Gluten Free Pepsi and Peanuts Pie

You may be curious about this pie from the name: I mean, what’s a gluten free Pepsi and Peanuts Pie? While the ingredients are right there in the name, it doesn’t sound like it would come together in a pie, but let me tell you, this one is one is a magical combination.

The Southern Story of Pepsi and Peanuts

Growing up in North Carolina, I played in the pine forests, chased trains down the tracks right across from my front door, and picked blackberries until the stains under my nails seemed a permanent feature. From my childhood view, everyone grew up this way. So it was only natural that I expected everyone everywhere also enjoyed the same snack of Pepsi and peanuts. Together. At the same time.

The idea was that you’d take those tall, thick glass Pepsi bottles and funnel a sleeve of salty peanuts inside it. Turn it upside-down (with your thumb over the mouth of the bottle, of course) so the peanuts went to the bottom of the bottle, then gently right the bottle so it wouldn’t explode. There was some technique here, you understand? Then drink that cold, salty Pepsi to slake your hot summer thirst. Sometimes you’d even get some peanuts with a swallow of Pepsi for a real treat. There was nothing like it.

The memory of that salty and sweet combination still tastes like summer to me.

I’m not alone in my nostalgia for this southern treat, although some prefer the idea of Coke and peanuts (no comment). 

Apparently the practice of adding peanuts to your Pepsi (or Coke, I suppose) started in the 1920s when workers didn’t want to touch their snack of peanuts with their dirty hands, so they added the packet straight into their choice of working beverages.

Others speculate it was invented so folks could hold a cold glass of soda and the stick shift in their other hand. (Where are all my manual transmission drivers? I see you!)

Since both were sold at filling stations, it was an early form of C-store fast food for many a Southerner. Pretty brilliant, wouldn’t you say?

Where Did Peanuts And Pepsi PIE Come From?

Fast forward (a few years) and I received an email from my parents with a recipe for Pepsi and Lance Peanuts Pie. Quite a novel idea to take this mixed beverage and turn it into a pie, but then again, (not to diminish its greatness) it sounded a lot like pecan pie, only with peanuts. What’s not to love about that?

I thoughtfully stored the recipe where most recipe ideas go to die — in my email box. 

But since we’ve moved northward to Maryland (I’ve since learned, sadly, that no one here has been indoctrinated into Pepsi and peanuts) and my parents have moved in with us, I have been trying to make some new recipes that might make them feel like the South isn’t so very far away.  I thought to dig this recipe out and give it a try (putting my own spin on it, of course).

I must say that the results were as delicious as I’d hoped, which is why you’re going to have to trust me on this one and make it for yourself, whether or not you’ve ever had the occasion to try Coke or Pepsi and peanuts for yourself. (Have you? I’d love to hear about it!)

This pie will remind you of your favorite pecan pie in all the right ways, but with a peanut spin.

How Do I Make a Pepsi and Peanuts Pie?

The basic concept is that you reduce Pepsi down to a syrup that’s a lot like Karo, and add it to peanuts, chopped or not (chop them for more of a pecan pie texture; leave them whole for the full Pepsi and peanuts effect). 

Pour this mixture into my tried and true homemade gluten free pie crust and you have yourself a dessert that’s its own conversation starter!

If you’re more a fan of the traditional, or you’re not into Pepsi or Karo or anything of the sort, I hear you. And I have a fantastic gluten free and vegan Pecan Pie recipe that uses no Karo at all — it’s like magic you can taste. 

Either way, you’re going to want a delicious, light and flaky gluten free pie crust to bake it in, so you’re going to want this gluten free Pie Crust Recipe and Tips. If you’d like to prepare your gluten free pie crust in advance and freeze it before making this pie, follow this recipe for freezing the pie dough ahead of time. Do not bake the pie crust before filling and baking this pie.

I hope you trust me on this one and give Pepsi and Peanuts Pie a try. Or, as my hubby has dubbed it, Pea-Con Pie. It’s remarkably similar to the pecan pie we all know and love, only it comes with some bubbly history.

