Elevate your dessert experience with the exquisite Caramel Banana Cream Pie. This delightful creation combines the smoothness of banana custard, the creaminess of whipped topping, and the decadence of caramel, all nestled in a buttery pie crust. Each slice is a perfect harmony of flavors that will transport you to a realm of pure indulgence. Let’s dive into creating this heavenly treat!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Banana Custard Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
For the Pie Crust:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Crust Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press into Pie Pan:
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set. Allow to cool completely.
For the Banana Custard Filling:
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Make Custard Base:
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring a smooth mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Temper Egg Yolks:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the beaten egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue to cook until the custard reaches a thick consistency.
- Add Butter and Vanilla:
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Layer with Bananas:
- Layer the sliced bananas over the cooled pie crust. Pour the banana custard filling over the bananas.
For the Whipped Topping:
- Whip Heavy Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Top the Pie:
- Spread the whipped cream over the banana custard filling, creating swirls with a spatula.
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- Add Caramel Sauce:
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the whipped topping.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set. Slice and serve chilled.
Savor the decadent delight of Caramel Banana Cream Pie, a masterwork that fuses the sweet charm of caramel, the lightness of whipped cream, and the velvety richness of banana custard. With every delicious bite, this pie will tantalize your taste buds, whether it’s served for a special occasion or as a delightful everyday treat. Celebrate with loved ones and relish in the delight of an incredibly delicious dessert. 🍌🥧🍮✨