Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie is a rich and decadent dessert that marries the deep, robust flavor of molasses with the sweet, tropical essence of coconut. This pie features a velvety filling made from a blend of molasses, brown sugar, and shredded coconut, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie is a nostalgic treat that offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The warm, caramel-like notes of the molasses complement the chewy coconut, making every bite a memorable experience.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges as desired.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, shredded coconut, heavy cream, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. In a small bowl, mix the shredded coconut and brown sugar for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Enjoy Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie as a sumptuous and unique dessert that brings together the rich flavors of molasses and coconut, perfect for creating lasting memories with every slice.
