Introduction
Samoa Cookie Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the flavors of the beloved Girl Scout cookie with a creamy pie filling. This recipe combines chocolate, caramel, coconut, and vanilla into one decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The History
The Samoa Cookie Pie draws inspiration from the iconic Samoas cookies introduced by Girl Scouts in 1976. These cookies quickly became a favorite due to their rich combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate. Over time, creative bakers transformed this classic cookie flavor profile into various desserts, including pies, cakes, and more.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Oreo Cookie Crust: Forms the base of the pie, providing a crunchy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and structure to the filling.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Caramel Sauce: Brings the signature gooey caramel taste.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and tropical flair.
- Chocolate Chips: Melts over the top for an indulgent finish.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pulse Oreo cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Mix with melted butter and press into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto the cooled crust. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the layer, followed by shredded coconut.
- Add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Melt chocolate chips according to package instructions and drizzle them over the chilled pie before serving.
Tips
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the pie.
- If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make your own by heating sugar and butter until it turns golden brown.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for better melting and richer flavor.
- To save time, purchase pre-made graham cracker or Oreo crusts from the store.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe offers plenty of room for creativity! Consider adding chopped nuts for added texture, swapping out coconut for other tropical fruits like mango or pineapple, or experimenting with different types of chocolate such as dark or white chocolate. For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Samoa Cookie Pie is undeniably delicious, it’s also calorie-dense due to its rich ingredients. A single slice contains approximately 400-500 calories depending on portion size, so moderation is key. To balance indulgence with health, consider reducing sugar content slightly or incorporating healthier crust alternatives like almond flour or crushed digestive biscuits.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Prepare the crust by combining Oreo crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Allow it to cool completely.
- Mix cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the mixture into two equal parts.
- Layer the first half of the cream cheese mixture onto the cooled crust. Top with caramel sauce and shredded coconut.
- Spread the second half of the cream cheese mixture over the caramel and coconut layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the chilled pie before slicing and serving.
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought crust instead?
- Yes, using a pre-made Oreo or graham cracker crust will save time without compromising taste.
- How long does the pie last in the fridge?
- Stored properly in an airtight container, the pie can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Is there a dairy-free option?
- Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
Summary
Samoa Cookie Pie captures the essence of Samoas cookies with layers of caramel, coconut, and chocolate in a creamy pie format. Indulge in this decadent dessert while enjoying its nostalgic flavors!
