Banana Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie is a classic dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face. With its creamy filling, sweet bananas, and crunchy graham cracker crust, this delightful pie is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a comforting treat at home. It balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with a velvety custard, making each bite a delightful experience.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Servings: 8 servings
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 320
• Protein: 4g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 48g per serving
• Fat: 12g per serving
• Fiber: 2g per serving
• Sugar: 21g per serving
• Sodium: 150mg per serving

Why Make This Banana Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic treat that evokes childhood memories for many. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor highlight the deliciousness of bananas, making it a favorite among dessert lovers. Plus, this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. The combination of the crunchy crust and the smooth filling creates a delightful contrast that is satisfying to both the eyes and the palate.

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

Creating a Banana Cream Pie is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon have an impressive pie ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 graham cracker crust
• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Mixing

Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously. This ensures there are no lumps in your custard.

Step 3: Cooking

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble. This step is crucial for achieving the right custard consistency.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Layering

Slice the bananas and layer them evenly in the graham cracker crust. This adds a natural sweetness and wonderful texture to your pie.

Step 6: Pouring the Filling

Pour the custard filling over the bananas, ensuring it spreads evenly. This will coat the bananas beautifully and add a delicious creaminess.

Step 7: Chilling

Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This helps the filling set and enhances the flavors.

Step 8: Serving

Serve topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It adds a light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich filling.

How to Serve Banana Cream Pie

Serve slices of Banana Cream Pie chilled, garnished generously with whipped cream. For an extra special touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor. It’s a fantastic dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests!

How to Store Banana Cream Pie

To keep your Banana Cream Pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 days for optimal texture and flavor. If you need to make it ahead of time, consider adding the whipped cream just before serving to keep it from becoming soggy in the fridge.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Cream Pie

• Ensure your bananas are perfectly ripe. They should be yellow with maybe a few brown spots; that’s when they’re sweetest.
• Stir constantly during the cooking step to avoid lumps or sticking.
• For a richer flavor, you can substitute half the milk with half-and-half.
• Always use fresh whipped cream; it elevates the pie and makes it feel more luxurious.
• If you like a bit of crunch, consider toasting the graham cracker crust before adding the filling.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Incorporate chocolate pudding in place of part of the custard for a chocolate twist.
• Nutty Layer: Add a layer of crushed walnuts or pecans over the bananas for an added crunch.
• Coconut Flavors: Mix coconut milk into the pie filling for a tropical version.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the custard filling for a rich and delicious flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other types of crust?
  Yes! Feel free to experiment with a traditional pie crust or an Oreo crust for a different flavor profile.

• How can I make this gluten-free?
  Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or coconut crust.

• Can I freeze Banana Cream Pie?
  It’s not recommended to freeze the whole pie because the texture of the custard may change. However, you can freeze the filling separately and assemble it fresh later.

• How can I prevent bananas from browning?
  Sprinkle the sliced bananas with a little lemon juice; this will help prevent browning.

• Can this pie be made a day ahead?
  Yes, it can be made the day before, just remember to add the whipped cream right before serving for freshness.

Conclusion

Banana Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of simplicity and comfort. With its creamy custard, sweet bananas, and crunchy crust, it’s a treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, this pie is sure to please. Gather your ingredients, and dive into the joy of baking this classic dessert that will inevitably become a beloved recipe in your home!

Banana Cream Pie

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 270 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic dessert featuring a creamy filling, sweet bananas, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 graham cracker crust
• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
2. Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Slice the bananas and layer them in the graham cracker crust.
6. Pour the custard filling over the bananas, ensuring even coverage.
7. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
8. Serve topped with whipped cream.

Notes

For optimal freshness, add whipped cream just before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg