 |
Hey, did you all see my post about Pi Day next week? You know, the math nerd holiday? March 14 or 3.14? Yeah, I’m that Class A math nerd. I’m having a Pi Day Pie Party to celebrate! There will be a pie link-up and some fun giveaways.
In honor of Pi Day next week, I have a few pie recipes to share with you in the coming days. First up, these cute-as-ever Coconut Cream Pies in Jars, all nested out for Easter!
I am slightly obsessed with jars. They are super fun to make desserts in. I made pink velvet cupcakes in jars. And Bailey’s Pudding Pies in jars. And now: coconut cream pies in jars.
This recipe comes from Desserts in Jars, the cutest-ever cookbook by Shaina Olmanson. Have you read that book? It’s like a work of art, really. She’s got pies, cakes, ice cream, breakfast, you name it, all in jars! I cannot wait to eat my way through this cookbook.
It took me days to figure out what to make and share with you. I just Could. Not. Decide. But once I thought about it being almost Easter (??!!) these coconut cream pies spoke to me. Coconut goes hand-in-hand with Easter and I knew I could dress them up a little by adding some toasted coconut and mini candy eggs to the top. A Coconut Cream Pie Nest in a Jar!
Oh, and did I mention the heavenly fluffy meringue that’s on top of the coconut cream? Ohmigodsogood. I’ve never made meringue before and now…now I don’t want to stop.
{Don’t you just want to bite that picture??!!}
Along with my copy of Desserts in Jars, I also received the new cookbook by Dede Wilson, Cake Balls to drool over. Cake Balls includes more than 60 recipes for all kinds of from-scratch cake balls. She even includes all the cake and frosting recipes you’ll need too! She’s got recipes like Creme Brûlée Cake Balls, Coffee Crumb Cake Balls, and Peanut Butter Cake Balls.
Guess what? There’s also a recipe in there for Coconut Cream Cake Balls. Instead of mixing the crumbled cake with frosting, you mix it with coconut pudding.
Are you guessing where I’m going next?
Instead of making 8 coconut cream pies, I saved some of the coconut pudding and made some cake balls with it. Guess what? Dede Wilson is absolutely a genius! You can totally make cake balls with pudding instead of frosting. Mixed with the white chocolate coating, they are the perfect amount of sweetness.
Seriously you guys, I have so many recipes on my list to make now. Apple Pie Cake Balls. Nutella Cake Balls. Neapolitan Cakes in jars. Pans au chocolate IN JARS. Seriously, these cookbooks are going to make me need new pants.
Because don’t you just want a bite of that goodness?
You know you want these cookbooks, right? You’re salivating and want them NOW. Well, guess what? I’m giving both cookbooks away to one lucky Crazy for Crust reader! Scroll down to enter!
Recipe from "Desserts In Jars" by Shaine Olmanson
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter, diced
- 4-7 tablespoons ice cold water
- 3 cups milk (I used non-fat)
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, optional
- 1 cup coconut, plus more for topping
- Mini candy eggs, for garnish, if desired
- 8 wide mouth 8-ounce jars
Instructions
- To make the crust: pulse flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until pea-sized pieces of dough form. Start with 4 tablespoons of water and pulse just a few times. The dough will still be crumbly, but will stick together when pressed. Add more water if needed. Note: it will not form into a ball in the food processor! Remove from machine and turn into a bowl. Press together to form a ball. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour.
- When dough is chilled, remove from refrigerator and roll until 1/8-1/4” thick. (I like my dough thicker!) Use the open mouth of the jars to cut circles of dough. Press one circle of dough in the bottom of each jar. Bake 2” apart on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool.
- In a large heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 2/3 cup sugar. Whisk until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth, 30-45 seconds by hand.
- Add the milk and cornstarch to a medium sized saucepan. Set it over medium heat until bubbles begin to form around the edges, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. When the milk is hot, pour about 1/2 cup into the bowl of egg yolks, while whisking to temper the eggs. Whisk in about another 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the eggs, then pour the egg mixture back into the rest of them milk in the pan. Continue heating until it thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, just a minute or two.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, coconut extract if desired, and coconut. Spoon the pudding evenly over the cooled crusts in the jars. Chill until set, about 3-4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove the jars from the refrigerator and set 2” apart on a cookie sheet.
- Beat egg whites in a medium-sized bowl with a hand mixer until foamy. Add the remaining 1/3 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, to create a meringue. Spoon evenly on top of the pudding in the jars. Bake 4-5 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown. Cool, then top with additional shredded coconut and/or mini candy eggs for decoration (optional).
