Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (2024)

Sunflower Seed Pie is sure to be a crowd pleaser! This nut free pie is a great alternative to pecan pie. Easy to make in a few simple steps this unique sunflower pie is delicious and perfect for the Thanksgiving table.

This post was originally posted 10/25/2016 & has been updated with more information and photos 10/07/2019.

Sunflower Pie

This recipe for sunflower seed pie is one I have been eating my whole life. Instead of Pecan Pie on the table every Thanksgiving it was strictly pecan pie’s cousin, Sunflower Seed Pie.

Similar to pecan pie, sunflower seed pie has a gooey rich filling but is topped with roasted and salted sunflower creating a flavorful crunchy crust.

Ingredients for Sunflower Seed Pie

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (1)

You will start with a single pie crust. You can use store bought for ease or I highly suggest my All-Butter Pie Crust recipe.

Next is the filling of the pie, similar to what you will need for a pecan pie. Eggs, Brown Sugar (preferably dark), dark & light corn syrups, salted butter, and vanilla extract.

Lastly you will need sunflower seeds. You will need 1 cup of Roasted and Salted Sunflower Seeds.

How to Make Sunflower Pie Recipe

Start by preheating the oven to 350º F.

Place a pie crust shell into a 9 inch pie plate and shape crust.

Next you will make the filling, in a large bowl add eggs and beat together.

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (2)

Add brown sugar, dark and light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla to eggs. Beat mixture until combined.

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (3)

Now add the sunflower seeds to the empty pie shell distributing evenly along the bottom.

Pour the filling mixture carefully and evenly into the pie shell overtop the sunflower seeds.

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (4)

Wait for 2 minutes for the sunflower seeds to float to the top of the pie.

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (5)

Transfer to the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The center of the pie will jiggle slightly when done but should not be soupy. Let pie cool completely before eating, pie is best after it has been in the refrigerator overnight.

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (6)

Can I make Sunflower Seed Pie ahead of time?

ABSOLUTELY.

I would actually say you need to make this ahead of time because like most pies it needs to cool completely and set before slicing.

I highly recommend keeping this in the fridge for 1-2 night before eating. So it is a perfect contender for holidays like Thanksgiving when making things ahead makes for the smoothest possible day!

You can also bake two of these or another pie at the same time to help save time!

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (7)

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (8)

Original Post…

Growing up durning the holiday season Sunflower Seed Pie was always on the dessert table, it is the one dessert I remember my mom making every single year. So when I found out that Sunflower Seed Pie is not a normal thing in every American household during the holiday season I was in shock. Growing up I always assumed my family was very normal with our traditions but as I have drifted into adulthood I have found myself having to explain things that my family always ate or did for different holidays. It has gotten to the point where I am pretty sure my husband just starts to laugh when I hear something my family did was not what everyone else did. But c’est la vie, to me this dessert is such an essential part of the holiday season I knew I had to share it so everyone else canmake it a part of their holiday dessert table.

Sunflower Seed Pie can easily be described as ‘just like pecan pie but made with sunflower seeds instead’, I told you I have had practice explaining. Although it is similar to Pecan Pie in my opinion Sunflower Seed Pie is so much better, the flavor is a little more salty and the seed crust is much crispier. As far as easiness this pie is a winner, the whole process is just a few easy steps. Once your pie shell is ready you make a egg/sugar mixture mostly containing the most important ingredient for any Pecan/Sunflower Seed Pie, corn syrup. From there you fill the pie shell with the sunflower seeds and pour the egg/sugar mixture on top. You watch in amazement as the sunflower seeds float to the top of the pie and then you let it bake at 350 for one hour. So simple, so give your Pecans a break this holiday season and whip up a Sunflower Seed Pie that will impress all of your family and friends!

