Dolly Parton is a woman of many talents, but being a master chef isn’t one of them. So when the singer and actress wanted to share her love of all things Southern with her fans, she turned to something she knew—and could practice over and over again in her own home: food. In 2014, Dolly launched her website and accompanying app as a way of staying connected with fans on a more personal level. But the launch also came with something else –– recipes!
If you’re a fan of Dolly’s and love classic Southern dishes, this post is for you. Keep reading for Dolly Parton’s walnut pie recipe.
What is a Walnut Pie?
A walnut pie is a classic Southern dessert that is as beautiful and delicious as it is simple to make. A bit of a cross between a pie and a coffee cake, a walnut pie is a perfect winter and fall dessert. And while this dessert is traditionally made with walnuts, you can also use pecans or almonds. A walnut pie is baked in a pie pan and iced with a simple glaze on top. You can also roll the top of the pie in chopped nuts, or sprinkle them on top for extra crunch and texture.
What’s great about walnut pie is that it can be served as a dessert by itself, or as a side with coffee or tea. The added bonus is that this Southern dessert is easy to make at home.
Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie Recipe
Ingredients: For the Crust: ·
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts For the Filling: ·
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts For the Glaze: ·
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Why is this dessert called walnut pie?
The name “walnut pie” is a mystery. Southern food historians and chefs say that the name may come from the fact that walnuts are so often used in pie recipes, or that the two were baked in the same dish. Whatever the reason, this dish is a Southern favorite.
A Note About This Recipe: The Flour
While Dolly’s walnut pie recipe calls for all-purpose flour, a pastry flour will make a more tender crust and is a good substitution. If you’re using pastry flour, you’ll want to cut back slightly on the amount of flour called for in the recipe so that the crust doesn’t get too thick.
Final Words: Celebrate the Small Things
Life can get busy, and it can become very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. But it’s important to remember to slow down and celebrate the small things.
Share a smile with a stranger, take a moment to connect with a loved one, or take a few minutes to appreciate the beauty in your surroundings.
