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Squidge

Origin: Central AfricanPeriod: Traditional

Squidge is a traditional Central African fruit pie distinguished by its notably soft, yielding texture, from which its colloquial name is derived. The dish incorporates marshmallows as a defining ingredient, lending the filling or topping an unusually light, pillowy consistency that sets it apart from conventional fruit pies of other culinary traditions. Its classification within the broader category of baked goods reflects a preparation that likely involves a pastry or dough shell encasing a sweetened fruit and marshmallow mixture.

Cultural Significance

The precise cultural and historical origins of Squidge within Central African culinary tradition are not thoroughly documented in mainstream culinary scholarship, making a definitive account of its significance difficult to establish. It is possible that the dish represents a fusion of indigenous fruit preparations with introduced confectionery ingredients such as marshmallows, reflecting broader patterns of culinary exchange in the region. Further ethnographic and culinary research would be necessary to trace its full social and historical context.

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Prep20 min
Cook45 min
Total65 min
Servings4
Difficultybeginner

Ingredients

  • rice Krispies
    200 g
  • soft toffee
    100 g
  • 100 g
  • unsalted butter (soft) or cooking margarine
    100 g

Method

1
Prepare your pie crust by pressing it evenly into a greased pie dish, then blind bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.
15 minutes
2
Wash and prepare your chosen fresh fruits, peeling and slicing them into uniform pieces. Toss the fruit with a small amount of sugar and a pinch of spice such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavour.
10 minutes
3
Cook the seasoned fruit in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and releases its juices. Allow the mixture to reduce slightly into a thick, jammy consistency.
12 minutes
4
Remove the fruit mixture from the heat and fold in a generous handful of marshmallows, stirring until they begin to melt and incorporate into the warm filling. This creates the characteristic soft, yielding squidge texture.
5 minutes
5
Pour the marshmallow-fruit filling evenly into the cooled pie crust, spreading it into a smooth, level layer.
3 minutes
6
Arrange a layer of whole or halved marshmallows evenly across the top of the filling to create a pillowy topping.
3 minutes
7
Place the pie under a grill or broiler on a middle rack for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallow topping turns golden brown and lightly toasted.
4 minutes
8
Remove the Squidge from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing, so the filling sets to its signature soft, yielding consistency. Serve warm or at room temperature.
20 minutes