Smack Pie is a mouthwatering and indulgent dessert that has gained popularity for its rich and irresistible flavors. Created by Christina Tosi, the founder of Milk Bar, Smack Pie is a twist on the classic crack pie, featuring an oat cookie crust and a luscious filling that combines butter, sugar, and cream. The pie’s unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a beloved treat among dessert enthusiasts.

Smack Pie, also known as Crack Pie, was originally created by chef Christina Tosi for her dessert menu at Momofuku Milk Bar in New York City. It quickly became one of the signature dishes of the bakery, attracting a devoted fan base. The pie earned its nickname “Crack Pie” due to its addictive nature, as customers couldn’t resist coming back for more.

The recipe for Crack Pie remained a closely guarded secret until 2012 when Christina Tosi published her cookbook, “Momofuku Milk Bar,” which revealed the beloved recipe to the world. Home bakers and foodies across the globe embraced the pie, recreating its delectable flavor and earning it a spot as a beloved homemade dessert.

Over time, creative variations of the Crack Pie recipe emerged, and one of the most popular adaptations is the Smack Pie. The addition of an oat cookie crust brings a delightful texture to the pie, complementing the sweet and creamy filling.

Today, Smack Pie continues to be a hit among dessert enthusiasts, both in professional bakeries and home kitchens. It has become a symbol of Milk Bar’s innovative and indulgent desserts, captivating taste buds with its irresistible blend of flavors.

INGREDIENTS

OAT COOKIE:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

PIE FILLING:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 cup corn powder
• 1/4 cup milk powder
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 large egg yolks

PIE CRUST:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

OAT COOKIE:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until fluffy and pale yellow.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg, mixing until sugar granules dissolve, and the mixture turns pale white.
3. On low speed, add the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and all dry ingredients are incorporated.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and spread the oat cookie dough onto a parchment-lined quarter sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes and cool completely before using in the pie.

PIE FILLING:

1. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the dry ingredients for the filling on low speed.
2. Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and paddle until fully moistened. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg yolks, paddling them into the mixture to combine. Use the filling immediately.

ASSEMBLE:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the oat cookie, brown sugar, and salt until they resemble wet sand.
2. Transfer the cookie crumbs to a bowl, and knead in the melted butter until the mixture is moist enough to form a ball. Divide the oat crust evenly over 2-10-inch pie tins.
3. Press the oat cookie crust firmly into both pie shells, covering the bottom and walls evenly.
4. Divide the pie filling evenly over both crusts and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for 5 minutes. The pies should still be slightly jiggly in the center but not the outer center circle.
6. Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a rack at room temperature.
7. Finish with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Smack Pie, with its buttery oat cookie crust and creamy, sweet filling, is a heavenly dessert that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed at Milk Bar or homemade in your kitchen, Smack Pie is sure to become a favorite treat for all who taste it.