Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dessert game forever! This Dream Pie is not just another ordinary dessert—it's a creamy, dreamy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With its silky-smooth filling, perfectly crisp crust, and heavenly whipped cream topping, this pie is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this recipe promises a foolproof path to dessert perfection that will make you look like a true culinary superstar!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake the pie crust again for a few minutes to ensure it's crispy. Since you are using a pre-baked pie crust, this step can be skipped if you prefer it as is.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the dry mixture while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Make sure the mixture is smooth before proceeding.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue to whisk the mixture constantly. As it heats, it will begin to thicken. This process should take about 5-10 minutes.
- While the milk mixture is heating, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites of 3 large eggs. Place the yolks in a small bowl and whisk them lightly to break them up.
- Once the milk mixture has thickened and is bubbling, take a small amount of the hot mixture (about a cup) and slowly drizzle it into the bowl with the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and prevents the yolks from curdling.
- After tempering the egg yolks, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the filling.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set properly. This will ensure that the filling is firm and easy to slice.
- Once chilled, remove the pie from the refrigerator and top with whipped cream before serving. You can either spread the whipped cream over the entire pie or dollop it on individual slices.
- Slice the pie into 8 servings and enjoy your delicious Dream Pie!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to help create a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Whisk Like a Pro: Constant whisking is key to preventing lumps and achieving a silky-smooth texture in your custard base.
- Tempering Technique: Take your time when adding hot liquid to egg yolks. Slow and steady prevents scrambling and ensures a perfect, creamy consistency.
- Chill Out: Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. This helps set the filling and enhances the flavor.
- Whipped Cream Wow: For an extra touch, make your own fresh whipped cream instead of using store-bought. It makes a world of difference!
- Make Ahead Magic: This pie can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.
- Storage Secret: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap when storing in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
