Description
This classic Banana Cream Pie features a creamy, smooth custard filling infused with vanilla and layered with fresh banana slices inside a crisp baked pastry crust. Topped with homemade whipped cream, this dessert is a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 5 egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 baked and cooled pastry shell
- 2 bananas, peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Prepare custard base: Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth and the mixture lightens in color.
- Heat milk and cream: Pour the whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it nearly reaches boiling point, creating bubbles along the edge.
- Temper the eggs: While whisking the egg yolk mixture, slowly drizzle about one cup of the hot milk and cream into it to temper the eggs, preventing scrambling. Gradually add the remaining hot liquid while continuously whisking.
- Cook custard: Place the combined mixture back on medium heat on the stovetop and whisk constantly until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
- Finish custard: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and the custard is smooth. Allow to cool slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Chill custard: Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully chilled.
- Assemble first layer: Spread a thin layer of chilled custard over the baked and cooled pie crust. Arrange sliced bananas evenly on top.
- Add remaining custard: Pour the remaining custard over the bananas and spread it evenly.
- Prepare whipped cream: Beat the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until peaks are stiff and creamy.
- Top and garnish: Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie, garnish with additional fresh banana slices if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness in the pie.
- Chilling the custard thoroughly helps it set properly inside the pie crust.
- Covering the custard with plastic wrap directly on the surface prevents a skin from forming.
- You can substitute the pastry shell with a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
- For a richer whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana cream pie, custard pie, homemade pie, dessert, vanilla custard, whipped cream topping, classic pie recipe
