There’s so much more to a fluffy pie than the perfect whipped cream topping. When making custard or pudding fillings for pies, such as for banana cream or coconut cream pie, it's important to incorporate air to make them lighter. This can be achieved by gently folding whipped cream or beaten egg whites into the filling mixture before pouring it into the pie crust.
Moreover, a light and flaky crust can enhance the overall fluffiness of your pie. Use a recipe that incorporates butter or shortening and involves techniques like cutting fat into flour until pea-sized crumbs form. Chilling the dough before rolling it out and avoiding overworking the dough can also help create a tender and airy crust. If you want to make a really fluffy pie, you must choose the right one. Here are the fluffiest pies you can make at home.
Banana Cream Pie
Banana cream pie combines velvety custard, fresh bananas, and a cloud-like whipped cream topping. The key to its fluffy texture lies in the luscious custard filling, which is made by cooking together milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until thickened. Once cooled, the custard is layered with sliced bananas in a pre-baked pie crust and topped with a generous layer of whipped cream. The whipped cream not only adds lightness but also provides a creamy contrast to the smooth custard and tender bananas.
Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pie is a tropical number known for its airy coconut custard filling and billowy whipped cream topping. To achieve its fluffy texture, coconut cream pie often incorporates shredded coconut into the custard base, infusing it with rich coconut flavor and texture. The custard is typically made by simmering coconut milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until thickened and creamy. Once cooled, the custard is poured into a pre-baked pie crust and chilled until set. Just before serving, the pie is generously topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes, adding an extra layer of indulgence and aroma.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate cream pie is a chocolate lover's dream, featuring a velvety chocolate custard filling and a cloud-like whipped cream topping. The key to its fluffy texture lies in the rich and creamy chocolate custard, which is made by melting chocolate with milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until thickened and smooth. The custard is then poured into a pre-baked pie crust and chilled until set. Just before serving, the pie is generously topped with whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie is a zesty confection featuring tangy lemon curd filling and a towering cloud of fluffy meringue topping. The pie's signature fluffiness comes from the light and airy meringue, which is made by whipping egg whites with sugar until glossy peaks form. The lemon curd filling, made from freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch, provides a tart and creamy contrast to the sweet meringue. Once assembled, the pie is baked until the meringue is lightly golden and toasted, creating a striking visual contrast to the bright yellow filling. The textural interplay between the fluffy meringue and creamy lemon curd is its biggest USP.