Travel back in time with our Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie recipe! This classic dessert is a delectable combination of smooth custard, ripe bananas, and flaky pie crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream. This classic banana cream pie, reminiscent of bygone days, will evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia with each heavenly bite. This pie is a popular choice for family gatherings, holiday feasts, and cozy evenings at home, and it never goes out of style. Join us as we walk you through the steps to make this popular dessert that will warm your heart and leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional banana slices and whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll Out and Bake the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Fill the crust with pie weights or dried beans to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove the parchment paper and weights and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is fully baked and golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs, then return the egg mixture to the saucepan.
- Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the filling is thick and creamy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the filling is smooth.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Arrange the sliced bananas in an even layer on the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
- Pour the warm filling over the bananas, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie:
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap is in contact with the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is completely chilled and set.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie filling, creating decorative peaks with a spatula or piping bag.
- Garnish the pie with additional banana slices and dollops of whipped cream, if desired.
- Slice and serve the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie, and enjoy the classic flavors of this beloved dessert that never goes out of style!
Our Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie recipe allows you to recreate the nostalgic charm of a classic dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether served as a sweet ending to a family dinner or shared with friends at a gathering, this pie is guaranteed to bring smiles and warm memories to all who taste it. So gather your ingredients and prepare to enjoy the comforting flavors of ripe bananas, creamy custard, and flaky pie crust in every delectable bite! 🍌🥧