Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie – A Southern Delight with a Buttery Crunch That Will Have You Coming Back

If you’re looking for a pie that brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen, Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie is the ultimate dessert for you. This rich, sweet, and buttery pie is loaded with chopped walnuts, creating a delightful crunch with every bite. The perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness makes this pie a wonderful treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering. With its flaky crust and deliciously gooey filling, this walnut pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and have you coming back for more.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie

Dolly Parton is not only an iconic country music star, but she also knows her way around the kitchen. Growing up in Tennessee, she was surrounded by traditional Southern dishes, and her walnut pie is a testament to her love for Southern cuisine. This pie is a beautiful representation of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The use of walnuts instead of the more common pecans gives this pie a unique twist, while the buttery filling ties everything together in a delightful, sweet symphony. Whether you’re a fan of Dolly or just a lover of pie, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Walnut Pie

This walnut pie is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a handful of pantry staples and a store-bought pie crust, you can whip up this dessert in no time. The rich, buttery filling combined with the crunchy walnuts creates the perfect texture, while the sweetness from the sugar and corn syrup makes each bite irresistible. This pie is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a taste of Southern comfort with minimal effort. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any) taste just as good the next day!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fiber: 2g

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie is delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly complements the warm, crunchy pie. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. If you want to add a fresh element to the dessert, pair it with a side of mixed berries or sliced strawberries. And don’t forget to brew a fresh pot of coffee or pour a glass of sweet tea to enjoy with your slice!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because this pie is so good!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through. This pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

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Fun Fact: The Charm of Southern Pies

Southern pies have been a beloved part of American food culture for centuries. Pies like pecan pie, sweet potato pie, and chess pie have been passed down through generations, often associated with special occasions and holidays. The walnut pie, although less common, offers a unique spin on this tradition. Known for their use of simple, rich ingredients, Southern pies are the epitome of comfort food, providing a taste of home and nostalgia with each bite.

Cooking Tips

• Enhance the Nutty Flavor: For even more depth of flavor, try toasting the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the filling.
• Add a Hint of Spice: If you enjoy a little warmth in your desserts, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture.
• Keep an Eye on the Crust: If the edges of your pie crust start to brown too quickly while baking, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Walnut Pie: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist on this already rich dessert.
• Maple Walnut Pie: Substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Pecan Substitute: If you prefer pecans, simply swap out the walnuts for chopped pecans, creating a more traditional Southern pie.

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Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 3 eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¾ cup corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups walnuts, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Line a round cake pan with the pie crust, pressing it evenly into the pan’s sides.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. Add the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Stir in the melted butter and chopped walnuts, mixing well to ensure the walnuts are evenly distributed.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake the pie at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F. Continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie is the ultimate Southern dessert that combines simplicity with rich, buttery flavor. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to impress your family and friends or just want to indulge in a cozy, comforting dessert, this walnut pie is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it warm with a side of ice cream or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying and nostalgic experience that will transport you straight to the heart of the South.