Deliciously Creamy Classic Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will be cooking up a storm with a classic banana cream pie recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds. Few desserts are more comforting than a sweet, creamy slice of pie, and this banana cream pie is one of the best.
If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, then you’ve come to the right place. This classic recipe has been handed down through generations of bakers, and it’s still as delicious as ever.
The key ingredient in this recipe is bananas- they add a unique flavor and texture that is not only delicious but healthy too. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow along with, yet impressive enough to earn the praises from all who indulge in it.
So why not gather your ingredients, preheat your oven and let’s get ready to make some unforgettable desserts! Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to something special after a long day, this classic banana cream pie recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a way to spruce up your dessert game and impress your taste buds? Look no further than the classic Banana Cream Pie recipe we present to you today! If you’re a fan of bananas, vanilla, and a delightful flaky pie crust, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes.
What makes this pie so great, you might ask? Well, for one thing, it’s like a little slice of heaven in every bite. The creamy, homemade banana cream filling combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavors of vanilla and butter, creating a luscious texture that is simply irresistible.
Moreover, this easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients that are easily available in your pantry or nearby grocery store. With just a handful of components such as egg yolks, cornstarch, and whole milk, you’re able to create an old fashioned Banana Cream Pie perfect for sharing with family and friends.
And if you’re short on time and want to prepare something quick yet impressive for guests or a special occasion, this recipe has got you covered! The make-ahead feature allows you to prepare the creamy pie filling ahead of time, saving time and making things smoother for you.
Don’t just take our word for it; give this recipe a try today and discover why classic Banana Cream Pie always hits the sweet spot in any occasion!
Ingredient List
Get ready to gather the following ingredients before you start creating this classic Banana Cream Pie recipe:
-
Pie Crust
You can use either homemade or store-bought pie crust for this recipe. -
Bananas
Make sure to get ripe bananas without any bruises or soft spots. -
White Sugar
Use 1 cup of white sugar for the banana cream filling and another ¼ cup for the pudding filling. -
Cornstarch
Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for the banana cream filling and another teaspoon for the vanilla custard filling. -
All-Purpose Flour
You will need ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, which is divided into ½ cup for the banana cream and ¼ cup + another teaspoon for the vanilla pudding. -
Salt
Prepare a total amount of ¼ teaspoon salt. Use 2 teaspoons in making the crust, 2 pinches or 1/16 teaspoon in making the banana cream, and a pinch or 1/8 teaspoon in making the vanilla custard. -
Whole Milk
Use 2 cups of whole milk in making both fillings. -
Egg Yolks
To make it creamier, separate three eggs then use only the egg yolks when making both fillings. -
Butter
Add richness to your pie by using unsalted butter, with a total amount of 4 ounces, that you divide: one tablespoon for greasing the pie dish, two tablespoons for making banana cream, and another tablespoon in vanilla custard. -
Vanilla Extract + Instant Pudding Mix
Enhance flavor by adding vanilla extract (at least two teaspoons) and instant vanilla pudding mix (four ounces).
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this Classic Banana Cream Pie recipe. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll have a sweet and creamy pie that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Making the Pie Crust
First things first, let’s make the pie crust. You can make your own pie crust or use a store-bought one as per your preference. However, if you’re making your own, it’s essential to get it right. A flaky pie crust can make all the difference.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2-3 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Mix Flour and Salt: Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
- Add Butter: Add butter to the mixture and mix well until it forms into pea-sized balls.
- Add Cold Water: Gradually add cold water and mix gently with a fork, adding just enough water so that the dough holds together.
- Making The Dough: Shape the dough into a ball shape and place it on a lightly floured surface before rolling it using a rolling pin until it reaches about ⅛ inch thick.
- Prepare For Baking: Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie plate, cutting off any extra around the edges.
- Refrigerate: Cover the crust with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready for use.
Making The Homemade Banana Cream Filling
Next up is making creamy banana filling from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Slice Bananas: Slice two ripe bananas thinly and brush them with some lemon or lime juice to prevent them from turning brown.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add Wet Mixture: In another bowl whisk together 3 egg yolks, 2 cups of whole milk, and the mixed dry ingredients.