Notes
To make cake balls: Instead of making 8 pies, reserve some of the pudding. Mix 2 tablespoons of pudding to each 1 cup cake crumbles (from a mix or your favorite recipe). The mixture should stick together, but not be wet. Form balls and chill for 30 minutes, then dip in melted candy melts and top with additional toasted coconut.
Giveaway Rules: one winner will win BOTH Desserts in Jars and Cake Balls. Open to U.S. residents only. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form directly below this paragraph (sometimes it takes a few seconds to load). Good luck!
I’m addicted to stuff in jars. Check these out:
Skinny Mini No-Bake Mocha Cheesecakes
Bailey’s Pudding Pies with a Thin Mint Crust
Blackberry Pies in a jar {sugar-free option}
Sweets from friends:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding by Kitchen Meets Girl
Samoas Bomb Pie in a Jar by Something Swanky
Single Serving Skinny Apple Pie by Back for Seconds
This post may be linked to: Chef in Training, Lil’ Luna, Buns In My Oven, Chic-and-Crafty, I’m Lovin’ it Fridays, Strut your Stuff Saturday, Weekend Wrap Up Party, Sundae Scoop Link Party, and all of these too!
Fine print: I was given both cookbooks for review. This review was not compensated. All opinions are 100% my own. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be contacted via email when the contest closes and will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Crazy for Crust is not liable for shipping or providing prize.
|
Hi there! I’m Dorothy, the crazy gal behind the blog. If you didn’t already know, I’m crazy for crust…and cookies…and brownies…and pretty much
anything with sugar.
I love coconut … and Robin Eggs … and anything in a jar! Yesiree – Yum!
Nicole recently posted..Fig & Walnut Energy Bites
Thanks Nicole!
Love me some ANYTHING in a jar. I’m sold and need this book in my life. IF I don’t win it the Easter bunny might just need to bring it
Melissa @ Bless this Mess recently posted..BBQ Pork Quesadillas
I think you deserve it!
Thanks Melissa!
I love the whole presentation and it sounds amazing too.
Jenn recently posted..Honey Corn Muffins
Thanks Jenn!
Love the idea of individual, portion controlled desserts.
Me too, until I eat three. I wish I was kidding…
I love coconut and any cuteness in a jar, must make these!
I’m addicted to cuteness in a jar! Thanks Sara!
Wow those both look like awesome cook books. I love making desserts. Hope I win!
Aimee @like mother like daughter recently posted..Orange Sweet Rolls
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Oh man. Coconut Cream cake balls?? I’m dying! You just changed my life.
Katie @ Dip It In Chocolate recently posted..Valentine’s Ombre Drinks
Glad to be of service, lol.
I DO want a bite, how did you know? These are adorable and I love the little eggs on top! Now, those cake balls?? Those are really calling my name. They look perfect!
Stephanie @ Back for Seconds recently posted..Make Your Own Tagalongs with 3 Ingredients
Thanks Stephanie! I’m happy they stayed together. Cake balls and I don’t always get along, lol.
Man I do want a big bite of that mini pie!!! I heart you for loving jars as much as I do. Want to know what I made for next week? Yup, pie in a jar…just for you
I can’t wait to see all the yummy pies! I really do need to get that jar cookbook!!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Key Lime Pie Popcorn
Yay! I think I’d eat everything out of jars, if I could.
Thanks Jocelyn!
These pies are so cute. I would be obsessed with those jars too
And by the way I am making a Bailey’s Pie tonight for 3.14 woo hoo! Let’s hope it turns out 
Yesss! That sounds DELISH.
These are so cute…and coconut ANYTHING is my favorite! Sure would love to own these books!
Thanks Patti! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
yummy!!
Thanks Natalie!
Absolutely love all your recipe ideas!! So yummy!
Thanks Beth!
Looks amazeballs!!
Thanks Melody!
Such a cute idea and I don’t have those books but have always been curious. Adorable food tastes better!
Yes, it does! Thanks Averie!
HOLD THE PHONE! Nutella Cake Balls!?!?!?!?!? Those need to happen. Now. Like really, now!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue recently posted..Skylanders Guess Who
I know, right???
My husband is drooling over these right now. You literally put all of his favorite things in a jar! Thanks for the giveaway!
Kaylee @ Couponing & Cooking recently posted..Saved 102% at Publix- Thanks To Trial Sized White Strips On Clearance!
You’re welcome! Thanks Kaylee! I wish I could send some to your husband!
I would love to win!
I hope you do!
