Experience the sublime flavors of summer with this Sumptuous Strawberry Crust Pie, which features a delectable homemade crust, a vibrant strawberry coulis, and a rich custard cream, all crowned with a decadent white chocolate ganache. Each layer of this dessert is crafted to offer a unique taste and texture, from the slightly sweet and crumbly crust to the creamy custard and the luscious strawberry reduction. This pie is then beautifully adorned with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of white chocolate, and a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing finish.
Why You'll Love This:
This exquisite pie combines the classic flavors of strawberry and vanilla with the rich indulgence of white chocolate, creating a dessert that's both comforting and elegant. The homemade crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft custard and the smooth strawberry coulis. This pie is not only a joy to eat but also a delight to prepare, offering an engaging baking experience with a stunning result that's sure to impress at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion:
Perfect for high tea, festive celebrations, or as a luxurious finale to a special dinner, this strawberry crust pie is versatile enough for any event. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for spring and summer gatherings and is a delightful way to celebrate the bounty of the season with fresh strawberries.
Decoration Tips:
Enhance the presentation of this pie by artfully arranging slices of fresh strawberries on top of the custard before adding the ganache. Drizzle the white chocolate ganache in a decorative pattern and sprinkle with freshly grated lemon zest to add a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma. For a professional touch, pipe some whipped cream around the edges just before serving.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 200g flour
- 50g icing sugar
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 125g softened butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 10ml cold water
- For the strawberry coulis:
- 250g strawberries
- 60g sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the custard cream:
- 370ml milk
- 120g sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
- 3 egg yolks
- 40g cornstarch
- For the decoration:
- White chocolate ganache
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon zest
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix 200g of flour, 50g of icing sugar, a dash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 125g of softened butter and blend using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate 1 egg yolk and 10ml of cold water, kneading briefly to form a dough. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and carefully transfer it to a pie plate.
2. Make the Strawberry Coulis:
- In a saucepan, combine 250g of strawberries, 60g of sugar, and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and the mixture thickens. Cool before using.
3. Cook the Custard Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat 370ml of milk with the seeds scraped from 1 vanilla pod.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 120g of sugar, and 40g of cornstarch.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened. Let cool.
4. Assemble and Decorate the Pie:
- Spread the strawberry coulis over the prepared crust.
- Pour the custard cream over the coulis.
- Decorate the top with white chocolate ganache, fresh strawberry slices, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Enjoy this Sumptuous Strawberry Crust Pie as a celebration of flavors and textures that are as delightful to the palate as they are pleasing to the eye!