Today is Bavarian Cream Pie Day (Nov 27). I will make a Bavarian cream pie to enjoy. Its rich flavor and creamy texture always satisfy me.
Contents
Bavarian cream pie recipe
Bavarian cream pie is a delightful dessert from Germany. It combines a rich, creamy filling with a crust made from graham crackers or pastry. The filling is Bavarian cream. This custard is made from crème anglaise, gelatin, and whipped cream. This results in a smooth and airy texture.
This Bavarian cream pie is silky, creamy, and light, similar to a mousse. The smooth filling and the crust create a satisfying contrast. The sweetness is balanced. Whipped cream adds airy lightness, making each bite indulgent yet not heavy.
Here is how to make the Bavarian cream pie:
Bavarian cream pie
A classic European dessert with the perfect balance between Bavarian cream filling and a pastry crust. It's an elegant choice for special occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Filling
- 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream whipped
Topping
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Prepare the crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the filling
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale. Gradually pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring, until thickened (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, stir in bloomed gelatin, and let cool to room temperature. Add vanilla extract.
Make the pie
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Top with fresh berries and whipped cream, if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- To save time, a store-bought pie crust can be used.
- For a twist, substitute vanilla extract with almond extract.
How to serve and pair
Paring suggestions
You can elevate your Bavarian cream pie experience with these creative drink pairings.
- The tropical swimming pool cocktail adds a tropical twist. It pairs well with coconut-flavored pies.
- Bavarian cream pie martini combines creamy elements with a fruity profile. Shake the martini with ice and serve it chilled.
- Kirsch royale adds a fruity and effervescent touch. It contrasts with the creamy pie and can be garnished with a maraschino cherry.
- Bavarian coffee complements the pie’s richness with coffee flavor. It includes a hint of peppermint and can be topped with whipped cream.
- Rosé sangria enhances the pie’s fruity notes. It combines well with fresh fruit flavors.
- Raspberry beer offers a refreshing contrast to the pie’s sweetness. It echoes the berry flavors in the dessert.
Serving suggestions
Bavarian cream pie can be served in various ways:
- Ice cream or sorbet creates a delightful dessert experience. It combines contrasting textures and temperatures with the pie.
- Fruit compotes and purees, like raspberry, strawberry, or mango, add a refreshing contrast to its creamy texture.
- Chocolate and caramel sauces:
- Chocolate sauce elevates the richness of the pie.
- Salted caramel provides a delightful sweetness.
- Whipped cream adds creaminess to the pie. It also enhances its visual appeal.
- Nuts and shavings:
- Toasted nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, add texture to the pie.
- Chocolate shavings provide an additional layer of flavor.
- Layered desserts: Bavarian cream alternates with cake pieces and fruits in layered desserts. This creates visually appealing and delicious trifles.
- Cheese platters featuring soft cheeses create a balance between sweet and savory flavors.
Variations
Here are some popular variations and their characteristics:
- Chocolate Bavarian Cream Pie: The pie incorporates cocoa powder or melted chocolate into custard. Toppings include chocolate shavings or whipped cream.
- Fruit Addition: This pie includes raspberry, strawberry, or mango flavors made from fresh fruit purees. Its texture provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
- Banana Bavarian Cream Pie: Layers of sliced bananas are included in the cream filling. The flavor combines the sweetness of bananas with a creamy texture.
- Bavarian Cream Coconut Pie: The filling features coconut milk or shredded coconut. The taste offers a tropical twist on the classic pie.
- Nutty Variations: The crust uses crushed nuts like pecans or almonds mixed with butter. The filling can include chopped nuts for added texture.
- Liqueur-Infusion: The cream is flavored with liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto. Garnishes include complementary fruits or chocolate.
