The Quest for Pudding Perfection
Embarking on the journey to create a paleo-friendly vanilla pudding, the author recounts past struggles with thickeners like arrowroot and tapioca starch,
which often resulted in unappealing textures. After numerous attempts, including a particularly slimy pudding that even a child found unappetizing, a solution emerged from a social media query: gelatin. This revelation, despite the author's prior use of gelatin in marshmallows, proved to be the key. This breakthrough paved the way for the development of a successful grain-free and dairy-free Banana Cream Pie, born from persistent experimentation and a desire for a healthier dessert alternative.
Crafting the Flavorful Crust
The foundation of this delightful pie begins with a simple yet satisfying grain-free crust. This base is expertly prepared by combining melted coconut oil, finely ground almond flour, a touch of honey for natural sweetness, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients are thoroughly mixed until a cohesive dough forms. This mixture is then pressed evenly into a standard 9-inch pie plate, ensuring a uniform layer. The crust is then baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until it achieves a light golden hue, signaling its readiness to cradle the creamy filling.
Creating Silky Banana Pudding
The heart of this pie is its luscious dairy-free pudding, a triumph over previous textural challenges. The process involves heating a combination of almond milk, honey, salt, and egg yolks in a saucepan until it reaches a boil. Simultaneously, powdered gelatin is bloomed in a separate, smaller amount of almond milk. The bloomed gelatin mixture is then whisked into the boiling pudding base until fully dissolved, followed by a brief cooking period. After removing from heat, coconut oil (or butter) and vanilla extract are incorporated until smooth. The mixture is then chilled for several hours, stirring periodically, until it thickens. Finally, sliced bananas are gently folded into the thickened pudding before it's poured into the pre-baked crust, with any excess pudding reserved for separate enjoyment.
Topping with Toasted Meringue
To complete this wholesome dessert, a light and airy meringue is prepared. This topping is created by vigorously beating egg whites with a tiny pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. A small amount of honey, typically 1.5 to 2 tablespoons, is then gradually beaten into the egg whites until the peaks remain firm. This fluffy meringue is then artfully spread over the chilled banana pudding layer. For a final touch of deliciousness and visual appeal, the pie is placed under the broiler until the meringue achieves a beautifully browned, toasted finish. It's crucial to watch the meringue closely during broiling, as it can transition from golden to burnt very quickly. After a brief cooling period, the pie is ready to be savored.