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (9)

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (10)

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (11)

Yield: 1 pie

Sunflower Seed Pie

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (12)

a crust of crunchy sunflower seeds baked over a sweet and gooey center makes this nut free pie perfect for the Thanksgiving table or any occasion

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time50 minutes

Total Time1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 9-inch pie shell
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 Tablespoons melted salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup roasted & salted sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
  2. Place pie shell into a 9 inch pie plate and shape crust if preferred.
  3. Now make the filling, in a large bowl add eggs and beat together. Add brown sugar, dark and light corn syrups, melted butter, and vanilla to eggs. Beat mixture until combined.
  4. Add the sunflower seeds to the bottom of the empty pie shell distributing them in an even layer. Pour the filling mixture carefully and evenly into the pie shell over the seeds. Wait for 2 minutes for the sunflower seeds to float to the top of the pie.
  5. Transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The center of the pie will jiggle slightly when done but should not be soupy. Let pie cool completely before eating, pie is best after it has been in the refrigerator overnight.

Notes

Light Brown Sugar can be substituted for Dark Brown Sugar.

adapted from Midwest Living Magazine October 1989

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1/8 of the pie

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 396Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1104mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 2gSugar: 52gProtein: 7g

Nutritional data is automated, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment below on the blog or share a photo with me tag @the_schmidty_wife! Can't wait to see what you made!

If you enjoyed this recipe or any of my others let me know by using #theschmidtywifeon social media!

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Peace & Love

Lauren, The Schmidty Wife

P.S. Looking for more Holiday recipes? Check out my:

  • Roasted Rear Pecan Salad
  • Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
  • Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
  • Christmas Crockpot Wassail

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Please note that my links abovemay beaffiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. I recommend them because they are helpful, and are companies that I trust, not because of the commissions that I may earn from you using these products.

Easy Sunflower Seed Pie Recipe - The Schmidty Wife (2024)

FAQs

How long to soak sunflower seeds before baking? ›

As a general guideline, it is recommended to soak sunflower seeds for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, in clean, filtered water. This helps to soften the seeds and activate enzymes that can help to break down anti-nutrients, such as phytic acid, that can interfere with nutrient absorption.

How to snack on sunflower seeds? ›

Sunflower seeds are sold either in the shell or as shelled kernels. Those still in the shell are commonly eaten by cracking them with your teeth, then spitting out the shell — which shouldn't be eaten.

Do I need to soak raw sunflower seeds? ›

Pine nuts, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds and pumpkin seeds are all seeds that need to be soaked. Their soaking method mimics how we soak nuts: For every 4 cups of raw seeds, cover with room temperature, filtered water by two inches, and 2 teaspoons sea salt. Stir well to dissolve the salt.

How long to dry sunflower seeds in oven? ›

Drain the water from the seeds and spread the seeds out in a single layer in a sheet pan. Place in the preheated oven on the top rack and roast for 10 to 20 minutes. The seeds can quickly go from done (dry and easy to bite to open) to charred (browned on outside and black on the inside).

Is it OK to eat sunflower seeds everyday? ›

Eating sunflower seeds in moderation as part of a healthy diet can have multiple benefits. However, with 165 calories per ounce, they are a higher calorie food. If a person aims to maintain a moderate weight, they may wish to limit their sunflower seed portions and include them as part of their daily calories.

Do sunflower seeds help with anxiety? ›

And pyridoxine (vitamin B) is necessary for the synthesis of GABA, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that protect against stress. Sunflower seeds are also a good source of zinc, which has mood-regulating and antianxiety effects.

Can I eat raw sunflower seeds? ›

While the seed itself is encased in a black and white striped shell, sunflower seeds are white and have a tender texture. Known for their distinct nutty flavor and high nutritional value, you can eat the seeds raw, roasted, or incorporated into other dishes.

Do you need to soak sunflower seeds before roasting? ›

(You can also roast the seeds unsalted, by simply skipping the soaking process). Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the sunflower seeds evenly on a cookie sheet or shallow pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

How long to soak seeds before baking? ›

Most seeds are absorbent and can make a dough and bread too dry if you don't account for their thirstiness. You can soak seeds overnight, strain them, and add them to a bread dough during mixing (easiest) or during an early round of stretching and folding the dough (better gluten development).

Should you soak seeds before baking? ›

Soaking seeds and grains (especially grains) before you bake with them is important for many reasons: 1. It makes them soft so they are more pleasant in the mouth and easier to chew completely so they won't break your teeth, take out your fillings, and are easier to digest. 2.

How do you soak seeds before baking? ›

Leave on counter 12-24 hours. Generally, the bigger the seed the longer the soaking time. 6. Drain away soaking water and rinse thoroughly.

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