Who says pies need to be sweet to be delicious? Deviate from the norm with this mouth-watering zucchini pie with a crumb topping. It's a wonderful way to use up summer's bounty of zucchini and prove that vegetables can be decadent too.
While most ingredients in this recipe are quite common and easy to find, you may need to look out for the zucchini, especially if it's not currently in season. However, most supermarkets carry them year-round, so you should be able to find it in the vegetables section. Also, ensure that you have a pie dish and a food processor, which are essential tools for this recipe.
Ingredients for Zucchini Pie with Crumb Topping
Pie crust: A baked shell, usually made of a pastry dough, that will serve as the base of your pie. You can use a pre-made one or make it from scratch.
Zucchini: This summer squash adds a light, slightly sweet flavor to the pie and provides essential nutrients.
Eggs: Used as a binder, they help to hold all the other ingredients together.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Butter: It enriches the pie, making it creamy and flavorful.
All-purpose flour: This is used to thicken the zucchini filling and also forms part of the crumb topping.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the pie.
Brown sugar: Used in the crumb topping for a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
One reader, Babs Carlin says:
This zucchini pie with crumb topping recipe is a game-changer! The zucchini adds a unique twist to the classic pie, and the crumb topping is the perfect finishing touch. It's a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Zucchini Pie With Crumb Topping
How to puree zucchini: Cut the zucchini into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Process until the zucchini turns into a smooth puree.
How to make crumb topping: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the pie filling before baking.
How To Make Zucchini Pie with Crumb Topping
The fresh and sweet taste of the zucchini is a wonderful flavor for pies. This zucchini pie is easy to make, with a neutral, sweet flavor that you’ll love.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1pie crust
- 1cupzucchini,peeled cubed
- 2eggs
- 1cupwhite sugar
- ½cupbutter,melted
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- ½tspvanilla extract
- ½cupall-purpose flour
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 3tbspbutter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line a 9-inch pie dish with the pie crust, and place the pie dish onto a baking sheet.
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Place zucchini into the work bowl of a food processor, and process until pureed.
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Transfer the puree to a bowl, and whisk with eggs, white sugar, melted butter, flour, and the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
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Place ½ cup of flour, brown sugar, and additional butter into a bowl, and cut the mixture with a pastry cutter until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pie filling.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is set and the topping is lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 603.71kcal
- Fat: 32.38g
- Saturated Fat: 17.51g
- Trans Fat: 0.86g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.39g
- Carbohydrates: 75.43g
- Fiber: 1.25g
- Sugar: 45.65g
- Protein: 4.76g
- Cholesterol: 109.26mg
- Sodium: 184.98mg
- Calcium: 33.75mg
- Potassium: 139.01mg
- Iron: 1.43mg
- Vitamin A: 202.95µg
- Vitamin C: 3.70mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting the Crumb Topping
When preparing the zucchini puree, ensure that it is thoroughly processed to a smooth consistency. This will help it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, creamier pie filling. Additionally, when making the crumb topping, aim for a sandy texture. If the crumbs are too large, they may not cook evenly and could result in a less desirable texture. Conversely, if they're too small, they may burn easily. Achieving the right balance will ensure a delicious, crunchy topping that complements the creamy zucchini filling perfectly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly puree the zucchini for the filling.
Multi-task: While the pie is baking, use the time to clean up the kitchen or prepare other dishes.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to cook for a more efficient process.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure a successful outcome and avoid time-consuming mistakes.
Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of cooking and baking times, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for zucchini in the pie.
pie crust - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used as a lighter, flakier alternative to traditional pie crust, adding a unique texture to the dish.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural, unrefined alternative to white sugar, adding a hint of caramel flavor to the pie filling.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a subtle coconut flavor to the pie.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the crumb topping.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used to add a distinct nutty flavor to the pie, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor to the crumb topping.
Presentation Tips for Zucchini Pie With Crumb Topping
Elevate the pie crust: Create a delicate, flaky pie crust using high-quality butter and a light hand when mixing. The crust should be perfectly golden and crisp, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy zucchini filling.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the zucchini pie by garnishing with delicate, colorful edible flowers. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle floral note to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful, intricate design on the plate using a balsamic reduction. The sweet and tangy flavor of the reduction complements the zucchini pie, adding depth and complexity to the overall presentation.
