Description
This creamy and lightly floral pie is made with foraged dandelion petals and a smooth vanilla custard filling. It’s a unique springtime dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. The dandelion flavor is subtle, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with a buttery crust and whipped cream topping.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1/4 tsp salt
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3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup sugar
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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4 large egg yolks
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 to 3/4 cup dandelion petals (green parts removed)
For Topping:
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Whipped cream (optional)
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Extra dandelion petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and flute the edges. Poke the bottom with a fork and line with parchment and pie weights.
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Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
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Make the filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, and dandelion petals. Heat until steaming, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain out petals.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the yolks. Return everything to the saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
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Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top.
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Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
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Top with whipped cream and extra petals before serving, if desired.
Notes
Be sure to use dandelions from areas free of pesticides or lawn chemicals.
Only use the yellow petals; the green parts can be bitter.
You can use a store-bought crust to save time.