Maple Lime Custard Pie with a Pecan Biscotti Crust and Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream

Use your hands to break 2 1/2 ounces ladyfingers into smaller pieces into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt over the broken pieces. Pulse in short bursts until the ladyfingers turn into fine crumbs. Add 1/2 cup pecan pieces and process until the mixture is homogenous. Add the melted butter and process until just combined.
Pour the crumbs into an ungreased 9-inch pie pan. Use your hands to spread the crumbs evenly throughout the 9-inch pie pan, before using your fingers to press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. You can use a small shot glass or a nifty pie tamper to smooth out any bumps. Transfer the pie pan to the freezer and freeze until solid, at least 10 minutes.
While the crust is freezing, center a rack in the oven and preheat to 375 (F).
Once the crust is frozen and the oven is preheated, place the pie pan containing the crust on a rimmed baking sheet and bake on the center oven rack for about 14 minutes, until lightly browned. If the crust slumps or cracks while baking, you can use a kitchen towel to gently push the crumbs back into place. Cool completely on a wire rack, before refrigerating the crust for 10 minutes prior to filling to set the crumbs.

First, prepare your crust by refrigerating for at least 10 minutes.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 (F).
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, freshly grated zest from 1/2 lime and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until well combined. Whisk in 4 large eggs and 1 large egg yolk one at a time, only adding the next egg when the previous one has been fully incorporated. Whisk in 1 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup heavy cream until the mixture is homogenous.
Place the chilled pie crust in the center of a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully pour the filling into the pie shell. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, before rotating the baking sheet 180 degrees and continuing to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The pie is finished when the edges are set and puffed slightly, and the center is no longer liquid but still wobbly. You can test this by using a butter knife to gently tap the pie plate and watching the custard. DO NOT OVERBAKE — doing so will separate the custard. The filling will continue to cook and set after the pie is removed from the oven. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, before topping with the crème fraîche whipped cream.

In the bowl of a freestanding electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 teaspoons granulated sugar. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Use a rubber spatula to fold in 1/2 cup crème fraîche until just blended.
Spoon the whipped cream over the top of the pie, and garnish with fresh lime zest. Serve immediately.

Get the Recipe: Maple Lime Custard Pie with a Pecan Biscotti Crust and Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream