The allure of vanilla pudding is expertly complemented by the unmistakable flavour profile of amaretto liqueur, subtly enhanced by notes of almonds and cinnamon in this show-stopping no-bake amaretto cream pie. With only boxed vanilla pudding as a convenience factor, the rest of this Italian-inspired masterpiece is delightfully homemade, including the crispy almond crust. This dessert is sure to earn repeat appearances on your menu.
How to Make No Bake Almond Amaretto Pie
To create the crust for this amaretto cream pie, blend a portion of almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine, sandy texture. Then, combine them with sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour in a bowl. Next, incorporate the butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers if you don’t have the former. Press this crust mixture into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a deep dish pie pan, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Bake the crust until golden brown, then allow it to cool completely.Once the crust is set, it’s time to prepare the amaretto cream pie filling. Begin by combining gelatin with water in a bowl, allowing it to sit for a brief period. Afterward, whisk heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. In a separate mixture, combine pudding, milk, and amaretto. Gently fold most of the whipped cream into this mixture, reserving some for topping.Next, pour the pie filling into the prepared crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Refrigerate the pie for several hours or overnight to allow the filling to set properly. It’s crucial not to skip this step, as an improperly set filling will result in a gloopy mess rather than a smooth custard texture.When you’re ready to serve this Italian-inspired dessert, top it with sliced almonds, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries for a visually appealing and delicious treat.
A Closer Look at Amaretto Liqueur
When incorporating amaretto liqueur into your dessert recipe, you may be curious about the nuances of this distinctive ingredient. While Disaronno is arguably the most well-known amaretto brand, there are other options available as well. As an almond-based liqueur, amaretto lends a unique flavor profile that can elevate a wide range of sweet and savory creations, from decadent desserts to indulgent after-dinner coffee pairings. Interestingly, traditional amaretto production often involves apricot kernels, although some recipes may substitute almonds for their rich, nutty flavor.
Amaretto Whipped Cream Pie FAQs
While it’s best to serve the almond amaretto pie immediately after making it, you can prepare it a day or two in advance. However, wait until just before serving to add the nuts, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries to ensure they remain fresh and visually appealing. As for modifying the recipe, you can create an alcohol-free version by substituting amaretto liqueur with amaretto extract. Start with a couple of teaspoons and adjust to taste, considering the brand’s suggested replacement ratio if necessary. Alternatively, experiment with different pudding flavors like coconut cream or lemon pudding to give your pie a unique twist. You can also swap out the amaretto for other liqueurs such as Malibu rum, Limoncello, or Kahlua, allowing you to create a custom flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
Amaretto Cream Pie with Almond Crust Recipe
Amaretto Cream Pie with Almond Crust
Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent dessert that captures the unmistakable essence of amaretto liqueur. This no-bake amaretto cream pie with an almond crust is sure to impress, and the best part? It’s completely homemade, apart from one boxed ingredient – vanilla pudding. The result is an Italian-inspired treat that will leave you weak in the knees. With only 30 minutes of prep time and a chill time of just one hour, this dessert is surprisingly effortless to prepare. In fact, the total time required is just 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick indulgence or a special occasion. And with eight servings to go around, you can share the love (or not!) – whatever your preference, this no-bake amaretto cream pie is sure to be a hit.
Instructions
To create the perfect pie crust, start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor, grind 1 cup of roasted almonds into a fine texture that resembles sand. Then, in a bowl, combine the sandy almonds with sugar, cinnamon, salt, and gluten-free flour. Add cold butter to the mixture and use your hands or a pastry cutter to work it into the almond mixture until it’s well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and halfway up the sides of an 8-10 inch pie pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.Once your pie crust is cooled, you can begin making the filling. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine gelatin and cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until almost stiff peaks form. Then, place the gelatin mixture in the microwave for 3-5 seconds to liquefy it. Once it’s liquid but not hot, turn the mixer back on high speed and slowly drizzle the gelatin into the whipped cream. Whip until you achieve stiff peaks.In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding, milk, and Amaretto. Fold in about ¾ of the whipped cream until well combined. Pour the pie filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Let it chill for at least 4 hours before serving. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle ⅓ cup of sliced almonds over the top of the pie, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Use the remaining whipped cream to pipe little swirls around the edges of the pie. Finally, add one cherry on top of each swirl of whipped cream.
Notes
When working with almonds of varying types, such as salted, unsalted, or lightly salted, the amount of salt required for the crust may differ. To ensure the desired level of saltiness, it’s essential to taste the crust mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Additionally, if you’re opting for a gluten-free crust, consider using a high-quality gluten-free cup-for-cup flour substitute that provides a one-to-one ratio with traditional flours, allowing for seamless incorporation into your recipe.