The Grapefruit Paloma Pie is a delightful summer dessert inspired by the popular Paloma cocktail. With layers of creamy panna cotta and tangy grapefruit jelly atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, this visually stunning pie is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether for casual picnics or sophisticated dinner parties, it promises to be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Panna Cotta Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Grapefruit Jelly Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (strained)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced starfruit, grapefruit, or lime
- Meringue cookies
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- Make the Panna Cotta Layer:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, sugar, and lime zest over medium heat until the sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and mix in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set (about 3 hours).
- Prepare the Grapefruit Jelly Layer:
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Heat grapefruit juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then gently pour it over the panna cotta layer. Refrigerate until fully set (about 2-3 hours).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Decorate with fresh citrus slices, starfruit, or meringue cookies just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin C: 25% DV
Enjoy this light yet decadent treat as a refreshing conclusion to any summer meal!
Exploring the Grapefruit Paloma Pie: A Vibrant Summer Dessert
The Grapefruit Paloma Pie is a celebration of flavors and textures, crafted to embody the essence of summer. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Paloma cocktail, this dessert artfully combines the tangy brightness of grapefruit, the creamy richness of panna cotta, and the crunch of a graham cracker crust. Its unique layers and bold flavors make it more than just a pie; it’s a conversation starter and centerpiece for any gathering.
The Inspiration Behind the Grapefruit Paloma Pie
The Paloma cocktail, with its invigorating mix of grapefruit, lime, and tequila, serves as the muse for this dessert. Known for its perfect balance of tart and sweet, the Paloma’s refreshing profile translates seamlessly into the layered design of the pie. By reimagining these flavors into a dessert format, the Grapefruit Paloma Pie offers a playful twist on a classic drink, appealing to those who enjoy citrusy delights and creamy indulgences.
Layers of Perfection
- The Crust
The base of this pie is a buttery graham cracker crust. Its crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy and jelly-like layers above. The addition of sugar enhances its sweetness, while the melted butter binds the crumbs into a sturdy foundation. Baking the crust not only locks in its structure but also imparts a toasty aroma that complements the pie’s bright citrus notes. - The Panna Cotta Layer
At the heart of this dessert lies the panna cotta layer, a silky and luxurious filling made with heavy cream and milk. Enhanced with lime zest and vanilla, this layer introduces a subtle tartness and floral aroma, bridging the gap between the sweet crust and the tangy grapefruit jelly. Its creamy texture melts in the mouth, providing a luscious counterpoint to the pie’s other components. - The Grapefruit Jelly Topping
The crowning glory of the Grapefruit Paloma Pie is the translucent grapefruit jelly layer. This vibrant topping not only captures the essence of fresh grapefruit juice but also adds a visually stunning finish. Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the panna cotta, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
A Versatile Showstopper
The beauty of the Grapefruit Paloma Pie lies in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or an elegant dinner party, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Its sophisticated appearance, with distinct layers and optional garnishes like starfruit slices or meringue cookies, makes it a standout dish on any dessert table. Moreover, its refreshing flavor profile makes it ideal for warm-weather occasions, providing a cooling and satisfying end to a meal.
Why It’s More Than Just a Dessert
The Grapefruit Paloma Pie isn’t merely a treat for the palate—it’s an experience. Each bite tells a story of meticulous layering and thoughtful flavor combinations. The interplay of creamy and tangy notes engages the senses, while its stunning presentation delights the eyes. For lovers of citrus and creamy desserts alike, this pie delivers a perfect fusion of indulgence and refreshment.
Tips for Perfecting the Grapefruit Paloma Pie
To elevate the experience of making and enjoying this pie, consider the following tips:
- Chill Between Layers: Ensuring each layer is fully set before adding the next is crucial for clean, defined layers.
- Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and quality vanilla extract enhance the pie’s flavor and aroma.
- Customization: Experiment with different garnishes to tailor the presentation to your event or personal taste.
- Portion Control: Serve in small slices to highlight the pie’s richness and prevent it from feeling overly heavy.
The Nutritional Balance
While indulgent, the Grapefruit Paloma Pie offers a relatively balanced profile compared to many other desserts. Its use of fresh citrus contributes to vitamin C content, and the moderate sweetness ensures it doesn’t overpower the palate. With approximately 280 calories per slice, it strikes a balance between decadence and lightness, making it a guilt-free treat for those mindful of their diet.
Conclusion
The Grapefruit Paloma Pie is a testament to the artistry of dessert-making. It brings together the invigorating spirit of a Paloma cocktail with the comforting familiarity of a pie, resulting in a dish that is as memorable as it is delicious. Whether you’re seeking a dessert to dazzle guests or a personal indulgence to savor, this pie delivers on all fronts. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors ensures it will be a favorite for years to come, solidifying its place as a quintessential summer dessert.
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Grapefruit Paloma Pie
Description
The Grapefruit Paloma Pie is a delightful summer dessert inspired by the popular Paloma cocktail. With layers of creamy panna cotta and tangy grapefruit jelly atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, this visually stunning pie is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether for casual picnics or sophisticated dinner parties, it promises to be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Panna Cotta Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Grapefruit Jelly Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (strained)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced starfruit, grapefruit, or lime
- Meringue cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- Make the Panna Cotta Layer:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, sugar, and lime zest over medium heat until the sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and mix in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set (about 3 hours).
- Prepare the Grapefruit Jelly Layer:
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Heat grapefruit juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then gently pour it over the panna cotta layer. Refrigerate until fully set (about 2-3 hours).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Decorate with fresh citrus slices, starfruit, or meringue cookies just before serving.
- Category: Desserts