- Cook: Over medium heat, pour your wet mixture onto your dry mixture while stirring continuously until smooth.
- Stir Constantly: Cook for about five minutes or until thickened while stirring constantly.
- Add Vanilla Flavoring: Remove from heat, add sliced butter and vanilla extract, stir till well combined then fold in sliced bananas.
- Cool And Assemble The Pie: Pour the banana cream filling into your prepared pie crust before covering it
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous with the classic Banana Cream Pie recipe and want to add some twists to it, there are a few substitutions and variations that work well.
Firstly, for the pie crust, you can experiment with different types of crusts or use pre-made crusts that are available in stores. Using a graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust would give your pie a different texture, and making a chocolate pie crust could add richness and depth to the classic banana cream filling.
For the banana cream filling itself, there are several variations that you can try. Instead of using vanilla pudding mix, you could make your own homemade banana cream filling from scratch by adding mashed bananas to a thickened mixture of milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar. This will give the pie a more authentic banana flavor and a creamier texture.
Alternatively, instead of banana cream filling, you could make other types of pudding or custard fillings as well. Chocolate, butterscotch or peanut butter pudding would all work as delicious substitutes for the banana cream filling. You could also consider making an old-fashioned banana pudding recipe by layering vanilla wafers and sliced bananas with a cooked vanilla custard.
Lastly, to add some flourish to your pie, consider topping it off with whipped cream or meringue. A sprinkle of cinnamon or shaved chocolate on top would work well too.
Just remember when experimenting with substitutions or variations to keep in mind how much liquid your additions bring to the recipe as this can affect the overall balance of ingredients. To avoid bananas turning brown in your pie, toss them in citrus juice before adding them to the filling.
Make sure you have enough ingredients on hand before trying new things!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving classic Banana Cream Pie, I recommend that you chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting it into slices. This allows the filling to set properly and makes for neater slices. Don’t be afraid to pile on the whipped cream!
I suggest pairing this pie with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or some hot tea. The smooth, creamy texture of the banana cream filling complements the robust flavor of a good cup of coffee. Alternatively, you can also serve Banana Cream Pie with a cold glass of milk for a more refreshing combination.
For an extra indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the pie slice before serving. The sweetness and creaminess of the ice cream go well with the buttery crust and banana cream filling.
If you want to get creative, why not try topping your Classic Banana Cream Pie with some toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds? They add a delicious crunch to the pie and enhance its flavor profile.
Overall, Classic Banana Cream Pie is a timeless dessert that can be enjoyed any time of the day. With its luscious banana cream filling and flaky pie crust, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who loves to make desserts, I know that it can be a game-changer when you can prepare a dessert ahead of time. Luckily, this classic banana cream pie recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. To make the perfect make-ahead pie, you will need to follow a few key steps.
After assembling your pie, allow the it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. To keep the bananas from turning brown, I recommend brushing them with some citrus juice before adding them to the pie.
If you plan on storing this pie for more than a day or two, it’s best to omit the whipped cream topping until just before serving. Store your pie in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat your pie, preheat your oven to 350°F and heat it for 15 minutes, or until warmed through. However if you need to reheat only a slice or two, microwave will work good enough. Keep in mind that reheating already whipped cream is not advisable as doing so will cause its texture to change and lose its lightness.
With these tips and recommendations, you can have a delicious classic banana cream pie ready whenever you want one without any hassle.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the best classic banana cream pie recipe, it’s important to pay attention to every step of the process. Here are some tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time:
Firstly, When making the homemade banana cream filling, ensure you stir the ingredients together continuously while cooking over medium heat. This activity will prevent the mixture from burning and sticking to the saucepan’s bottom.
Secondly, To avoid turning your slices of bananas brown or mushy, toss them with some citrus juice like lemon or orange juice after peeling and cutting them. Doing this step will hold the banana slices firm without altering their taste.
