Description
Creamy homemade banana cream pie delivers a nostalgic dessert perfect for family gatherings. Rich custard, fresh bananas, and flaky crust combine to create a classic American sweet treat you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 prebaked pie crust
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cream Filling Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Craft a crisp graham cracker foundation by pulverizing crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
- Create a luxurious custard base by whisking sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles vigorously, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Gently temper egg yolks by slowly introducing a small portion of the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove custard from heat, folding in butter and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while maintaining a pourable consistency.
- Layer sliced bananas across the cooled graham cracker crust, creating an even, overlapping arrangement. Pour the warm custard filling over the bananas, ensuring complete coverage.
- Seal the pie with plastic wrap directly touching the custard surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours until the filling sets completely and becomes firm.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff, billowy peaks form, creating a cloud-like topping.
- Generously spread or elegantly pipe the whipped cream across the chilled pie. Optional: garnish with additional banana slices for a decorative touch. Serve thoroughly chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas in a bit of lemon juice before layering in the pie crust.
- Create a stable custard by whisking constantly and maintaining medium heat to avoid lumps or scorching.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for subtle warmth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 69 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg