Ah, summer—the season of sunshine, laughter, and flavors that dance on your tongue like a gentle breeze through the trees. This Mojito Pie, with its zesty lime and fresh mint, not only evokes memories of lazy afternoons but also promises an unexpected twist of sweetness that could rival, say, the surprise announcement of a new Taylor Swift album. Imagine the tingling refreshment of a mojito, but in pie form—now, isn’t that a slice of summer itself?
Steps
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate and bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes. Let it cool after baking.
- Muddle the Mint and Lime Juice: As the crust bakes, combine the fresh mint leaves and lime juice in a shaker or glass. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to crush the mint and release its flavor into the lime juice. Strain the mixture to remove the mint leaves, keeping the juice.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until fully blended. Add the strained mint-lime juice and, if desired, the rum. Whisk for about a minute until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Bake on the middle oven rack for 15 minutes. Once baked, move the pie to a cooling rack and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours until it is thoroughly chilled and set. Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream, lime zest, and mint leaves for garnish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups finely-ground graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup lime juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
- 2 cups whipped cream
- Lime zest
- Mint leaves
FAQ
- What is Mojito Pie?
- Mojito Pie is a refreshing dessert that combines the flavors of fresh lime and mint, similar to a mojito cocktail. It features a creamy custard filling poured into a graham cracker crust, with an optional splash of rum for an extra kick.
- How do you make the graham cracker crust for Mojito Pie?
- To make the crust, mix 1 1/4 cups of finely-ground graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 5 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes before letting it cool.
- Can I adjust the mint flavor in the Mojito Pie?
- Yes, the mint flavor can be adjusted according to preference. The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves for a subtle mint flavor. However, if you prefer a stronger mint taste, you can increase the amount of mint used.
- Is the rum necessary in the Mojito Pie recipe?
- The rum is optional in the Mojito Pie recipe. It adds an authentic mojito cocktail touch but can be omitted if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- What toppings can be added to Mojito Pie?
- You can enhance the Mojito Pie with optional toppings like whipped cream, lime zest, and mint leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Use only 1/4 cup of mint leaves for a balanced flavor, as using more can overpower the pie with mintiness.
- When making the crust, ensure the graham cracker mixture is pressed evenly in the pie plate to create a uniform base that holds together well after baking.
- Muddle the mint leaves gently with lime juice to release their flavor without turning them bitter, using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, ensuring it sets properly for at least 3 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Pie Plate (9-inch, 4-cup capacity) – While many people may have pie plates, a specific size might be needed for this recipe.
- Muddler – Used for muddling mint leaves into lime juice. If someone doesn’t have a muddler, they might use the end of a large wooden spoon, but a muddler might be more efficient.
- Cooling Rack – Essential for allowing the pie to cool properly after baking.