Gluten Free Peanuts & Pepsi Pie

This twist on traditional pecan pie is a welcome change for pie lovers! Gluten Free Peanuts & Pepsi Pie is a uniquely southern flavor in a pie anyone would love!

4.58 from 14 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: Dessert

Keyword: Peanuts and Pepsi Pie, pecan pie, pie

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Calories: 488kcal

Author: Jules Shepard

Equipment

gfJules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

Pie Crust Shields

Pie Crust Bag

2 Pepsi

1 cup salted peanuts

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup Pepsi Cola
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs or egg substitute like flax egg or aquafaba
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1½ Tablespoons gfJules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
• 2/3 cup Pepsi syrup See Recipe for How to Make Syrup
• 3 Tablespoons butter or vegan alternative, melted and cooled
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup salted peanuts (chopped or whole)
• 1 homemade gluten free pie crust (unbaked)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350º F.
• Melt butter or vegan butter and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Pepsi Syrup:

• Prepare the Pepsi syrup by adding sugar, Pepsi, cream of tartar and salt to a small saucepan and bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat to simmer and cover, continuing to cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove lid and stir periodically while continuing to cook on simmer for approximately 25 minutes, or until the mixture has cooked down somewhat and is beginning to thicken. Don't burn or over-cook the mixture; it will thicken more as it cools.
• Pour mixture into a liquid measuring cup and measure out 2/3 cup, then set aside to cool; discard any remaining syrup or use for another purpose.

Making Pie:

• Prepare gluten free pie crust, blind bake for 15 minutes, then set aside.
• Beat eggs or substitute until whipped and lighter, approximately 2 minutes.
• Add peanut butter, brown sugar and gfJules Flour, mixing well until all lumps are removed.
• Stir in cooled Pepsi syrup and melted butter, along with vanilla extract. Fold in salted peanuts.
• Pour mixture into par-baked gluten free pie crust.
• Brush crust edges with milk of choice (or egg white + 1 Tbs. water if not vegan). Cover crust edges with pie crust covers and bake for 25 minutes; remove crust covers and bake for 10 minutes more (35-40 minutes total) or until the filling isn't jiggling when shaken gently and a knife inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean.
• Remove to fully cool before serving with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream, or just plain!

Nutrition Facts

Gluten Free Peanuts & Pepsi Pie

Serving Size

 

1

Amount per Serving

Calories

488

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

26

g

40

%

Saturated Fat

 

8

g

50

%

Trans Fat

 

0.2

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

6

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

11

g

Cholesterol

 

52

mg

17

%

Sodium

 

355

mg

15

%

Potassium

 

293

mg

8

%

Carbohydrates

 

56

g

19

%

Fiber

 

3

g

13

%

Sugar

 

38

g

42

%

Protein

 

11

g

22

%

Vitamin A

 

191

IU

4

%

Calcium

 

45

mg

5

%

Iron

 

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

** Please keep in mind that nutrition information provided is per serving, which may vary. While we have taken care to provide you with the most accurate nutritional values possible, please note that this information may differ significantly depending on the exact ingredients and brands that you choose to use to make this recipe. Additionally, where options are given for ingredients, the resulting calculation may include all ingredient options instead of only one per line, skewing the totals significantly.

Recommended Products

Any links to Amazon may earn me a small amount from qualifying affiliate purchases; this amount goes to fund this blog and does not cost you anything additional.

• 

  365 Everyday Value, Organic Grade A Maple Syrup, Golden Color, 8 fl oz

• 

  EARTH BALANCE - Peanut Butter-Creamy/Flaxseed 16 Oz - 2 EACH

• 

  Earth Balance Vegan, Lactose Free, Non-Dairy, Gluten Free, No MSG, Non-GMO Buttery Sticks 16 ounce (Pack of 6)

• 

  Pie Crust Shields

• 

  Pie Crust Bag

• 

  gfJules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

You may have to trust me on this seemingly odd combination, but I really think you’ll love this sweet and salty combination, tucked into a delicious gluten free pie crust. Let me know what you think!

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