Banana cream pie is a classic dessert that brings the warmth of nostalgia to your kitchen. With its rich, creamy filling, fresh bananas, and a tender pie crust, this pie is a testament to the simple pleasures of life. It’s a dessert that has stood the test of time, found at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and quiet moments after dinner. If you’re looking to whip up something that will impress friends and family while also hitting that sweet spot of comfort food, then this old-fashioned banana cream pie is just what you need. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless recipes out there, but there’s something inherently special about this old-fashioned banana cream pie. It checks all the right boxes—creamy, sweet, fruity, and perfectly comforting. Here’s why this recipe is sure to be your new favorite:
- Timeless Flavor: The classic combination of bananas and cream never goes out of style.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like making a pie from scratch; your family will appreciate your efforts.
- Versatile Treat: This pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or a simple weeknight dessert.
- Easy to Customize: Add your twist with different toppings or additional flavors like chocolate or nuts!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful banana cream pie, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for baking. For a homemade crust, roll out the dough, fit it into a pie pan, and bake it according to your recipe until it’s golden brown. Allow the crust to cool before filling.
2. Make the Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add whole milk, stirring constantly over medium heat. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
4. Add Vanilla
Cook the mixture for another minute until it thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Pie
Slice two bananas and layer them on the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Pour the banana cream filling over the bananas, smoothing it out. Slice the remaining banana and place the slices decoratively on top.
6. Chill the Pie
<pCover the pie with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.
7. Serve with Whipped Cream
When ready to serve, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed nuts if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Banana cream pie is best served chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Here are some tips for serving and storing:
- Serving: Serve the pie cold right from the fridge. If you prefer, you can cut and plate individual slices topped with whipped cream.
- Storage: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2-3 days. Note that the bananas may brown slightly over time.
Helpful Tips
- Using ripe bananas will enhance the sweetness and flavor of your pie. Make sure they have plenty of spots on the skin for the best result.
- To prevent browning, you can toss banana slices with a little lemon juice before layering them in the pie.
- If you like a little crunch, consider adding crushed nuts or graham cracker crumbs on top of the whipped cream.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of crust for my banana cream pie?
Absolutely! While a traditional pie crust works perfectly, you can experiment with graham cracker crusts or even a cookie crust for a different flavor profile.
2. How do I prevent my bananas from browning in the pie?
To keep your bananas looking fresh, toss them in a small amount of lemon juice before layering them in the pie. This will help slow down the oxidation process.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be made a day ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator, covered, and let it chill for at least four hours before serving.
4. What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with equal amounts of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that flour may thicken the filling slightly differently than cornstarch.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free banana cream pie, use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure your cornstarch and any other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
There you have it—the perfect recipe for an old-fashioned banana cream pie that is sure to wow everyone at your next gathering. With its velvety texture, sweet banana slices, and a crisp crust, this pie is a delicious reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, taking the time to create this treat is well worth the effort. So gather your ingredients, follow our easy instructions, and savor every creamy bite of this timeless dessert!
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Irresistible OldFashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe Youll Love
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Savor this irresistible recipe for oldfashioned banana cream pie Perfect layers of creamy filling and fresh bananas await your taste buds
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- hours: 4
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 24 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 4 grams