Banana Cream Pie

Why Make This Banana Cream Pie

Banana cream pie is a beloved classic, and for good reason! This dessert is creamy, sweet, and bursting with the delightful flavor of ripe bananas. Each bite delivers a smooth and velvety texture, complemented by the crunch of a buttery pie crust. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a simple weeknight treat. The combination of fluffy whipped cream and sweet custard makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

Making banana cream pie is simpler than you might think. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. The creamy custard pairs beautifully with fresh bananas, and the whipped cream on top adds a luscious finish. Best of all, this pie can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy it without the last-minute stress.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Let cool slightly.
3. Slice the bananas and layer half in the bottom of the pie crust.
4. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
5. Layer the remaining bananas on top and add the rest of the pudding.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
7. Whip the heavy cream and spread it over the pie before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 slice, approximate values):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 3g

How to Serve Banana Cream Pie

Banana cream pie is best served chilled. For a touch of elegance, garnish each slice with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a few sliced bananas on top. This dessert brightens up any dinner table, making it perfect for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy family dinner.

How to Store Banana Cream Pie

To keep your banana cream pie fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but the bananas may darken over time. If you want to enjoy it for longer, consider storing the custard and pie crust separately and assembling the pie just before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Cream Pie

• Choose ripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Let the custard cool: Cooling the custard slightly before layering the bananas prevents them from getting too mushy.
• Whip the cream just before serving: Whipping the cream just before serving keeps it fluffy and light, avoiding any chance of it deflating.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a chocolate version.
• Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the layers for added crunch and flavor.
• Coconut Cream Pie: Mix in shredded coconut into the custard for a tropical twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a pre-made one?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of your pie. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to your recipe to ensure it’s crisp.

2. How can I prevent bananas from browning?
To slow down the browning process, you can toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering them in the pie. This adds a slight citrus flavor while keeping them looking fresh.

3. Is it okay to make this pie a day in advance?
Yes, you can make this pie the day before you plan to serve it. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the whipped cream topping just before serving to ensure it stays light and fluffy.

Conclusion

Banana cream pie is a delightful dessert that brings sweetness and nostalgia to any occasion. With its creamy layers, fresh bananas, and whipped cream topping, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of comfort that feels like a warm hug. Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know how it turned out!

Banana Cream Pie

A classic dessert featuring creamy custard, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pie

• 1 pre-made pie crust 1 pre-made pie crust You can also use a homemade crust if preferred.
• 4 pieces 4 ripe bananas Choose bananas that are perfectly ripe for best flavor.

For the Custard

• 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream Whip just before serving.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons butter

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Let cool slightly.
3. Slice the bananas and layer half in the bottom of the pie crust.
4. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
5. Layer the remaining bananas on top and add the rest of the pudding.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
7. Whip the heavy cream and spread it over the pie before serving.

Notes

Banana cream pie is best served chilled. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional whipped cream and chocolate shavings or sliced bananas. To keep fresh, cover with plastic wrap or foil and store in refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider assembling just before serving.