This week’s recipe is focused on remaking one of the favorite childhood snacks but with a healthier spin.
In the world of sweet treats, few snacks can rival the nostalgic delight of an oatmeal cream pie. These soft, chewy, and creamy confections have been a much-loved American classic for generations. Whether you enjoyed them as an after-school snack, as a lunchbox surprise, or as a dessert, oatmeal cream pies accompany many memories.
Who created this timeless comfort food? Let’s talk history, flavors, and homemade recipes.
A Brief History of Oatmeal Cream Pies
Little Debbie, the iconic snack cake brand, is credited with popularizing oatmeal cream pies in the 1960s. These delectable pies were introduced as one of the brand’s first snack cake products. Over the years, Little Debbie has become synonymous with oatmeal cream pies, thanks to their consistent quality and affordability.
The concept of oatmeal cream pies, however, predates the brand’s creation. Oatmeal cookies have been enjoyed in various forms for centuries. Adding a creamy filling to sandwich two oatmeal cookies together was a stroke of genius. It created a perfect blend of textures and flavors that quickly won over the hearts of snack enthusiasts everywhere.
What Makes an Oatmeal Cream Pie?
Oatmeal cream pies are a delightful marriage of taste and texture. Let’s break down the key elements that contribute to their mouthwatering appeal:
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies: At the heart of every oatmeal cream pie are the cookies themselves. Made with oats, these cookies offer chewiness and a hint of nutty flavor. The oats not only provide texture but also make the treat feel a bit healthier – though the cream filling makes it undeniably indulgent.
Sweet and Creamy Filling: The filling is what transforms a simple oatmeal cookie into an oatmeal cream pie. It’s creamy, marshmallow-like filling, strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of vanilla. This filling serves as the glue that holds the two cookies together, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Time-Tested Flavor Pairing: The classic combination of oatmeal and cream filling is a culinary must. The earthy notes of oatmeal cookies complement the sweetness of the cream filling beautifully. Each bite delivers a medley of textures and flavors that dance on your taste buds.
While store-bought oatmeal cream pies have their charm, making them from scratch at home can be both a rewarding experience and a much healthier and less processed option. Here’s a recipe that will help you recreate the magic, without sacrificing your health and wellness goals.
A Healthier Oatmeal Cream Pie Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
4 oz butter softened
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cream Filling:
2 oz butter (softened)
2 oz cream cheese (softened)
¾ cup powdered sweetener
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the oats until evenly distributed.
6. Flour hands and form dough into a cookie shape (it will be slightly wet). Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream filling.
9. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined and fluffy.
9. To assemble the oatmeal cream pies, spread the cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
10. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies and cream filling.
11. Enjoy your homemade oatmeal cream pies immediately or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence (I like to store mine in the refrigerator but you don’t have to).
Let’s Talk Indulging
As a nutritionist, I like to promote that balance between healthy eating habits and acknowledging that occasional indulgences are a normal part of life. Here’s something I like to keep in mind when I hear the word “indulgence.”
Nutrition is not about strict rules or deprivation; it’s about building a sustainable and balanced relationship with food. It’s perfectly okay to indulge occasionally and enjoy your favorite treats. In fact, allowing yourself these indulgences can help you stay on track with your overall nutrition goals. The key is moderation and mindfulness. When you savor those occasional indulgent moments, it can enhance your overall enjoyment of food and contribute to a healthier, more positive approach to eating. Finding that balance lets you savor life’s pleasures, while also nourishing your body in the best way possible.
conclusion
Oatmeal cream pies are more than just a snack; they are a heartwarming memory, a comforting treat, and a testament to the enduring appeal of simple pleasures. Next time you’re craving a sweet or nostalgic treat, try this healthier twist on an oatmeal cream pie recipe. The combination of soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and sweet, creamy filling is a match made in dessert heaven, and it’s a taste that will never go out of style.
xxx
Allie M
