Oatmeal cream pies are a classic snack cake consisting of two round oatmeal cookies sandwiching a sweet cream filling. With their soft, chewy cookies and rich, creamy center, oatmeal cream pies have been beloved by kids and adults alike for decades. But what exactly is in that distinctive filling sandwiched between the oatmeal cookies? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into the cream filling of oatmeal cream pies.
The Main Ingredients
The cream filling in oatmeal cream pies is typically made from just a few simple ingredients:
Shortening
The base of the filling is shortening, usually a hydrogenated vegetable oil such as soybean or cottonseed oil. Shortening gives the filling a soft, spreadable texture and contributes to its rich, creamy taste. A couple tablespoons of shortening are used per pie.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered or confectioners’ sugar is also a key ingredient in the filling. Around a cup of powdered sugar is used per pie. The powdered sugar sweetens the filling and lightens its texture.
Milk or Cream
Small amounts of milk or cream are added to the filling, usually a couple tablespoons per pie. The milk helps thin out the shortening and powdered sugar mixture into a smooth, creamy consistency. Whole milk, evaporated milk, or heavy cream may be used.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract flavors the filling with its distinctive vanilla taste. Usually a teaspoon or less per pie is added.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor. Table salt or kosher salt is commonly used.
The Complete Recipe
Here is a typical recipe for the cream filling in oatmeal cream pies:
| Shortening | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk or cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | Pinch |
The shortening and powdered sugar are creamed together, then the milk, vanilla, and salt are mixed in until a smooth, creamy consistency is reached. Approximately 2-3 tablespoons of filling are used per pie.
Variations
While shortening, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt form the base of most oatmeal cream pie fillings, some recipes make small additions and substitutions:
Butter
Some recipes call for butter instead of shortening. Butter contributes extra richness.
Cream Cheese
A couple tablespoons of cream cheese per pie can be blended into the filling for a tangy flavor.
Marshmallow Fluff
For an extra fluffy, marshmallow-like filling, a couple tablespoons of marshmallow fluff can be folded in.
Chocolate
Melted chocolate or cocoa powder can be added to make a chocolate cream version.
Fruit Purees
Mixing in a couple tablespoons of strawberry, raspberry, or other fruit purees lends fruity flavors.
Spices and Extracts
Some fillings incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut extract, or other spices and extracts.
Filling Production
While oatmeal cream pies can be homemade using the simple filling recipe above, most people enjoy store-bought versions. Oatmeal cream pies are mass-produced by food companies, so how is the creamy filling made on such a large scale?
Automated Processes
Producing tons of cream filling requires carefully automated industrial processes rather than human hands. Shortening, powdered sugar, and other ingredients are pumped, sifted, and blended in large mixing vats. Precisely controlled heating, cooling, and aeration produces the ideal texture and consistency.
Quality Control
Throughout the automated filling processes, samples are pulled and checked to ensure quality standards are met. Technicians monitor texture, taste, color, thickness, and other specifications. Adjustments are made if needed.
Sanitation
To prevent foodborne illnesses, strict sanitation regulations are followed. Equipment and work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Workers wear protective gear.
Packaging
Once produced, the filling is packaged into buckets or tubes and transported to cookie packaging facilities. The finished oatmeal cream pies are then packed, sealed, and shipped to stores.
Nutrition Information
Oatmeal cream pies may be delicious, but how do they stack up nutrition-wise? Here is the nutrition information in a typical oatmeal cream pie:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 156 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 21g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
As we can see, oatmeal cream pies are fairly high in calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sugar compared to many other snacks. The sugar comes mostly from the cream filling, while the oatmeal cookies provide a bit of fiber. Overall, oatmeal cream pies should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
History of Oatmeal Cream Pies
Oatmeal cream pies have a long and interesting history in American snack food culture. Here are some key facts about the origins and rise of oatmeal cream pies:
Invented in 1917
Oatmeal cream pies were invented in 1917 by bakery owner German Chocolate in the Washington DC area. The pies were initially called “Frégazels.”
Original Owners: National Biscuit Company
The rights to oatmeal cream pies were soon acquired by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Nabisco. They were marketed as an affordable snack during the Great Depression.
Renamed in the 1960s
The treats were renamed “Oatmeal Creme Pies” in the 1960s to appeal to consumers looking for convenience foods.
Mascot “J.L. Krangdon”
In the 1960s and 70s, they were advertised with a fictional mascot called J.L. Krangdon to promote their brand image.
Acquired by Keebler
The oatmeal cream pie brand was bought by Keebler in 1997 after it acquired parts of Nabisco’s snack food business.
Today’s Popularity
Oatmeal cream pies remain popular today, with over $200 million in sales annually. Their vintage appeal makes them a comfort food favorite.
