As I sliced into the creamy delight of my White Christmas Pie, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, transporting me to holiday gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. This decadent coconut pie, infused with hints of almond and vanilla, presents a festive centerpiece guaranteed to impress your loved ones. Not only is it surprisingly quick to whip up, but it also combines a light, fluffy filling with a perfectly baked crust, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Topped with fresh strawberries that dance on your palate, each bite balances sweetness with refreshing zest. Curious about how to bring this luscious treat to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is White Christmas Pie a Must-Try?
Festive Appeal: Capture the spirit of the holidays with this beautiful pie, perfect for celebrations or family gatherings.
Creamy Texture: The light, airy filling blends coconut and creamy goodness for a delightful dessert experience.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this show-stopper in no time.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap toppings, like using raspberries instead of strawberries, or try out a white chocolate twist for a new flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress your guests with a dessert everyone will love, just like the popular Elegant White Chocolate or Milk Pecan Pie.
White Christmas Pie Ingredients
• Get ready to create a creamy, festive delight!
For the Crust
• Unsalted Butter – Ensures a rich flavor; keep it very cold for a flaky crust.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the crust; can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavors of the crust.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens both the crust and filling; adjust to taste if desired.
• Cold Vegetable Shortening – Helps achieve that perfect flaky texture; can be replaced with additional butter if preferred.
• Ice Cold Water – Binds the crust ingredients together; add it gradually until the dough forms a disc.
For the Filling
• Unflavored Gelatin – Stabilizes the filling, giving your White Christmas Pie that perfect creamy structure.
• Whole Milk – Creates a rich, smooth filling; low-fat is an option for a lighter touch.
• Almond Extract – Adds a nutty aroma; feel free to use more vanilla instead if you want a simpler flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the delightful flavor profile of the pie.
• Heavy Cream – Responsible for the luscious whipped topping; sweeten if desired.
• Egg Whites – Provide stability and a light texture; whip them to stiff peaks for the best results.
• Cream of Tartar – Acts as a stabilizer for the egg whites, ensuring they whip well.
• Shredded Coconut – Introduces a tropical texture and flavor; you can choose sweetened or unsweetened based on preference.
For the Topping
• Fresh Diced Strawberries – Brighten and contrast the pie’s sweetness; mix with sugar for a drizzle if you like extra sweetness.
Let’s bring this delightful White Christmas Pie to life!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for White Christmas Pie
Step 1: Prepare Crust
Start by freezing the unsalted butter while you combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and granulated sugar in a food processor for about 30 seconds. Once combined, add the cold vegetable shortening and the frozen butter, pulsing until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually pour in the ice-cold water until a dough starts to form. Shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your pie plate. Carefully transfer the crust into the plate and trim the edges. Chill the crust for another 15 minutes, then line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes, remove the weights, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make Filling
While the crust cools, bloom the unflavored gelatin in a small bowl with cold water for about 5 minutes. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt with whole milk over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling and thickened, remove from heat, incorporate the bloomed gelatin, and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Fold in Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form as well. Once the milk mixture is cool, gently fold in the whipped cream, the beaten egg whites, and shredded coconut. Use a spatula for a light touch, avoiding over-mixing to ensure the filling remains airy and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble Pie
Pour the coconut filling into the cooled pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top for a polished look, then cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely. This wait allows the white Christmas pie to achieve its ideal creamy texture.
Step 6: Prepare Toppings
When ready to serve, whip additional heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks and decorate the top of the pie generously. For the strawberry sauce, mix fresh diced strawberries with a bit of confectioners’ sugar in a bowl. Allow them to macerate for 10 minutes, enhancing their sweetness and releasing juices.
Step 7: Serve
Slice your beautiful White Christmas Pie into generous servings. Plate each slice with a drizzle of the strawberry sauce on top. The refreshing strawberries beautifully complement the rich, creamy filling, making each bite an irresistible holiday delight.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your White Christmas Pie ahead of time is an excellent way to save time during the busy holiday season! You can make the pie crust up to 3 days in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. The coconut filling can also be prepared up to 24 hours ahead; simply pour it into the cooled crust and refrigerate it to set. To maintain the pie’s quality, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent any absorption of odors in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just whip the cream and top with fresh strawberries, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes just as delicious as if you made it all in one day!
What to Serve with White Christmas Pie?
As you prepare to slice into the creamy indulgence of this festive dessert, consider complementing its flavors with some delightful pairings.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the pie. A perfect holiday side!
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Savory Green Beans Almondine: The crunchy almonds and tender beans add a fresh, nutty note, balancing the sweet creaminess of the pie.
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Herb-Infused Roast Chicken: A juicy roast chicken brings a savory touch that enhances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded meal for any occasion.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are ideal for soaking up any leftover pie filling while adding a touch of comfort to your holiday table.
