This carrot pie recipe is a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie. Made with fresh grated carrots, warm spices, and a flaky homemade crust, this pie is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. The creamy filling is perfectly spiced and complemented by a smooth cream cheese topping. With its vibrant orange color and rich flavor, this carrot pie is a must-try dessert for any carrot lover.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Additional grated carrots, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while mixing with a fork. Continue adding water until the dough comes together and can be formed into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and trim any excess. Crimp the edges and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt for the filling. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the carrots and stir until fully incorporated.
- Pour the carrot filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- While the pie is cooling, prepare the cream cheese topping. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Once the pie has cooled, spread the cream cheese topping over the surface of the pie. Garnish with additional grated carrots for added visual appeal.
- Refrigerate the carrot pie for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
- Slice and serve the carrot pie chilled, and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Carrots are not only delicious in savory dishes but also make for a surprisingly tasty dessert ingredient.
Carrot pie can be a great alternative for those who are not fans of pumpkin pie but still want a festive dessert.
The cream cheese topping adds a tangy and creamy element that complements the sweet carrot filling perfectly.