If you feel a little funny about putting beans in a dessert pie, you aren’t alone. I thought it sounded weird, too – until I tried it. But the beans give the pie a nice creamy texture rather than a strong bean flavor. In fact, that’s the reason we’re using mild pintos instead of a more flavorful variety of beans. Honestly, with all the cozy spices – think nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon – the pinto beans transform into a pie filling that is as tasty as its contemporaries. In fact, if you blend the beans into a puree and don’t tell anyone, your family may assume it’s pumpkin pie!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Pinto Bean Pie
Prepare the Pie
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prep Crust – Roll out the pie shell and line a 9-inch pie dish. Place in the fridge while you prepare the filling. (Photo 1) Mash cooked pinto beans with a potato masher or fork in a mixing bowl. (Photos 2-3) Spices – In a separate mixing bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. (Photo 4) Wet Ingredients – Add the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix. (Photo 5) Finish Filling – Add the mashed pinto beans and mix well. (Photos 6-7)
Bake
Assemble – Pour the bean pie mixture into the crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. (Photo 8) Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a tester comes out clean when inserted into the center. Serve – Remove from the oven and cool completely for about an hour. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if desired when serving.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can make this pie ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for 2-3 months. To freeze it, wrap it in plastic or foil and pop it in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight. Another time-saver is to cook the pinto beans before putting the pie together.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Top the room-temperature pinto bean pie with whipped cream or ice cream, or enjoy it plain. It tastes great either way. Cover your pie dish to store leftovers in the fridge, or put leftover slices in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for 3-5 days.
What Goes With Pinto Bean Pie
Pinto bean pie is an amazing follow-up to classic Southern meals like smoked pulled chicken and coleslaw. Sweet iced tea if it’s hot out or a hot cup of joe if it’s chilly completes the experience.☕ Oh, and homemade whipped cream to top each slice.
More Perfectly Southern Pie Recipes to Try
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this super economical bean pie recipe as much as I do! Have you ever tried it? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one-of-a-kind pie. 😄
Watch How to Make It
