Cushion Pie Recipe

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Cushion Pie is more than just a name; it’s a concept that brings together a velvety filling, irresistible flavor combinations, and just the right amount of indulgence to make every bite feel luxurious. The playful name alone invites creativity, and with a recipe this versatile, you can easily make it your own.

How to make Cushion Pie

Cushion Pie is a soft, fluffy dessert pie that has a light, airy texture — like a cushion — often made with whipped egg whites, marshmallows, or whipped cream folded into a filling.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness in the crust)
• ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 egg yolks
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for added richness)
• Optional: a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth (perfect if served during autumn)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your hands, a pastry blender, or a food processor to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while mixing until the dough comes together (but remains slightly dry, not sticky).
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges, then chill the crust for another 15 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Poke the crust with a fork to prevent puffing, line it with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar dissolves—do not let it boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together until smooth.
3. Gradually ladle some of the warm milk mixture into the yolks to temper them, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
4. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter. Mix until the butter melts completely, leaving the filling silky smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth out with a spatula.
• Let the pie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream: Pipe or spread a layer across the top of the pie for an extra “cushiony” feel.
• Fruit: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples for bursts of flavor and color.
• Shaved chocolate: Sprinkle on top for a touch of decadence.

Tips for Success

• Keep everything cold during crust preparation: This ensures a flaky, buttery texture.
• Patience with the filling: Stir constantly and keep the heat low to avoid lumps or burning.
• Allow time to chill: The cushion pie is best served cold so the filling has time to fully set.
• Experiment with flavors: You can enhance the filling with extracts (almond, coconut, etc.) or spices to suit different seasons and tastes!

What to serve with

• Serving Cushion Pie is an opportunity to create the perfect pairing that complements its creamy, luscious texture and enhances its overall flavor.
• Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee (black or with milk) is a classic pairing, as the bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Tea: Serve light herbal teas like chamomile, mint, or jasmine if you want a calming accompaniment. Earl Grey or spiced chai teas pair beautifully with warm cinnamon or nutmeg flavors if those spices are incorporated in the pie.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, pair the Cushion Pie with creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

Dessert Wine:

• If you’re serving the pie at a formal event, pair it with a sweet fortified wine, like a Tawny Port, Madeira, or Moscato.
• Cold Milk/Shaken Milk Drinks: A glass of cold milk or lightly sweetened almond/coconut milk is a simple option, especially for children or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cushion Pie is a delightful pie with a soft filling encased in a flaky pastry. It’s possible to modify this recipe based on dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or personal preferences.

1. Crust/Pastry Dough Substitutes

The crust forms the base of the pie. Substitutes can target health concerns or dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, or lower-calorie options.

a. All-Purpose Flour Substitute

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a blend of gluten-free flour (e.g., almond flour, rice flour, or a commercial gluten-free baking mix). Add xanthan gum or psyllium husk to improve elasticity.
• Whole-Grain Flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Nut Flour: Use almond flour for a low-carb option, but mix it with a binding agent like tapioca flour for structure.

b. Butter Substitute

• Vegan Butter: Choose plant-based alternatives like margarine or coconut oil.
• Shortening: Use vegetable shortening for a dairy-free option.
• Greek Yogurt: Lower-fat option for soft crust; best combined with olive oil.

c. Liquid Substitute (Milk or Water)

• Replace with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for dairy-free options.

2. Filling Base Substitutes

The creamy filling is the heart of the Cushion Pie. Substitutes depend on texture, flavor, and dietary needs.

a. Cream or Milk Substitute

• Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or oat milk can replace cream or milk.
• Evaporated Milk: For a richer taste, consider using dairy-free alternatives like coconut evaporated milk or cashew cream.
• Heavy Cream Substitute: Use whipped coconut cream for a vegan substitute.

b. Egg Substitute

Eggs act as a thickener for the filling. If you are vegan or allergic to eggs, try these:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water for each egg.
• Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg needed.
• Applesauce: ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce equals one egg.
• Store-Bought Egg Replacer: Commercial egg substitutes work efficiently.

c. Sugar Substitute

Natural Sweeteners: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a mild sweetness.

Artificial Sweeteners: Erythritol, Stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for low-calorie options.

Coconut Sugar: Adds a richer, caramel-like taste while being less refined.

d. Thickening Agent Substitutes

Cornstarch is commonly used to thicken the filling. Alternatives include:

• Arrowroot Powder: Works similarly to cornstarch.
• Potato Starch: Especially good for gluten-free recipes.
• Tapioca Starch: Adds a slightly chewy texture.

3. Flavor Enhancer Substitutes

The pie can be customized with different flavor profiles. Common substitute ideas include:

a. Vanilla Extract

• Almond Extract: Provides a nutty flavor.
• Maple Extract: Offers a warm, earthy sweetness.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: A richer and more intense vanilla flavor.

b. Spices

• Nutmeg Alternative: Use allspice or a mix of cinnamon and cloves.
• Cinnamon Optional Substitutes: Sub with cardamom or pumpkin spice for a unique twist.

4. Topping Substitutes

Some Cushion Pie recipes call for whipped cream or decorative toppings. Here are some alternatives:

a. Whipped Cream

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Blend chilled coconut cream for a vegan, airy topping.
• Cashew Cream: A creamy, nut-based option.
• Aquafaba Whipped Cream: Whip chickpea water for a surprisingly fluffy, vegan alternative to traditional whipped cream.

b. Garnish

• Fresh Fruit: Substitute dried fruit or candied nuts for a unique topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Replace with erythritol powder for a sugar-free option.
• Chocolate Shavings: Replace with grated dark chocolate or cacao nibs for a healthy twist.

Final Thoughts

Cushion Pie lends itself well to versatile pairings, so you can serve it with casual simplicity or elevate it with gourmet touches depending on the occasion.

More Pie Recipes:

• Checkers Pie Recipe
• Copycat Paula Deen’s Blackberry Pie Recipe
• Copycat KFC Pie Poppers Recipe
• Oreo Sandwich Cookie Pie Recipe