Copycat Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie Recipe

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Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie is a creamy, tangy, and vibrant treat inspired by the cult-favorite drink. Although Taco Bell hasn’t officially added it to menus everywhere just yet, I couldn’t resist recreating this dreamy dessert at home.

How to make Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie

The Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie is a dessert item that Taco Bell has teased as part of its Baja Blast–themed offerings.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 (3.4 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup Mountain Dew Baja Blast (you can get this at Taco Bell, in bottles, or cans)
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• A few drops of blue & green food coloring (optional, to replicate the Baja Blast look)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (adds to the citrus flavor profile)

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream or Cool Whip
• Lime slices or zest, for garnish
• A drizzle of Baja Blast (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor (or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin).
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and begin to clump together.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth and compact the crust.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and Baja Blast soda until smooth. Set aside for 5 minutes to let it thicken.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and free of lumps.
3. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and lime zest to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. If you want the filling to truly imitate the Baja Blast color, add a few drops of blue and green food coloring until you reach the desired shade.
5. Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create a smooth surface.

Step 3: Chill and Decorate

1. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
2. Once the pie is set, spread a layer of whipped topping or Cool Whip over the surface of the pie.
3. Garnish with lime slices, lime zest, or a drizzle of Baja Blast for a finishing touch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Baja Blast Pie

• Chill the Pie for Long Enough: Letting the pie chill for several hours (or overnight) is crucial to achieving that firm yet creamy texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Don’t Overdo the Food Coloring: If you’re adding blue and green food coloring, start with just a drop or two of each. Baja Blast has a light, tropical hue, so go easy to avoid an overwhelming color.
• Use Fresh Lime Zest: The lime zest brings out the citrus notes in the Baja Blast, making the flavors pop. Don’t skip this ingredient! Use a microplane for the finest zest.
• Make It Ahead: This pie is a great make-ahead dessert for parties or holidays since it needs chilling time and holds up well in the fridge.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with decorations. Crushed graham crackers, sprinkles, or even small candy pieces can add fun textures.
• Where to Get Baja Blast: If you can’t find bottled Mountain Dew Baja Blast at the grocery store, stop by your local Taco Bell or check online for specialty soda stores.

What to serve with

Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie is bursting with tropical lime and citrus flavors, making it the ultimate refreshing dessert. To fully elevate your pie experience, consider serving it with complementary sides, drinks, or even main courses that enhance its tropical, creamy vibe while creating a memorable dining theme.

• Classic Baja Blast Soda: No-brainer here! Serve a cold glass or pitcher of Mountain Dew Baja Blast alongside the Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie for an iconic pairing. Add a few lime slices or mint leaves for a fancy garnish.
• Baja Blast Floats: Take things to the next level by topping a glass of Baja Blast soda with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lime sherbet. The creamy float complements the flavor of the Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie brilliantly.
• Tropical Mocktails: Mix up fun tropical drinks like virgin piña coladas, mango lime spritzers, or coconut lemonade to match the summery vibe of the Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie.
• Cocktail Pairings: For adults, pair the pie with light citrus-forward cocktails like mojitos, margaritas (especially lime and coconut varieties), or even a Baja Blast spiked soda. The sweet-tangy flavors will harmonize beautifully.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re excited about making a Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie but find yourself missing a few key ingredients, don’t worry! With a little creativity and some simple swaps, you can still whip up a dessert that’s just as delicious.

1. Graham Cracker Crust Substitutes

The graham cracker crust is crucial for providing a crunchy, slightly sweet base for the pie. If you don’t have graham crackers or need an alternative, here are some swaps:

• Vanilla Wafer Cookies (Nilla Wafers): Crush vanilla wafers to create a sweeter, softer crust that still pairs well with the creamy filling.
• Digestive Biscuits (for UK-based users): These work as an excellent substitute for graham crackers, offering a similar texture and flavor.
• Oreo Crust: Crush Oreo cookies (with or without the filling) for a chocolatey twist that contrasts beautifully with the citrusy pie.
• Pretzel Crust: For a savory-sweet balance, crush pretzels and mix with a tablespoon or two of added sugar.
• Store-Bought Pie Crust: If you prefer to skip the crust prep altogether, a pre-made graham cracker or shortbread crust will work just fine.

