Impossible pie is so named because all the ingredients are mixed together in one bowl and then ‘miraculously’ separate into three layers in the oven, giving a soft pie base, a creamy custard filling and a crunchy coconut topping. Sounds impossible but it works every time! The recipe seems to have originated in the USA in the 1970s, based on a southern coconut custard pie. I made my first version over 30 years ago, from a Women’s Weekly Cookbook (the source of so many of my favourite recipes) and I’ve been experimenting ever since to come up with the perfect combination of flavours; so far almond and orange impossible pie is the best! I found an equally surprising wine match to serve with it, plum wine (umeshu), a slightly sweet Japanese liqueur, served on the rocks it works a treat! See the video below for another easy Southern classic.
Serves 6
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain flour, sifted
- 1 cup castor sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 125g butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 orange, zested
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Disaronno amaretto liqueur
Method
- Preheat oven to 170ºC.
- Combine all Ingredients.
- Pour into a lightly greased 1-litre pie dish.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until well coloured and set in the centre.
- Serve warm or cold.
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FAQ
Why is impossible pie impossible?
Impossible pie is so named because all the Ingredients are mixed together in one bowl and then ‘miraculously’ separate into three layers in the oven, giving a soft pie base, a creamy custard filling and a crunchy coconut topping. Sounds impossible but it works every time!
Where did impossible pie originate?
Impossible pie seems to have originated in the USA in the 1970s, based on a southern coconut custard pie.
Is impossible pie sweet or savoury?
While most recipes for impossible pie are sweet, the technique works just as well for savoury versions.
What's the best flavouring for impossible pie?
I’ve been experimenting for many years to come up with the perfect combination of flavours; so far orange and almond impossible pie is the best I’ve found.
What's the best wine match for impossible pie?
Try Japanese plum wine (umeshu), a slightly sweet Japanese liqueur with orange and almond impossible pie.
