Introducing a dessert that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze and bursting with citrusy goodness – Grapefruit Pie!
If you’re looking for a unique twist to your ‘Eagle brand’ pie (as its commonly called), this recipe is a must-try. Combining the zingy flavors of grapefruit with the creamy richness of a classic pie, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.
To start, we prepare a buttery graham cracker crust that is the perfect base for this pie, creating an ideal balance of sweetness and crunch. What I love most about this dessert is its airiness – but be warned, it is rich in dairy, butter, and sugar, so proceed with caution (it is not low-carb, vegan, or ‘diet’ specific).
Now, onto the star of the show – the luscious filling – which is a blend of sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, egg yolks, and a hint of grapefruit zest. Once poured into the cooled crust, it’s off to the oven to work its magic, transforming into a silky smooth delight that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
No Grapefruit Pie would be complete without a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. Light and airy, with just a touch of sweetness and vanilla extract, it adds the perfect finishing touch to this delicious dessert. So whip this up and savor every bite – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 ounces) of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon grated grapefruit zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to make grapefruit pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, grapefruit juice, egg yolks, and grapefruit zest in a large bowl. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
- Bake the pie for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form (or if you have a hand or stand mixer, you can use that). Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cooled pie. [Note: Store-bought whipped cream also works and saves on time and ingredients.]
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Crust Option:
A good option for a gluten-free crust is to use a blend of gluten-free flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour. Here’s a basic recipe:
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Follow the same steps for mixing and pressing the crust as outlined in the original recipe.
Alternative Citrus Fruits:
If grapefruit is not readily available or if you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can use alternative citrus fruits such as:
Orange: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor similar to grapefruit but milder.
Lemon: Offers a tart and zesty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of condensed milk.
Lime: Adds a bright, refreshing citrus flavor with slightly more intense tanginess.
Simply substitute the same amount of fresh juice and zest of the alternative citrus fruit in the recipe for a delicious variation of Grapefruit Pie.
Garnishing and Presentation Ideas:
- For garnish, top the pie with grapefruit segments or slices.
- Add a sprinkle of grapefruit zest over the whipped cream for a pop of color.
- Serve the pie with a scoop of coconut sorbet or banana ice cream for an even more indulgent twist.
P.S. If you plan to make this dessert for your next outdoor gathering, pair it with this creamy, citrusy chicken avocado salad. Looking for more citrus dessert options? Check out this easy 5-ingredient Layered Lemon Pie by Taste of Home.