The Homemade Moon Pie: A Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Twist
Some food creations have a way of sticking in your memory—like the Moon Pie. If you’ve ever tried one, chances are you remember the sweet, chewy marshmallow filling sandwiched between two graham crackers, all wrapped up in a thin layer of chocolate. While the mass-produced version of this Southern classic has its charm, nothing compares to a homemade rendition. In fact, as Ivy Odom demonstrates with her scratch-made recipe, homemade Moon Pies can taste even better than the original—and she confidently gives them a “12 out of 10” for deliciousness.
These homemade Moon Pies are perfect for your next neighborhood gathering, an afternoon snack, or just when you’re craving something sweet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using pantry staples to create a treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. And of course, no Moon Pie is complete without a refreshing RC Cola to wash it down—just like in the good old days.
The Story Behind the Moon Pie
The origins of the Moon Pie date back to 1917, when it was created by the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee. Designed as a hearty, handheld snack for coal miners, Moon Pies quickly became a popular treat due to their portability and affordability. Legend has it that the bakery salesman described the size of the pies as being “as big as the moon,” hence the name.
The original Moon Pie consisted of a marshmallow filling nestled between two graham cracker cookies, all coated in a thin layer of chocolate. Over the years, other flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and even banana made their way onto the scene. Affordable and satisfying, Moon Pies became a staple, particularly during Mardi Gras parades, where they were thrown to crowds in place of the now-too-heavy Cracker Jack boxes.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make homemade Moon Pies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what Ivy Odom’s recipe calls for:
- Whole-wheat pastry flour: This flour gives the graham crackers their signature nutty flavor and structure.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a soft, tender cookie.
- Light brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of molasses.
- Baking soda: Gives the graham crackers a light rise.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that familiar graham cracker spice.
- Salted butter: Richness and flavor come from the butter.
- Honey: Sweetens the dough while ensuring a chewy texture.
- Water: Hydrates the dough to bring everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the cookies.
- Marshmallow creme: A quick shortcut for the classic marshmallow filling.
- Semisweet chocolate: For dipping the assembled cookies. If you prefer, you can use dark or white chocolate.
- Canola oil: Used to thin the chocolate for easy dipping.
Customizing Your Moon Pies
While the classic Moon Pie recipe is delicious as it stands, there’s plenty of room to get creative with your version. Here are some ideas to make your Moon Pies even more unique:
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of apple pie spice, nutmeg, or ground ginger to the graham cracker cookies or the marshmallow filling for an extra hint of warmth.
- Different fillings: Layer one of the cookies with peanut butter, almond butter, or even a chocolate-hazelnut spread before adding the marshmallow creme. You could also use fruit jam for a unique twist.
- Flavor extracts: Experiment with other extracts in the marshmallow filling, such as peppermint or almond, to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours.
- Coatings: Instead of the classic semisweet chocolate, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate. For a fun touch, try candy melts in various colors for a more festive look.
- Toppings: Once dipped in chocolate, sprinkle your Moon Pies with crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or colorful sprinkles for extra texture and flair.
- Mini versions: If you want to make bite-sized treats, simply use a smaller cutter and create mini Moon Pies perfect for snacking.
Storing and Freezing Your Moon Pies
Once you’ve assembled your Moon Pies and the chocolate has set, you’ll need to store them properly to keep them fresh. If you’re not going to eat them right away, here are some tips:
- Store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to two months.
- To freeze, allow the Moon Pies to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before indulging.
Tips for the Best Homemade Moon Pies
To ensure your Moon Pies turn out just right, here are a few tips:
- Use both flours: The whole-wheat pastry flour is essential for that classic graham cracker flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with more all-purpose flour, but you’ll lose the signature taste.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking can cause the dough to shrink and become tough. Handle it gently and roll it out just enough to form the cookies.
- Cut uniform rounds: Use a round cutter to ensure that all the cookies are the same size, giving you perfect sandwiches.
- Cool the cookies completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully before assembling with marshmallow creme. This keeps the filling neat and prevents it from melting.
- Melt the chocolate carefully: To avoid overheating or burning the chocolate, melt it gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Warm the chocolate if needed: If the chocolate starts to harden while dipping, simply return it to the microwave for a few seconds to soften it again.
Bringing It All Together
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making your own homemade Moon Pies, it’s time to put them to the test. These sweet, gooey, and crunchy treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a craving. And when you pair them with an ice-cold RC Cola, you’ll be transported back to simpler times, enjoying a true Southern classic with a modern, homemade twist.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, these Moon Pies are the perfect indulgence. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
