Classic Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie: Your Easy, Self-Crusting Dessert Recipe
Step back into the 1970s, a time when the term “Impossible Pie” was a household name and a beacon of baking simplicity. This delightful dessert earned its seemingly contradictory moniker not because it was difficult to make, but precisely because it was “impossibly easy.” The genius behind this pie lies in its unique ability to magically create its own crust, custard-like filling, and often a soft topping, all from a single, pourable batter. Forget the fuss of rolling out dough or blind baking a pie shell; the secret ingredient, a readily available baking mix (like Bisquick), does all the hard work for you.
The result is a wonderfully nostalgic, creamy, and satisfying pie that has charmed generations. For many, it evokes fond memories of home kitchens and simpler times. While originally popularized under the “Impossible Pie” name, General Mills, the creator of Bisquick, has since rebranded these effortless creations as “Impossibly Easy Pies,” ensuring that no literal-minded baker is intimidated by the name. Regardless of its title, the magic remains the same: a delicious, fuss-free dessert that appears much more complicated than it actually is.
The Magic Behind Impossible Pies: How They Work
The “impossible” part of these pies isn’t a trick, but rather a clever application of basic baking science. When you combine the baking mix (like Bisquick), milk, eggs, sugar, and your chosen fillings, the mixture bakes in such a way that it separates into distinct layers: a tender, golden crust forms at the bottom, a rich, creamy custard creates the middle, and a light, airy topping often develops on top. This self-crusting phenomenon is what makes the Impossible Pie so revolutionary and beloved by home bakers seeking delicious results without the traditional effort.
Using a pre-made baking mix significantly reduces prep time and the number of ingredients you need to measure, streamlining the entire baking process. This makes Impossible Pies a perfect choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply crave a homemade dessert without the hassle. The consistent results and minimal cleanup further solidify its status as a go-to recipe for many.
A Classic Flavor Reimagined: Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie
While the Impossible Coconut Pie is arguably the most popular and iconic flavor, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can explore a myriad of flavor combinations, both sweet and savory. For this particular recipe, we’ve elevated the classic coconut pie by introducing the vibrant tartness of fresh blackberries. The blackberries burst with flavor and add a beautiful contrast to the sweet, tropical notes of coconut, creating a truly irresistible dessert.
I personally adore blackberries for their juicy texture and unique sweet-tart profile, which pairs wonderfully with creamy coconut. However, the choice of berry is entirely up to your preference. Feel free to experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry blend to customize your pie. The key is to embrace the simplicity of the Impossible Pie while infusing it with flavors that you and your loved ones will enjoy.
The Versatility of Impossible Pies: Sweet and Savory Delights
Beyond the beloved sweet versions, the “Impossibly Easy” concept extends to a fantastic array of savory pies. Imagine an effortless dinner solution with an Impossible Cheeseburger Pie, a hearty Impossible Taco Pie, or even a quick Impossible Tuna Melt Pie. These savory variations follow the same easy principle, creating a flavorful, comforting meal with minimal fuss. This versatility is what truly makes the Impossible Pie a kitchen superhero – a single concept that can tackle breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert with remarkable ease.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity treat like our Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie, a decadent chocolate version, or a savory meal, the core method remains the same. This flexibility not only adds to its charm but also encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to adapt the base recipe with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
No Bisquick? No Problem! Make Your Own Master Mix
Don’t have a box of Bisquick on hand, or prefer to make things from scratch? No worries! You can easily whip up your own homemade baking mix using a master mix recipe. This not only gives you control over the ingredients but also ensures you always have the base for an Impossible Pie (and many other recipes!) readily available. A homemade master mix typically involves flour, baking powder, salt, and a solid fat like shortening or butter, providing the same leavening and tenderizing properties as the store-bought version. It’s a great way to keep your pantry stocked with essentials for quick baking projects.
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Ingredients and Supplies for Your Impossible Blackberry Coconut Pie
As always, a full printable ingredient list and directions are at the end of this post within the recipe card. This section outlines the essentials you’ll need to get started on this delicious journey.
