Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie Recipe

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Mountain Dew Baja Blast is more than just a soda—it’s a tropical escape in a cup, iconic for its vibrant flavor and cult following. But what if I told you that you could turn this fan-favorite drink into a show-stopping dessert? After seeing all the buzz about this Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie, I couldn’t resist recreating it in my own kitchen.

How to make Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie

The Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie is a limited-edition dessert created by Taco Bell in collaboration with Mountain Dew.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup Mountain Dew Baja Blast soda (available at Taco Bell or stores)
• ½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
• 3 large egg yolks
• A few drops of blue & green food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. The mixture should look like wet sand.
3. Press the crust mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it’s packed tightly and evenly across the bottom and sides.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Make the Baja Blast Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Mountain Dew Baja Blast, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thickened.
2. For added visual pop, stir in a few drops of blue and green food coloring to mimic the iconic Baja Blast hue. This step is optional but fun!
3. Pour the filling into the baked and cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

1. Lower your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
2. Bake the pie for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is just set and slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set.

Step 4: Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously) until soft peaks form.
3. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie just before serving for a refreshing finish.

Tips for the Perfect Baja Blast Pie

• Use Fresh Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed key lime juice provides a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the Mountain Dew Baja Blast. If unavailable, bottled key lime or regular lime juice works as a substitute.
• Achieving the Signature Color: Baja Blast’s vibrant turquoise hue makes it instantly recognizable. Adding a small amount of blue and green food coloring to your filling can give your pie the same striking appearance that Taco Bell fans adore.
• Let It Chill Fully: For clean slices and the best texture, ensure your pie cools in the fridge for several hours (or overnight). This allows the filling to firm up and meld its tropical flavors.
• Experiment with Toppings: While whipped cream is classic, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers, lime zest, or even a drizzle of Baja Blast syrup (if available) over the top for extra flair.
• Make It Ahead: This pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert—it tastes even better when the flavors have a chance to settle! Prepare it a day in advance for stress-free serving.

What to serve with

Serving the Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie is all about enhancing its tropical, zesty flavors and creating a memorable, cohesive dessert experience.

• Iced Tea or Herbal Infusions: A cool glass of iced tea or a refreshing herbal infusion can balance the sweetness of the pie. Opt for flavors like hibiscus, mint, or citrus blends, which pair well with the tropical lime notes.
• Lime or Lemonade Punch: Prepare a refreshing lime or lemonade punch, adding some fresh mint leaves and sliced tropical fruits like pineapple or mango for added zest.
• Coconut Water: Serve chilled coconut water for a hydrating and natural pairing. The subtle sweetness and tropical undertones complement the Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie without overpowering it.
• Tropical Smoothie: Blend a simple tropical smoothie with fruits like banana, pineapple, and coconut milk. This creamy, fresh option aligns well with the Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie’s flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re eager to make the Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie but don’t have access to some of the specific ingredients—or want to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences—don’t worry!

Ingredients Substitutes for Graham Cracker Crust

Graham Crackers:

If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with:

• Digestive Biscuits: A slightly less sweet option that still works well for crusts.
• Vanilla Wafers: For extra sweetness and a buttery flavor.
• Shortbread Cookies: A rich, crumbly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Cookies: If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for gluten-free graham crackers or similar crumbly cookies.

Granulated Sugar:

You can replace granulated sugar in the crust with:

• Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup (adjust the amount to taste): Mix directly with your butter and crumbs for a sticky binding ingredient.

Unsalted Butter:

For substitutions:

• Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle coconut flavor to the crust.
• Vegan Butter: Perfect for a dairy-free option.
• Margarine: Works similarly to butter for binding the crust but may slightly alter the taste.

Ingredients Substitutes for Baja Blast Filling

Mountain Dew Baja Blast:

If you can’t find Baja Blast soda, there are several creative alternatives you can use:

• Regular Mountain Dew: Add a small splash of pineapple juice and a drop of blue and green food coloring to mimic Baja Blast’s flavor and color.
• Sprite or 7-Up: Similar citrusy soda options; enhance the flavor with a touch of lime juice or tropical fruit juice (pineapple or mango) for authenticity.
• Tropical Punch Drinks: If soda isn’t available, try tropical-flavored juices such as Hawaiian Punch or any lime/mango mix.

Key Lime Juice:

Key lime juice provides a distinct tart flavor, but you can substitute it with:

• Regular Lime Juice: The most straightforward alternative, though slightly sweeter than key lime juice.
• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity but alters the citrus profile slightly.
• Citrus Juice Blend: Combine lime, lemon, and orange juiced in equal parts for a homemade approximation of key lime juice.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

If you want to swap out this ingredient, consider the following:

• Evaporated Milk Mixed with Sugar: Combine evaporated milk and sugar in a saucepan, heating gently until dissolved to mimic sweetened condensed milk.
• Coconut Milk & Sugar: Intended for a tropical kick, reduce canned coconut milk with sugar on the stovetop for a similar texture and sweetness.
• Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk: Readily available in most grocery stores for plant-based recipes.

Egg Yolks:

Egg yolks help bind and set the filling, but you can replace them with:

• Egg Substitute or Vegan Egg Replacers: Look for store-bought brands like JUST Egg or Bob’s Red Mill Egg Substitute.
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Combine 1 tablespoon of starch with a little water for every egg yolk to replicate its binding properties.
• Silken Tofu (Blended): Use a ¼ cup of blended silken tofu as an egg yolk replacement, perfect for plant-based adaptations.

Food Coloring:

Food coloring is optional, but if you want Baja Blast’s signature turquoise color:

• Use natural food coloring from brands that derive pigments from plants.
• Make your own by boiling spinach or parsley for green and steeping blueberries for blue.

Ingredients Substitutes for Whipped Cream Topping

Heavy Whipping Cream:

If heavy cream is unavailable or you’re looking for alternatives:

• Coconut Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk and scoop out the creamy portion to whip. Perfect for a tropical vibe!
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): A convenient substitute that’s ready-made, though sweeter than freshly whipped cream.
• Greek Yogurt: Blend with a bit of sugar and vanilla to create a tangy, creamy alternative.

Granulated Sugar:

Replace granulated sugar in the whipped cream with:

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a finer texture with no gritty taste.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener option; use sparingly.

Vanilla Extract:

If you’re out of vanilla, try these substitutions for added flavor:

• Almond Extract: Adds a nutty and slightly sweet aroma.
• Coconut Extract: Boosts the tropical theme.
• Maple or Citrus Extracts: Unique flavor twists that enhance the pie’s overall profile.

Final Thoughts

With its vibrant tropical notes, creamy texture, and refreshing lime and soda flavor, this homemade Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie will win over fans of the drink and dessert lovers alike.

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Street Tacos Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Stackers Recipe

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