The Ultimate Guide to Impossibly Easy Blackberry Coconut Pie: A Nostalgic No-Fuss Dessert

Journey back to the vibrant 1970s, a time when culinary innovation often met the demand for convenience. In countless American households, the term “Impossible Pie” wasn’t a mystery; it was a beloved staple. But what exactly made it “impossible”? The ingenious concept behind this pie was its startling simplicity. Unlike traditional pies that required painstaking effort to create a perfect, flaky crust, the Impossible Pie achieved a magical, self-crusting effect during baking. It used a readily available baking mix (most famously Bisquick), combined with all the fillings in a single bowl, then poured into a pie plate and baked. The result was a beautifully structured pie with a delightful, custard-like texture and its own built-in crust, making the arduous task of pie-making feel “impossibly easy.”

The charm of these pies lies not just in their effortlessness but also in their wonderfully nostalgic character. For anyone who grew up enjoying these treats, each bite evokes a sweet memory of simpler times and comforting flavors. While many still fondly recall the original “Impossible Pie” moniker, General Mills, the creator of Bisquick, eventually rebranded them as “Impossibly Easy Pies.” This subtle shift was made to clarify the meaning, ensuring that a literal-thinking population understood the “impossible” referred to the incredible ease of preparation, rather than an unachievable feat in the kitchen. Regardless of the name, the magic remains: a delicious, fuss-free pie that seems to conjure its own crust from thin air.

The Irresistible Allure and Versatility of Impossibly Easy Pies

Impossible Pies have captivated home bakers for decades, not just for their legendary ease, but also for their incredible versatility and consistently delicious results. The original concept spawned a vast array of sweet and savory variations, catering to every palate and occasion. From hearty cheeseburger pies perfect for weeknight dinners to sweet, fruit-filled concoctions ideal for dessert, the basic formula proved endlessly adaptable. The Impossible Coconut Pie, in particular, has stood the test of time, holding its place as arguably the most popular and iconic flavor, embodying the classic, creamy, and satisfying profile that defines these unique desserts.

For this recipe, we’re elevating the classic Impossible Coconut Pie by introducing the delightful tartness and juicy burst of fresh blackberries. The combination of sweet, tropical coconut and the slightly tangy, deep flavor of blackberries creates a truly harmonious and exciting flavor profile. While I have a particular fondness for blackberries, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily substitute them with any type of berry you prefer – raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry medley would be equally spectacular. The key is to embrace the “impossibly easy” spirit and make it your own.

So, whether you’re a long-time fan reminiscing about the Impossible Pies of your youth, or simply curious to discover the magic behind this no-fuss dessert, now is the perfect time to give it a try. Its straightforward preparation makes it an ideal recipe for beginner bakers, while its impressive taste and texture will delight even the most experienced palates. And if you find yourself without a box of Bisquick on hand, there’s no need to fret! You can effortlessly whip up your own homemade version using my detailed master mix recipe, ensuring you’re always ready to bake an “impossibly easy” treat.

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As always, a full printable ingredient list and directions are at the end of this post. Before you dive into the recipe, here’s a detailed look at everything you’ll need to create this delightful Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie with a buttery streusel topping.
For this recipe you will need the following supplies and ingredients:

Ingredients for Your Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Bisquick (or homemade master mix)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh blackberries (or other berries of choice)

Streusel Topping Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Bisquick
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Essential Tools for Baking

• 9-inch deep dish pie plate
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Baking sheet (optional, but recommended for easy handling and catching any spills)

Step-by-Step Baking Guide for Your Impossibly Easy Pie

Creating this Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, golden-brown dessert with a delectable streusel topping:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch deep dish pie plate by greasing or spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. For easier handling and to prevent any potential drips from messing up your oven, it’s a good idea to place the pie plate on a baking sheet.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it reaches a creamy consistency. This ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Next, add all the remaining pie ingredients to the bowl, with the exception of the fresh blackberries. This includes the shredded coconut, sugar, Bisquick, milk, half and half, vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs. Beat the mixture on low speed for about 2 minutes. Don’t be alarmed by the batter’s appearance; it will be quite thin and pourable – this is exactly how it should be to achieve that characteristic custard-like texture and self-crusting effect.
• Evenly distribute the fresh blackberries in the bottom of your prepared pie plate. Carefully pour the thin batter over the berries. As you pour, you’ll notice the berries gently float to the top, creating a beautiful distribution throughout the pie.
• Transfer the pie plate to your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. While the pie is baking, prepare your delicious streusel topping. 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 butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
• After 40 minutes, carefully remove the pie from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the partially baked pie. Return the pie to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the streusel is lightly golden brown and the pie is set. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Tips for Baking Perfection and Enjoying Your Pie

To ensure your Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie turns out perfectly every time, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Don’t Overmix: While the batter is thin, avoid overmixing once all ingredients are combined. Just two minutes on low speed is sufficient to bring everything together without developing too much gluten from the Bisquick.
• Testing for Doneness: The pie is done when a knife inserted about halfway between the center and the edge comes out clean. The center might still have a slight jiggle, which is perfectly normal for a custard-style pie and indicates it will set beautifully upon cooling.
• Cooling is Key: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the custard to fully set and for the “crust” to firm up, ensuring clean slices. Rushing this step might result in a pie that’s too soft.
• Serving Suggestions: This pie is delightful on its own, but for an extra touch of indulgence, serve it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A sprig of fresh mint or a few extra blackberries can add a beautiful garnish.
• Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes wonderful chilled!
• Variations: Feel free to experiment! Try swapping blackberries for other seasonal fruits like peaches, cherries, or even chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a different flavor profile, you could try a hint of orange zest instead of almond extract.

Explore More Impossibly Easy Recipes

The beauty of Bisquick, or a homemade master mix, extends far beyond Impossible Pies. This versatile baking mix can simplify a wide array of recipes, transforming complex baking into a quick and enjoyable process. Here are a few other fantastic recipes that showcase the convenience and delicious potential of master mix:

Blackberry Coconut Impossible Pie

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1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Author: Amanda Davis

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

• Preheat oven to 350 F and grease or spray a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Place pie plate on baking sheet.
• Beat butter until creamy. Add remaining ingredients, except the blackberries, and beat on low for 2 minutes. Batter will be very thin and pourable.
• Place blackberries in pie plate and pour batter over the berries. The berries should float to the top.
• Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the topping by combining the ingredients in a food processor and pulsing until crumbly.
• Remove from oven and add streusel topping. Bake another 10-15 or until streusel in light brown.

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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.