Description
Silky dandelion cream pie whispers spring’s delicate secrets with wild floral notes. Woodland-inspired desserts invite sweet exploration, promising delightful surprises for curious palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dandelion petals (yellow only, no green parts)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup honey (or dandelion honey if available)
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 5 tbsps cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Meticulously press the blend across the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake until the crust achieves a delicate golden hue, approximately 8-10 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Filling Foundation: Whisk a portion of milk with honey, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a compact vessel. Simultaneously, heat the remaining milk in a saucepan until it steams. Gradually incorporate the hot milk into the egg mixture, creating a smooth tempering process. Transfer the entire blend back to the saucepan.
- Thickening Process: Simmer over gentle heat, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a dense, pudding-like consistency. This typically requires 5-8 minutes of attentive cooking. Remove from heat and fold in dandelion petals and vanilla, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
- Pie Assembly and Chilling: Elegantly pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with precision. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing the pie to set completely and develop its rich, creamy texture.
- Cream Topping Finale: Whip the cream until soft peaks emerge. Introduce honey and vanilla, continuing to beat until stiff, voluminous peaks form, creating a luxurious crown for the pie.
- Serving Presentation: Lavishly spread or artfully pipe the whipped cream atop the chilled pie. Slice and serve, revealing the delicate layers of this elegant dessert.
Notes
- Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, silky custard base.
- Maintain medium-low temperature while stirring constantly to achieve perfect pudding-like consistency without burning.
- Allow pie to set completely in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to ensure firm, sliceable texture and enhanced flavor melding.
- Collect fresh, pesticide-free dandelion petals from clean areas, gently removing green parts for a delicate, subtle floral note.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg