Cowabunga! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies Filled with Vanilla Puddin’

I’ll never forget the thrill of ripping open a package of those bright green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pies as a kid. The sweet, creamy vanilla filling oozing out of that slightly greasy, fried crust was pure, unadulterated joy. They were a rare treat, a special indulgence that tasted like Saturday morning cartoons and endless summer afternoons. Years later, the memory of that peculiar confection still brings a smile to my face, and I knew I had to try my hand at recreating that iconic slice of my childhood. Get ready to travel back to the 90s, because these pies are about to take you on a tubular trip down memory lane!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 10 pies
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup shortening (Crisco)
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Green food coloring
• Shortening (for deep frying)

For the Vanilla Pudding Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 9 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups warm water

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap
• Fork or pastry blender
• Rolling pin
• Large skillet or deep fryer
• Pancake turner or slotted spoon
• Large mixing bowl
• Wire rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Filling: In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, and salt with a whisk.
2. Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Microwave the mixture on high, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes). If you prefer, you can do this on the stovetop over medium heat, making sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
4. Quickly whisk in the egg yolks, ensuring they are fully incorporated to prevent them from cooking too fast and scrambling.
5. Cook for another minute or until the pudding is thick and smooth.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
7. Pour the pudding into a bowl and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool completely. This can be expedited in the refrigerator.
8. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, stir the salt into the flour.
9. Measure the shortening and cut it into the flour using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces.
10. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the cold water and mix well. The intensity of the green will determine the vibrancy of your pie crust.
11. Gradually add the colored water to the flour mixture, stirring until the ingredients come together to form a dough. The dough should be uniformly green.
12. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly until it forms a smooth ball.
13. Divide the dough into ten equal-sized balls.
14. Roll each ball into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
15. Place about 1/4 cup (or slightly less) of the cooled vanilla pudding filling in the center of each circle.
16. Fold the dough in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
17. Crimp the edges of the dough tightly to seal the filling inside. Be extra careful to keep the edges clean and dry, as any filling on the edges will make sealing difficult and may cause leaks during frying. A fork can be used to create a decorative crimped edge as well as ensure a tight seal.
18. Heat at least an inch of shortening in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for best results.
19. Carefully place the pies into the hot shortening, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
20. Important: Use a pancake turner or other utensil that will support the entire pie when flipping and removing it from the hot shortening. This will prevent cracks and leaks.
21. Remove the fried pies from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess grease.
22. Prepare the Glaze: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, cornstarch, powdered milk, vanilla extract, and warm water) until smooth and creamy.
23. While the pies are still warm (but not too hot), dip them one at a time into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated.
24. Place the glazed pies back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off and set. This may take 15-20 minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer pudding, use heavy cream instead of some of the milk.
• If the dough becomes too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
• Ensure the shortening is at the correct temperature for frying. If it’s too cool, the pies will absorb too much grease. If it’s too hot, they will burn on the outside before the filling is heated through.
• Do not skip the cornstarch in the glaze recipe. The cornstarch helps the glaze thicken and set properly.
• Don’t overfill the pies or they will leak during frying.
• If you don’t have powdered milk for the glaze, you can omit it, but it does add a nice creaminess.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed the day they are made. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze may become a little sticky over time. Reheating is not recommended as it can make the crust soggy.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	300mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	65g	22%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	40g	N/A
Protein	5g	10%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. Be aware that gluten-free crusts can be more delicate and may require extra care when handling and frying.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the whole milk in the pudding with a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Use a vegan butter substitute for the butter in the pudding. For the glaze, ensure you are using a plant-based milk powder alternative, or omit it entirely.
• Different Filling: Experiment with other filling flavors such as chocolate, lemon, or even a fruit filling.
• Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the pies instead of frying them. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Note that the texture will be different from the fried version.
• Crust Color: Try different food colorings to make your pies in other colors to match the personality of each turtle.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to cover the pudding with plastic wrap while cooling?
A: Covering the pudding directly with plastic wrap prevents a skin from forming on the surface.

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust, but the homemade crust will provide a more authentic taste and texture. Be sure to still add the green food coloring.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during frying?
A: Make sure to seal the edges of the pies tightly and avoid overfilling. Keeping the filling cold before assembly also helps.

Q: What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
A: You can use a large skillet or pot filled with at least an inch of shortening. Make sure the shortening is at the correct temperature.

Q: Can I make these pies ahead of time?
A: The filling can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, the pies are best when fried and glazed fresh.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a trip back to the sewer, recreated in your very own kitchen! Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and embrace the imperfect charm of these homemade TMNT pies. They may not be perfectly uniform, but the taste will transport you back to the good old days. Grab your favorite green-clad hero, fire up your favorite episode, and enjoy this nostalgic treat! Let me know in the comments how your turtle-powered pies turned out, and what variations you tried! Cowabunga, dude!