What’s better than a slice of homemade Banana Cream Pie? This delightful dessert is not just a nostalgic favorite; it’s a tribute to the irresistible combination of creamy custard, perfectly ripe bananas, and a flaky pie crust. Whether you’re gathering family for a special occasion or celebrating a small victory at home, this pie is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
The echoes of warm kitchens and family gatherings fill the air with sweet anticipation, and as I reflect on my first experience with banana cream pie at a dear friend’s birthday party, I can’t help but feel inspired to recreate that moment every time I bake this pie. The joy of the creamy filling and the sweet, gentle flavor of bananas are memories just waiting to be made.
The Appeal of Banana Cream Pie
The rich, velvety texture of the filling brings a comforting warmth that is enhanced by the slight crunch of the pie crust. Each slice melts in your mouth, delivering an explosion of creamy sweetness that’s balanced with the natural taste of fresh bananas. For those looking to create a special memory, this pie can become a loved family recipe, passed down through generations.
Variations abound: consider adding a hint of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an added twist. You can also substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option that is just as luscious.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Now, let’s get into making this creamy masterpiece at home! You’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- For the Pie Crust:
- 1½ c. all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- ½ t. salt
- 2/3 c. vegetable shortening
- 3-6 T. ice-cold water
- For the Pie Filling:
- 2 c. whole milk
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ c. granulated sugar
- ¼ t. salt
- ¼ c. cornstarch
- 1 oz. package unflavored gelatin
- 2 T. unsalted butter
- 2 t. real vanilla extract
- 4-6 ripe bananas, sliced
- Optional, to serve: Whipped cream and sliced bananas
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare your pie crust.
- Using a stand or hand-held mixer, combine the flour, salt, and shortening, adding ice-cold water until it forms a ball.
- Roll out the dough and transfer it to a pie plate. Crimp the edges and blind bake for 15 minutes.
- For the filling, blend milk, cream, eggs, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and gelatin in a saucepan. Whisk until thickened, then add butter and vanilla.
- Slice bananas and layer them in the pie crust before pouring the custard over.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, then cool and chill in the refrigerator.
- Top with whipped cream and additional banana slices before serving.
This scrumptious pie is a dessert your family will look forward to with every occasion. The combination of texture, flavor, and visual appeal truly elevates it to star status in your recipe collection. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and create delicious memories with this Banana Cream Pie!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments! If you loved it, consider making it for your next family gathering or dinner party—it’s sure to be a hit!