For this recipe you will need the following supplies and ingredients:
| Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies: Pies that Magically Bake Their Own Crust |
Pie Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (ensuring it’s soft makes creaming much easier!)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (for that essential tropical flavor)
- 3/4 cup sugar (to sweeten the custard to perfection)
- 1/2 cup Bisquick (the magic ingredient for self-crusting!)
- 1 cup milk (any type will work, but whole milk adds richness)
- 1 cup half and half (for an extra creamy, luxurious texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a classic flavor enhancer)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (complements coconut and berries beautifully)
- 4 eggs (the binding agent for the custard)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (for vibrant color and tart sweetness; frozen can work too, but may release more water)
Streusel Topping:
- 2 tablespoons Bisquick (for binding and crispness)
- 1/4 cup sugar (to sweeten the crumble)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (cold butter is key for a crumbly streusel)
Essential Kitchen Tools:
- 9-inch deep dish pie plate (a deep dish is ideal to contain the generous filling)
- Mixer (handheld or stand mixer will work to combine ingredients smoothly)
- Baking sheet (to catch any potential spills and ensure even baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Pie
Creating this Impossible Pie is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps for a consistently delicious result:
- Prepare your oven and pie plate: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease or spray a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. For easier handling and to prevent any spills, place the pie plate on a baking sheet.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is light and creamy. This helps incorporate air and ensures a smooth batter.
- Add remaining pie ingredients (except berries): To the creamy butter, add the shredded sweetened coconut, sugar, Bisquick, milk, half and half, vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Don’t worry if the batter seems quite thin and pourable; this is the correct consistency for the “impossible” effect.
- Assemble the pie: Gently scatter the fresh blackberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie plate. Carefully pour the thin batter over the blackberries. The berries should naturally float to the top as the pie bakes, creating a beautiful fruit layer.
- First bake: Place the pie plate (still on the baking sheet) into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. During this time, the pie will begin to set, and the crust will start to form.
- Prepare the streusel topping: While the pie is baking, make your streusel. In a food processor, combine the 2 tablespoons of Bisquick, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients.
- Add streusel and final bake: After 40 minutes, carefully remove the pie from the oven. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the partially baked pie. Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the streusel is lightly golden brown and the pie is set in the center (a knife inserted near the center should come out clean).
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Cooling is crucial for the custard to fully set and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for a Perfect Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie
- Ensure Softened Butter: For the pie batter, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps it cream properly with the sugar and creates a smoother, more uniform custard.
- Cold Butter for Streusel: Conversely, for the streusel topping, use very cold, cubed butter. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly and ensures a wonderfully crumbly texture.
- Don’t Overmix: While you want the batter to be well combined, avoid overmixing after the initial 2 minutes. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the Bisquick, potentially making the crust less tender.
- Floating Berries: It’s perfectly normal for the blackberries to float to the top. This is part of the charm of the Impossible Pie and creates a lovely visual layer of fruit.
- Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the edges are golden, the center is set, and a knife inserted into the center (avoiding a berry) comes out clean. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it during the final baking stage.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This allows the custard to fully set, resulting in clean slices and the best texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This pie is delicious on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- Storage: Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
More Master Mix Recipes for Easy Baking
Once you discover the convenience of Bisquick or a homemade master mix, you’ll want to explore all the possibilities! From fluffy pancakes to savory biscuits, the master mix is incredibly versatile. Here are a few more delicious recipes you can whip up with ease:
Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup Bisquick
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Streusel Topping
- 2 tablespoons Bisquick
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold butter cubed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F and grease or spray a 9-inch deep dish pie plate.
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Beat butter until creamy. Add remaining ingredients, except the blackberries, and beat on low for 2 minutes. Batter will be very thin and pourable.
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Place blackberries in pie plate and pour batter over the berries. The berries should float to the top.
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Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
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Meanwhile, make the topping by combining the ingredients in a food processor and pulsing until crumbly.
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Remove from oven and add streusel topping. Bake another 10-15 or until streusel in light brown.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.