Thirdly, Don’t use too much liquid when making the banana cream pie filling. If you use too much liquid, it can make the custard runnier than it should be, which means that your pie filling won’t set up correctly.
Fourthly, Use a flaky pie crust for a balanced texture with the creamy filling of the banana cream pie. Rolling 1 or 2 tablespoons of cold butter into your dry pie mix before adding cold water will make your pie crust extra flaky.
Fifthly, For a richer flavor in your banana cream filling, substitute whole milk for some of the regular milk. It imparts a more condensed milk-like flavor that adds depth to the pudding’s base.
Sixthly, If you’re making a meringue pie topping for your banana cream pie rather than whipped cream, be sure to spread it out fully over the filling right up to the edges of the crust. This action ensures no air gaps left where moisture can seep in and affects your delicious pie’s texture.
Lastly, When using instant vanilla pudding mix for your homemade banana cream pie recipe, select one with extra vanilla flavoring added such as King Arthur brand’s mix to spice things up flavor-wise.
So there you have it- our top tips for making that perfect Classic Banana Cream Pie Recipe everyone loves; follow these simple steps, and wow yourself and guests with this easy yet impressive dessert!
FAQ
Now, it’s time for the frequently asked questions section. I know that preparing a perfect banana cream pie can have some tricky aspects to it, and that’s why many readers have unique concerns that they would like to address before starting. Therefore, I’ll answer some common ones so you can be ready to tackle this classic pie recipe with confidence and ease.
How do you keep bananas from turning dark in banana cream pie?
When making a banana pie or any dessert that calls for sliced banana, it’s essential to prevent the fruit from turning brown. A quick and easy way to do this is to treat the bananas with citrus juice, such as lemon, orange, or pineapple juice. The acid in the juice prevents oxidation and browning of the banana flesh. However, be sure to use the juice sparingly as you don’t want it to overpower the subtle banana flavor. You can either brush the citrus juice lightly on the slices or use a spray bottle to spritz the juice on the bananas. This simple step will keep your bananas looking fresh and bright in your dessert.
What causes a banana cream pie to be runny?
Are you facing trouble with a runny banana cream pie filling? The reason behind it might be excessive liquid or undercooked filling. To fix it, you can add a little more cornstarch to your filling and let it cook for a while to thicken it up. Alternatively, you may whisk in some whipped cream to the custard mixture until you attain the consistency that you desire.
How do you keep banana cream pie from getting watery?
When preparing a pudding, it’s important to use the appropriate type of milk, preferably whole milk or at least 2%, to achieve the desired consistency. Cooking it until it’s thick and avoiding undercooking is crucial to prevent the pudding from becoming soupy or runny. To make sure it’s cooked enough, a useful tip is to coat the back of a spoon with pudding and drag your finger through the center.
Is banana cream pie made of pudding?
If you’re looking for a simple and tasty dessert to make, this banana cream pie is sure to impress. The recipe requires only a few basic ingredients like bananas, vanilla pudding, and a graham cracker crust. The end result is a smooth and creamy treat that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this classic banana cream pie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the sweet and comforting flavors of banana cream. With its creamy vanilla custard filling, flaky pie crust, and fresh sliced bananas, this pie will make you feel like you’re enjoying a slice of heaven with every bite.
Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps or ingredients; with a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can easily whip up this easy and delicious dessert. Plus, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to impress their friends and family with a homemade dessert that tastes like it came straight out of a fancy bakery. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Classic Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (14 ounce) can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
- 3 egg yolks, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 (9 inch) pie crusts, baked
- 3 medium bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Mix water and cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir in Eagle Brand milk and egg yolks.
- Cook until thick in saucepan or microwave.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add vanilla.
- Cool slightly (stirring occasionally).
- Pour 1/2 of filling on pie crust.
- Place sliced bananas on filling.
- Pour remainder of filling on the sliced bananas.
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Top with meringue and brown in a preheated 400°F oven.
- Or may top with whipped cream after chilling pie.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.