Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This legendary Banana Cream Pie isn't just a recipe—it's a slice of pure happiness that will make your taste buds dance and your guests beg for seconds. With its silky smooth custard, perfectly ripe bananas, and cloud-like whipped cream, this pie is the ultimate comfort dessert that promises to elevate your baking skills and impress even the most discerning food critics.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust by pre-baking it according to package or recipe instructions. Allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended to prevent lumps in the custard.
- Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly temper the egg yolks by adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the custard from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer to a clean bowl and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cooled, about 1-2 hours.
- Slice the ripe bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange a layer of banana slices on the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
- Pour the cooled custard over the banana layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Add another layer of banana slices on top of the custard.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie, creating decorative peaks and swirls.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. This allows the custard to set and flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, you can garnish with additional banana slices or a light dusting of ground cinnamon if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm to ensure the best flavor and texture in your pie.
- To prevent banana browning, you can lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice before layering.
- Make sure to temper your egg yolks slowly to avoid creating scrambled eggs in your custard.
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for faster, more stable peaks.
- For a more decorative finish, use a piping bag to create beautiful whipped cream designs.
- Allow the pie to set completely in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor melding.
- Serve chilled and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 140mg
