This old-fashioned sweet pinto bean pie is the perfect dessert for fall. Quick and easy to make, it's a wonderful alternative to your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, and dare I say it, even tastier!
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It might sound a bit strange at first, but trust me, this old-fashioned Southern pinto bean pie is all kinds of delicious! My father-in-law grew up eating this pie and requested I give it a try. I must say, this pie got two thumbs up from my family.
This sweet pie is creamy and rich, and the spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, and molasses make it a great alternative to your usual pumpkin or sweet potato pie. It's also a long way from a savory pinto bean recipe, but this pie is sweet and delicious.
Simple and quick to make, just mix the filling ingredients together and pour into a pie crust and bake, this is a great make-ahead Fall dessert that everyone will fall in love with!
Be sure to try my Red Velvet Cheesecake and Blueberry Biscuits too!
How to make pinto bean pie
- Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add pinto beans, evaporated milk, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, molasses, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, about 40 seconds.
- Pour into the pie shell.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the pie is set in the middle.
- Remove pie from the oven and let it cool for about 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy.
How long does it keep?
Once you have made your pinto bean pie, it's important to let it cool at room temperature for at least an hour, after this time you can either serve it or store it. To store, place it into an airtight container, or cover it with plastic wrap and foil and keep it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days but is best enjoyed in the first two.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, this sweet pie freezes really well, so make up a couple! Once it is completely cooled, wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer bag or container. It will keep well for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight to serve.
Can you use other types of beans?
This Southern dessert uses pinto beans which have a mild flavor, so that the spices used really stand out. In a pinch, you can use navy beans or Great Northern beans. This recipe uses canned beans for ease and convenience, but you can also use dried beans and cook them before mixing with the other ingredients.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- You can use 1 ½ cups of cooked pinto beans that have been cooked in salted water.
- If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well before blending with the other ingredients.
- To make this recipe extra easy, I used a pre-made pie crust. My Homemade Pie Crust is also ideal if you fancy a bit of baking!
- Let the pinto bean pie cool for at least an hour before cutting and serving.
More Pie Recipes
Southern Pinto Bean Pie
Ingredients
- 15.5 oz can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon molasses
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 9 inch prepared pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add pinto beans, evaporated milk, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, molasses, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a blender and blend until smooth, about 40 seconds.
- Pour into the pie shell and bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the pie is set in the middle.
- Remove pie from the oven and let it cool for about 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use 1 ½ cups of cooked pinto beans that have been cooked in salted water.
- If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well before blending with the other ingredients.
- To make this recipe extra easy, I used a pre-made pie crust. My Homemade Pie Crust is also ideal if you fancy a bit of baking!
- Let the pinto bean pie cool for at least an hour before cutting and serving.
Jetaun Carr says
Can I use Maple sugar in place of the white sugar? Would it be the same amount?
Tanya says
Hi Jetuan, that should be fine. I've never made the sub. It'll have a rich flavor, but the sugar should act the same way in the oven.
Nanny says
Thank you
Alieness says
Fantastic recipe, this is my new go to pie for my husband and his friends, great hit with the kids too!
Tanya says
Thanks Alieness, so glad everyone like the pie 🙂
michelle says
Aren't beans amazing?!? The Chinese sweet red bean recipes came to mind when I saw this recipe. I WILL be making this because it looks so wonderful, and I promise that I'll return to leave feedback. I'm a new subscribee and so far LOVE your site. Thank you!