Discovering the Joy of Baking Banana Cream Pie
In our family, my sister was always the best baker. She had a natural talent for transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into delicious desserts that left everyone asking for more. This Banana Cream Pie is one of her signature recipes, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of her skill and love for baking. The creamy custard, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped cream make for a heavenly combination. It’s one of those pies that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a weeknight treat. Let me walk you through how I make it, along with some tips my sister passed down.
Did You Know?
Did you know that bananas are technically berries? They grow from a single flower with multiple ovaries, which is why they’re classified as berries. Bananas are also packed with potassium, which supports heart health and regulates blood pressure. Enjoy a slice of this pie not just for its delicious flavor but also for its nutritious benefits!
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Crust
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup ice water
Filling
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, sliced
Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Personal Tip: Keep the butter cold—it’s the key to a perfectly flaky crust.
Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Add ice water, mixing until the dough forms.
Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until golden. Cool.
Prepare the Filling
Personal Tip: Stir constantly when making the custard to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan.
Gradually whisk in the milk.
Cook over medium heat until thickened and boiling, then boil for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks, then return to the saucepan.
Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie
Personal Tip: Layering the bananas and custard ensures every bite is filled with flavor.
Layer banana slices in the cooled crust.
Pour half of the filling over the bananas.
Add another layer of bananas, then the remaining filling. Smooth the top.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface.
Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Make the Whipped Cream
Personal Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping to achieve the fluffiest texture.
Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Spread over the chilled pie.
Serve
Personal Tip: Garnish with extra banana slices just before serving for added visual appeal.
Garnish with extra banana slices if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 350 | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Carbohydrates: 41g | Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 25g | Protein: 6g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choosing the Right Bananas: Bananas with yellow skins and brown spots are the ripest and will provide the best flavor and sweetness for your pie.
- Pie Crust Versatility: Use leftover pie dough to create decorative shapes for the top of the pie or make mini tartlets for an additional treat. Nothing goes to waste!
- Make-Ahead Option: Save time by preparing the pie crust and custard the day before. Simply assemble before serving.
- Whipped Cream Stabilization: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch or powdered milk while whipping cream to help stabilize it, preventing it from deflating.
- Freezing Bananas: Don’t throw out overripe bananas! Freeze them for future use in smoothies or baking, reducing food waste.
- Budget-Friendly Whipped Cream: If heavy cream is expensive, you can substitute it with a more economical whipped topping, though it won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
- Pie Dish Choices: A high-quality ceramic or glass pie dish distributes heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly baked crust. This investment pays off for many future pies.
- Portion Adjustments: For larger gatherings, cut the pie into smaller slices to stretch the servings while still satisfying your guests.
- Creative Garnishes: Elevate your pie’s presentation by arranging sliced bananas in creative patterns or using chocolate shavings for a gourmet look.
- Storage Tips: Cover leftover pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors.
Let’s Learn About Whipping Cream
Whipping cream is a rich dairy product, containing at least 30-36% fat, which allows it to be whipped into light, fluffy peaks when aerated. The natural process involves simply whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar or flavoring (like vanilla) until it forms soft or stiff peaks, depending on your preference. The simplicity of homemade whipped cream is its biggest advantage: it’s fresh, natural, and free of artificial ingredients. You can control the sweetness and the consistency, ensuring a pure, delicious result.
Premade Whipping Cream and What to Watch For
Store-bought whipped toppings, especially those in cans or tubs, are convenient but often contain a range of additional ingredients beyond cream. Common additives include hydrogenated oils, artificial stabilizers, emulsifiers like polysorbate 80, and sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients help extend shelf life and maintain texture, but they can detract from the natural taste and add unnecessary artificial components to your dessert.
When choosing premade whipped cream, it’s essential to check the label. Look for options that list cream as the first ingredient, without too many additives. Avoid products with hydrogenated oils or excessive preservatives, which can negatively impact flavor and nutritional value.
Homemade whipped cream, while slightly more effort, provides a cleaner, more natural alternative, and allows you to enjoy the rich, creamy taste without any unwanted additives.