Coconut Cream Pie with Meringue is my very favorite pie EVER. And in a jar? Perfection!
Joy (Yesterfood) recently posted..Meyer Lemon Margaritas
Thanks Joy! Everything is just better in a jar.
Looks…so…good!!
Thanks Katy!
Those coconut cream pies in jars look so yummy!
Coconut cream is one of my favorite pies!
Carrie R recently posted..Crock Pot White Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
They are now mine too!
Thanks Carrie!
The cake balls look delicious! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks Lisa!
Oh my goodness, I love this! I am obsessed with dessert in jars. These are such a great idea!
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme recently posted..Caesar Salad Dressing
Thanks Jennifer!
These are adorable! I love making things in jars and these recipes sound Devine !
Thanks Terri!
These are so cute. I love coconut cream pies
Thanks Meg!
Adorable and they look delicious!!!
Thanks Bobbie!
yes…you could say I am mildly obsessed with jars {you should see the cabinets above my oven}
Charlie’s math teacher is having them celebrate pi day as well – he is REALLY excited to bake with me:)
Heather @French Press recently posted..Snickers Pudding Parfaits
I cannot wait until Jordan is old enough. I think I have a couple more years.
Enjoy it Heather!
I would love to win. I don’t have either one of these books yet.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you Stacey!
Fabulous! Little mason jars make me happy…….. very happy when they are filled with pie! Yum!
Emily ~SoDomesticated~ recently posted..Simple Garlic Cheesy Bread…
Me too Emily!
Jars make every dessert better! These look fabulous! I’m crossing my fingers that I win those cookbooks!
Trish – Mom On Timeout recently posted..25+ Rainbow Recipes and Crafts!
Yum!! These look & sound SO good
Thanks Denise!
I’m for sure joining up on Pi day. This Coconut Cream looks killer good. Must make it soon.
Cindy Harris recently posted..That Really Good Pasta
Yay Cindy! I can’t wait to see what you link up on Pi Day!
Desserts in jars? Too much fun.
I know, right? Thanks Vera!
I’m a nut when it comes to coconut! Really my favorite thing! I never heard of using pudding in cake balls! I’m behind the 8 ball when it comes to pudding uses-geez! That’s about to change! You are so good with jarred desserts!
Thanks Tanya! I am SO using pudding now for cake balls. I love the idea because it’s not as sweet as the frosting!
Can’t wait to make these!
I hope you enjoy them Linda!
These are too cute! I love coconut cream pie, it’s one of my favorites. Individual portions like this are always great!
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas recently posted..Feta Basil Turkey Burgers
Thanks Joanee! Yeah, they’re great. Unless you’re me and eat them all. LOL!
I loooove coconut, but my husband is allergic
one of my sons like it …I wonder if you can freeze these? Or maybe I’d be better off making 4 pies and cake balls out of the rest? What do you think?
Hi Emily! If you leave the coconut and coconut extract out of the pudding, you’ll have vanilla pudding! Those two things are just added at the end. These would be great with a little almond extract or lemon instead!
jar deserts and cake balls are my new obsession!
Mine too! Thanks Joyce!
Yummy!
Homemade custard? I’m impressed!
Dorothy, thanks so much for the great recipe. I totally understand your jar addiction! I absolutely love your site. So many good recipes. Have a great weekend!
Brooke recently posted..Leprechaun Clue Book & Printable
Aw, thanks Brooke!! Have a great weekend yourself!
i am a huge jar collector so now i have something else to do with them!
Yes! That’s perfect. Thanks Jennifer!
Oh I so love this! 1 of my boys loves coconut, I will be making this for the kiddies! Thanks for sharing!
Pamela recently posted..Sugar Free Applesauce Muffins
Thanks Pamela!
OMG! I can just see myself in the corner licking out the bowl before the content even made it into jars
I loooove coconut cream pie…that’s why I’m not allowed to make it! This looks fabulous!
Oh, totally Lyuba! TOTALLY.
I’ve never tried making desserts in jars but I love cake pops!
You must try desserts in jars. They are so awesome!
Thanks for entering Kristen!
Love eating and cooking in a jar. Perfect serving size. Grandkids love making Cake Balls. We
have a lot of fun cooking and eating…making memories!
Those are the best memories! Thanks for entering Mari!
I can’t wait to make this… LOOKS amazing!
Thanks Jan!
These pies are too cute! Thank you for the giveaway!
Thnaks Kesha!
Love the jar idea
Thanks for entering Jan!
Oh yum these look so good! I love the pie in a jar idea!
Thanks Rosie!