Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
360 | 24g | 14g | 30g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
20g | 1g | 5g | 0.2g |
When I first encountered the idea of a Durian Cream Pie, I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. Durian is often dubbed the “king of fruits,” but it’s also infamous for its polarizing aroma and unique taste. However, the creamy texture and rich flavor profile of the durian made it a fascinating ingredient to experiment with in desserts. And that’s how this glorious Durian Cream Pie came to be one of my most unexpected favorites.
A Southern Twist
Growing up in Texas, my culinary world revolved around vibrant Tex-Mex flavors and hearty Southern comfort food. Traditional Southern cooking often leans heavily on indulgent desserts, usually rich and creamy—think pecan pie or banana pudding. So, merging those creamy textures with the exotic and unusual taste of durian was an exciting challenge for me.
Health Benefits
What many people may not realize is that durian is packed with various health benefits. Rich in healthy fats, dietary fibers, and essential nutrients, it’s known to promote good digestion and provide a natural energy boost. Pairing these benefits with the calcium from the cream cheese and the heavy whipping cream in this recipe makes for a dessert that is both delicious and nutritious, in moderation of course.
Texture-wise, this pie is similar to a no-bake cheesecake or a creamy custard pie. The graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch, balancing out the smooth and velvety filling. You might say this dessert shares a kinship with dishes like Key Lime Pie or even a classic Lemon Icebox Pie, but with an exotic twist that will make it the star of any dinner party.
This Durian Cream Pie could be a surprising yet delightful addition to a dessert spread that already includes diverse options like Strawberry Shortcake or Pecan Pie. It stands out yet complements a range of flavors, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fresh durian pulp
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step Two
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Step Three
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Step Four
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step Five
In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step Six
Add 1 cup fresh durian pulp to the cream cheese and blend until well combined.
Step Seven
In a separate bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Step Eight
Gently fold the whipped cream into the durian mixture.
Step Nine
Add 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step Ten
Pour the durian cream filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.
Step Eleven
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.
Step Twelve
Serve the durian cream pie chilled. Enjoy!