Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by freezing ½ cup of unsalted butter while you combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a food processor. Once the butter is chilled, add it along with ¼ cup of vegetable shortening, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually drizzle in ice-cold water, about 3-4 tablespoons, until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled crust on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch thick, then fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Freeze it for another 15 minutes. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water and let it bloom. In a saucepan, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt with 2 cups of whole milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the bloomed gelatin, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then cool the mixture over an ice bath.
- Once the filling mixture is cool, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped heavy cream, 3 beaten egg whites (with a pinch of cream of tartar), and 1 cup of shredded coconut until fully integrated. The filling should be light and fluffy yet hold its structure. Pour this creamy coconut mixture into the cooled crust, smoothing the top for an even finish.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set. This step is essential for achieving that perfect creamy texture in your White Christmas Pie. While it chills, it will firm up beautifully for slicing later.
- In a medium bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. For added sweetness, fold in 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar if desired. When ready to serve, pipe or spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for decoration and prepare fresh strawberries tossed in a bit of confectioners' sugar for a vibrant garnish.
- Once decorated, slice the White Christmas Pie with a sharp knife and serve each piece with a side of the sweetened strawberries. This delightful pie can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its festive cheer for any gathering.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are cold to achieve a flaky crust and a perfect texture for the filling.