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Mixed Green Salad: Toss together crisp greens, citrus segments, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast that brightens the meal.
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Sparkling White Wine: A glass of chilled sparkling wine complements the pie’s sweetness while adding a touch of celebration to your gathering.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Indulge in this decadent dessert pairing; the richness of chocolate beautifully complements coconut flavors.
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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over a slice of pie, enhancing its tropical essence.
These pairings will create a memorable holiday feast that dazzles your taste buds and brings loved ones together in delicious harmony!
How to Store and Freeze White Christmas Pie
Fridge: Store leftover White Christmas Pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it refrigerated to maintain its creamy texture and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of the pie in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, transfer them to the fridge and thaw overnight before serving. For a quick option, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating: It’s best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the filling without melting the crust.
White Christmas Pie Variations & Substitutions
When it comes to the White Christmas Pie, the joy is in personalizing it to suit your taste buds!
- Coconut Extract: Substitute almond extract with coconut extract for a more pronounced coconut flavor and aroma.
- White Chocolate Twist: Replace shredded coconut with white chocolate chips for a luxurious, creamy flavor twist that’s irresistible!
- Berry Boost: Use fresh raspberries or blueberries on top instead of strawberries for a colorful and tangy contrast.
- Chocolate Cream: For a chocolaty delight, add cocoa powder to the cream before whipping it, creating a rich chocolatey topping.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top to add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a more natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with coconut.
- Layering Flavor: Add a layer of raspberry or passion fruit puree between the meringue and coconut filling for an exotic flavor burst.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, plant-based milk, and a vegan egg replacer for a delicious vegan version of this festive pie.
Feel free to explore these variations, and if you’re looking for more inspiration, consider pairing this pie with a comforting White Chicken Chili to complete your holiday menu!
Expert Tips for the Best White Christmas Pie
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Chill Ingredients: Keep your butter and shortening ice cold to ensure a flaky pie crust. Warm fat can lead to a dense and tough crust, which is not ideal.
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Whip Wisely: Beat egg whites until they reach stiff peaks for a light filling. Over-whipping can lead to dryness, while under-whipping won’t provide enough volume.
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Gentle Folding: When mixing your filling, fold in the whipped cream and egg whites lightly. This helps maintain the airy texture that’s essential for the creamy White Christmas Pie.
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Gelatin Blooming: Always bloom unflavored gelatin for a few minutes in cold water before heating. This ensures it dissolves completely, giving your filling a stable structure.
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Taste and Adjust: Depending on your sweet preference, don’t hesitate to reduce sugar in the filling or use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet dessert.
White Christmas Pie Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose ripe strawberries for the topping?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any with dull or dark spots, as these might be overripe. If you’re unsure, a little squeeze should reveal whether they’re juicy and ready to eat—just not too hard!
How should I store leftover White Christmas Pie?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled will help maintain the creamy texture. If it hardens slightly, don’t worry; just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I freeze White Christmas Pie?
Yes! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes!
What do I do if my pie crust is too thick or uneven?
No problem! If you find your crust is too thick, simply roll it out on a lightly floured surface, ensuring an even thickness, about 1/8 inch. If it’s uneven, don’t stress—just pinch the edges to make it a bit more uniform. Remember, practice makes perfect, and a homemade crust adds character!
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Very! To make a gluten-free White Christmas Pie, swap the all-purpose flour in the crust for gluten-free flour. Look for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, which should work beautifully. Just remember to check the labels of your other ingredients, particularly the baking powder and extracts.
Are there any dietary considerations for guests with allergies?
Indeed! This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and coconut, so be cautious when serving guests with allergies. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter substitute for the crust. If you need to avoid eggs, using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can work wonders as a binding agent!
Delicious White Christmas Pie to Brighten Your Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare Crust - Freeze the unsalted butter. Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add shortening and frozen butter, pulse until crumbs form. Gradually add ice-cold water; shape into a disk and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Bake Crust - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough, transfer to pie plate, trim edges, chill for another 15 minutes. Line with parchment paper, fill with weights, bake for 20 minutes, remove weights, bake for another 15 minutes until golden. Cool on wire rack.
- Step 3: Make Filling - Bloom gelatin in cold water. Stir together sugar, flour, and salt with milk in saucepan over medium heat, bring to gentle boil. Remove from heat, add gelatin, cool to room temperature.
- Step 4: Fold in Ingredients - Whip cream to stiff peaks. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream, egg whites, and coconut into cooled milk mixture.
- Step 5: Assemble Pie - Pour filling into cooled crust, smooth top, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 6: Prepare Toppings - Whip additional cream to stiff peaks. For strawberry sauce, mix strawberries with confectioners' sugar, let sit for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve - Slice pie and plate each slice with strawberry sauce.