2. Baja Blast Substitutes

Mountain Dew Baja Blast is what gives this pie its signature tropical flavor. If you can’t find Baja Blast, try these alternatives:

• Regular Mountain Dew + Lime or Tropical Syrup: Mix 1 cup of regular Mountain Dew soda with 1-2 teaspoons of lime syrup, lemon-lime juice, or a tropical flavor enhancer (such as coconut or pineapple essence) to mimic the flavor.
• Homemade Baja Blast: Combine equal parts of Mountain Dew and Gatorade Glacier Freeze or a similarly light blue-colored sports drink. This replicates the iconic color and citrus-tropical essence.
• Other Citrus Sodas: Swap in another citrusy soda, such as Sprite, 7UP, or Sierra Mist, and boost the flavor with a splash of lime or pineapple juice.
• Pineapple Juice + Sparkling Water: For a natural twist, mix equal parts of pineapple juice and a lime or lemon sparkling water. It won’t turn out exactly the same, but it’ll maintain a tropical vibe.

3. Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix Substitutes

The instant vanilla pudding mix provides the creamy consistency of the filling. If you can’t find it, consider these options:

• Homemade Vanilla Pudding: Make a quick pudding using milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to cool before integrating it into the pie filling.
• Other Instant Pudding Mixes: Substitute the vanilla flavor with white chocolate or coconut cream instant pudding mix for a slight twist.
• Custard Mix/Instant Custard: If you have custard powder on hand, prepare it following the package instructions and use it as a replacement.

4. Heavy Whipping Cream Substitutes

Heavy cream is used to create richness in the filling. If you don’t have it, try these alternatives:

• Coconut Cream: Scoop the solid portion from a can of coconut milk (let it chill in the fridge first) to add a tropical flair.
• Evaporated Milk: Use an equal amount of evaporated milk, though it won’t be as thick.
• Milk + Butter: Combine ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter for a makeshift heavy cream substitute.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): If you want to skip whipping altogether, replace heavy cream with pre-whipped topping to save time.

5. Cream Cheese Substitutes

Cream cheese gives the filling a rich, velvety texture. Here’s what you can use instead:

• Neufchâtel Cheese: This is a lighter version of cream cheese with nearly identical flavor and texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy substitute (use plain, unflavored yogurt to match the flavor).
• Mascarpone Cheese: Slightly sweeter and softer, mascarpone works well and creates a decadent filling.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, brands like Kite Hill or Tofutti make excellent vegan cream cheese substitutes.

6. Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes

Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and a creamy texture. If you’re out, here’s what you can do:

• Evaporated Milk + Sugar: Combine 1 cup of evaporated milk with ¾ cup of sugar, heating gently until dissolved.
• Whole Milk + Sugar Reduction: Simmer 1 cup of milk with ½ cup of sugar until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
• Coconut Condensed Milk: For dairy-free diets, canned coconut sweetened condensed milk is a fantastic alternative.
• Heavy Cream + Honey or Maple Syrup: Combine these to create a similar consistency and sweetness.

7. Food Coloring Substitutes

The blue-green hue of Baja Blast Pie is iconic. If you don’t have food coloring on hand, here’s what you can try:

• Natural Coloring: Mix spirulina powder (blue algae) with a touch of turmeric for a blue-green tint, though the flavor will be very mild.

8. Lime Zest Substitutes

The lime zest enhances the citrus flavor, but there are other options if you don’t have limes:

• Lemon Zest: This is the closest substitute, providing a similar zing.
• Orange Zest: Adds a sweeter, slightly more floral citrus note.
• Dried Lime or Lemon Peel: If you have dried lime powder or lemon peel, use ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of fresh zest.
• Citrus Extract: A small amount of lime or lemon extract can replicate the flavor.

9. Whipped Cream/Cool Whip Substitutes

If you need a topping substitute for whipped cream or Cool Whip, try these:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.
• Coconut Whipped Topping: Chill a can of coconut milk, scoop the solid layer, and beat it into whipped cream.
• Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: Brands like So Delicious or Reddi-wip offer dairy-free whipped topping options.

Final Thoughts

Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie is such a unique dessert that you can turn a simple slice into a full tropical experience.

More Pie Recipes:

• Copycat Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
• Copycat Melissa Gorga Sprinkle Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Reese’s Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
• Homemade Costco Shepherd’s Pie Recipe