Oatmeal Cream Pies around the World
While oatmeal cream pies are an iconic American snack treat, similar cream-filled cookie sandwiches can be found around the world. Here are some examples:
Canada – Jos. Louis
The Jos. Louis is a Canadian snack cake with an oatmeal cookie outside and vanilla cream filling.
United Kingdom – Jammie Dodgers
Jammie Dodgers have a shortbread cookie exterior and raspberry jam filling.
Australia/New Zealand – Eskimo Pies
Not to be confused with the ice cream treat in the U.S., Australian Eskimo Pies contain vanilla cream between chocolate cookies.
Latin America – Gansito
Gansito cakes from Mexico have a vanilla/strawberry filling between chocolate or vanilla cookies.
Russia – Shtandart
Shtandart sandwiches are made of two chocolate-coated wafers with sweet cream in between.
China – double skin milk
Double skin milk pastries contain a dairy-based filling between pie crust-like cookies.
Japan – Fuwa Fuwa
Fuwa Fuwa is a brand of Japanese cream-filled sandwich cookies similar in concept to oatmeal cream pies.
Making Oatmeal Cream Pies at Home
While store-bought oatmeal cream pies are certainly convenient, many people enjoy the fun of making them from scratch at home. Here are some tips:
Use Your Favorite Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Any chewy oatmeal cookie recipe will work for the outside cookies. You can customize with mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, etc.
Let Cookies Cool Completely Before Assembling
Ensure cookies are cooled all the way before filling, or else filling can melt and get runny.
Make the Filling Thick
Whip the shortening and powdered sugar vigorously so filling is very thick. This prevents leakage between the cookies.
Pipe Filling with a Sandwich Bag
Spoon filling into a zip-top plastic bag, snip off a corner, and pipe it onto the bottom cookies for neatness and consistency.
Use Lightly Damp Hands When Assembling
Damp hands prevent crumbs sticking to the filling when topping it with the upper cookies.
Chill Before Serving
Let assembled pies chill for at least an hour before serving for best results. The filling firms up when chilled.
Storing and Freezing Oatmeal Cream Pies
To make your oatmeal cream pies last longer, here are some storage tips:
Room Temperature Short Term Storage
Keep pies in a sealed container at room temp for 1-2 days. The filling may soften over time.
Refrigeration
For duration of 3-5 days, store pies in the fridge. Allow to come to room temp before eating for best texture.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked, unfilled cookies up to 2-3 months. Freeze sandwiched pies up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Airtight Packaging
For any storage method, seal pies in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn or drying out.
Softening Fillings
If filling has gotten too firm from the fridge or freezer, let it briefly soften at room temp before eating.
Troubleshooting Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
When making oatmeal cream pies at home, here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Runny Filling
Whip filling extra until very thick. Chill assembled pies before serving. Don’t over-soften refrigerated pies.
Hard, Grainy Filling
Make sure to cream shortening and powdered sugar thoroughly. Add extra milk or cream for smoothness.
Dry, Crumbling Cookies
Add an extra tablespoon or two of butter to cookie dough for extra moisture and chewiness.
Cookies Spread Too Thin
Use chilled dough. Portion dough using a cookie scoop for uniform sizing. Bake on middle oven rack.
Filling Oozing Out
Pipe filling neatly onto cookies using a plastic bag with corner snipped off. Don’t overfill.
Cookies Sticking to Filling
Ensure cookies are completely cooled before assembling. Use damp hands to press cookies around filling.
Oatmeal Cream Pie Uses and Pairings
While best enjoyed on their own, oatmeal cream pies can also be used creatively in recipes or paired with other foods and drinks. Ideas include:
Pie Crust
Crush oatmeal cream pies into crumbs to use as the crust for mini cheesecakes or fruit pies.
Toppings
Crumbled oatmeal cream cookies make a tasty topping over ice cream, brownies, cakes, and other desserts.
Mix-ins
Chop oatmeal cream pies into small chunks and mix into cookie dough, cake batter, or milkshakes for extra flavor and texture.
Dippers
Use whole or sliced oatmeal cream pies for dipping into milk, coffee, or chocolate fondue.
S’mores
Assemble s’mores sandwiches with oatmeal cream pies instead of graham crackers for a twist.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
For an ice cream sandwich, freeze oatmeal cream pies briefly then sandwich ice cream between them.
Pie Milkshakes
Blend crumbled oatmeal cream pies into milkshakes along with milk, ice cream, and other fun mix-ins.
Conclusion
Oatmeal cream pies may contain just a few simple ingredients – shortening, powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla – but they pack a delicious punch. Their sweet cream filling balanced between two chewy oatmeal cookies has made them a satisfying snack time favorite for generations. Whether you enjoy their classic taste straight from the package or get creative with homemade variations, oatmeal cream pies are sure to satisfy your craving for a tasty, nostalgic treat.