This Gardenia Pie recipe is perfect for those who love the rich and creamy taste of homemade pies. Made with fresh gardenia flowers, this dessert showcases the delicate flavors of nature in every bite. The buttery pie crust pairs perfectly with the sweet and floral filling, creating a delightful combination that will satisfy your taste buds. This recipe is easy to follow and can be enjoyed by everyone. Serve it as a special treat for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
- 2 cups fresh gardenia petals
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the chilled cubed butter and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and blind bake it for 15 minutes. Remove the pie crust from the oven and let it cool.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh gardenia petals, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the milk and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot gardenia mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until well combined. Let the filling cool slightly.
- Pour the gardenia filling into the cooled pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled gardenia filling and garnish with additional fresh gardenia petals, if desired.
- Slice and serve the Gardenia Pie chilled. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Gardenias are not only beautiful but also edible. They add a unique and floral flavor to desserts like pies.
Gardenias have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their calming properties and as a natural remedy for anxiety.
The fragrance of gardenias is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy for its soothing and relaxing effects on the mind and body.