Serve with a dollop of mascarpone cream: Present the zucchini pie with a luxurious dollop of mascarpone cream on the side. The creamy, velvety texture of the mascarpone adds a touch of indulgence and richness to the dessert.
Sprinkle with edible gold leaf: For a touch of opulence, delicately sprinkle edible gold leaf over the zucchini pie just before serving. This luxurious addition creates a stunning visual effect and elevates the dessert to a truly exquisite level.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to puree the zucchini for the pie filling.
- Pie dish: A pie dish is a round, shallow dish used for baking pies. It provides the base for the pie crust and filling.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is a flat, metal pan used for baking. It provides a stable surface for the pie dish and helps distribute heat evenly.
- Pastry cutter: A pastry cutter is a kitchen tool with multiple parallel blades used to cut and blend ingredients for the crumb topping.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Zucchini Pie
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for zucchini pie with crumb topping:
- Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the covered pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the pie with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. The zucchini pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the pie in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through.
- If you prefer to freeze individual slices, cut the cooled pie into portions and wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label it with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw individual slices, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. You can also reheat the slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warmed through.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the crumb topping from browning too quickly while the filling heats through. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the filling is warm.
For a quicker reheat, you can use the microwave. Place a slice of the zucchini pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for about 30-45 seconds, or until it's heated to your liking. If you're reheating multiple slices, you may need to adjust the time accordingly.
If you want to crisp up the crumb topping, you can place the reheated pie under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to make sure the topping doesn't burn. This works well if you've reheated the pie in the microwave and find the topping has gotten a bit soggy.
For a tasty twist, try warming up a slice of zucchini pie in a skillet over medium heat. Melt a small pat of butter in the skillet, then place the slice of pie in the skillet and heat for a couple of minutes on each side, until warmed through. The butter will add a rich flavor and help crisp up the crust.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your zucchini pie. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place a slice of pie in the basket, and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. This method is great for getting a crispy crust and crumb topping.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Pie With Crumb Topping
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, making it a healthy addition to any dish. In this pie recipe, zucchini adds a unique flavor and texture, creating a delicious and unexpected dessert. Whether you're a fan of zucchini or looking to try something new, this zucchini pie with crumb topping is a delightful way to incorporate this nutritious vegetable into your diet.
Is Making Zucchini Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini pie with crumb topping recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Zucchinis are budget-friendly and readily available. The additional ingredients are common pantry staples, making this recipe affordable. The pie serves 8, so the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-10. The taste and texture of the pie are delightful, earning it a solid 8/10. The combination of the zucchini filling and crumb topping creates a delicious contrast, making it a great option for a budget-friendly and satisfying dessert.
Is This Zucchini Pie Recipe Healthy?
This zucchini pie recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar and fat content. The recipe calls for a full cup of white sugar and another half cup of brown sugar, which adds a significant amount of empty calories. Additionally, the use of butter in both the filling and the crumb topping contributes to the high fat content of the dish. The redeeming quality of this recipe is the inclusion of zucchini, which provides some fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the nutritional benefits of the zucchini are overshadowed by the less healthy ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by half and replace the white sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the filling, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, to boost the nutritional value
- Use a whole wheat or nut-based crust to increase the fiber and protein content of the dish
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this zucchini pie while still maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini Pie Recipe
This zucchini pie with crumb topping recipe is a delightful twist on a classic pie. The combination of zucchini, eggs, and sugar creates a luscious filling, while the crumb topping adds a delightful crunch. The use of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, and the pie crust provides a perfect base. However, I would recommend adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavors even further. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy zucchini, and it's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Why trust this Zucchini Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe:
This zucchini pie recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of fresh zucchini and a buttery crumb topping creates a unique and irresistible flavor. The use of vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic essence to the pie. The recipe's clear instructions and simple ingredients make it accessible for all levels of bakers. Trust in the harmonious blend of zucchini and sweet, buttery crumb topping to create a memorable and delicious dessert experience.
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