean each time. And as a substitute of a plain layer of whipped cream, I pile on a delicate, fluffy marshmallow meringue that will get simply the best trace of toast on prime. It seems to be spectacular, however actually, it’s simpler to make than it seems to be, and it’s at all times the very first thing individuals 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 giant candy potatoes. You can additionally use canned candy potatoes. If utilizing canned candy potatoes in syrup, remind readers to rinse and drain them effectively to keep away from oversweetening.
• Pie Crust: Use your favourite 9-inch unbaked pie crust, homemade or store-bought. Simply ensure 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 giant eggs assist set the pie because it bakes.
• Spices: A mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves offers these fall taste vibes, just like pumpkin spice.
• Vanilla Extract: Attempt to use the true factor when you can.
• Egg Whites: Use 4 giant egg whites for the meringue. Make certain there’s no yolk within the combine, or it received’t whip correctly.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps the meringue develop into thick and shiny.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps create stiff peaks.

The Secret to a Creamy Filling

One of many huge 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 clean, 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 great as written, however there are just a few methods to change issues up relying in your preferences or what you’ve got readily available:

Change up the spice combine: When you want a barely totally different profile, you may skip the cloves or add a pinch of allspice as a substitute.

Add a splash of bourbon: A tablespoon of bourbon provides a refined 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 effectively, and mash till clean. 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 clean 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 fully: 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 kind, then combine within the vanilla.
7. Prime and end: Unfold the meringue over the cooled pie, sealing it to the crust. Use a kitchen torch to toast the highest till golden when you like.
8. Serve and retailer: Slice, serve, and refrigerate leftovers loosely coated for as much as 3 days.

Toasting the Meringue

Toasting the meringue isn’t required, however it’s a pleasant contact if you’d like 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 technique to get that toasted end. Transfer the flame throughout the floor in sweeping motions, holding it just a few inches away. Don’t keep in a single spot too lengthy or it might burn.

No broiler, please: We don’t suggest utilizing your oven broiler. It heats erratically and might burn the meringue in a short time.

Depart it plain: The meringue is completely candy and marshmallowy by itself. Toasting is non-obligatory.

Ideas for the Excellent Meringue

Getting the meringue good is simpler than you assume, however the following pointers will assist ensure 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 certain 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 kind: You’ll comprehend it’s prepared whenever you carry 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 when you may help it.

Unfold all the way in which to the crust: Make certain the meringue touches the crust edge to assist seal it in place.

Make Forward Directions

It’s attainable to make this pie forward, however it solely holds up effectively when you comply with just a few ideas:

If toasting the meringue, do it simply earlier than serving. This offers you the freshest look and finest texture.

Make the filling and bake the pie as much as 2 days prematurely. As soon as baked, cool fully and retailer it within the fridge coated.

Add the meringue as much as 1 day earlier than serving for the perfect 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 could get forward on vacation prep. You’ll be able to bake it as much as two days earlier than the large vacation, then preserve it within the fridge. Add the meringue and toast it on the day you intend to serve. That means it seems to be contemporary and stays fluffy. It retains its form for hours and travels nice.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Serving Ideas

This pie is the type of dessert that doesn’t want a lot assist to shine, however just a few extras could make it even higher. Add a scoop of ice cream on the aspect. When you’re feeling fancy, drizzle slightly maple syrup or caramel over the meringue. I additionally love including a sprinkle of toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers for some crunch.