Banana Cream Pie is a classic dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. With its creamy, luscious filling and delightful banana flavor, this pie is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is designed to provide you with the ultimate banana cream pie experience, featuring a homemade graham cracker crust, a rich banana custard filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Ultimate Banana Cream Pie Recipe
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Banana Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Ultimate Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it firmly.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Banana Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
- Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, continuing to cook and whisk until the custard thickens further and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 more minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Allow the custard to cool for about 10 minutes, then gently fold in the sliced bananas.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the banana custard filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Finish the Pie:
- Once the custard filling has set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie.
- Garnish with additional banana slices, if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
About the Main Ingredients
- Graham Crackers: The graham cracker crust provides a sweet and slightly crunchy base that complements the creamy filling. Graham crackers are a staple in many dessert recipes and add a delightful flavor to the crust.
- Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star of this pie, offering natural sweetness and a rich, fruity flavor. They also provide a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy custard.
- Milk and Cream: These dairy products form the base of the custard and whipped cream, adding richness and a smooth texture. Whole milk and heavy cream ensure that the pie has a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Sugar and Cornstarch: Sugar sweetens the custard, while cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the filling its desirable consistency.
- Butter and Vanilla Extract: Butter adds richness to the custard, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, giving it a warm, aromatic quality.
This Ultimate Banana Cream Pie is a deliciously satisfying dessert that combines classic flavors with a modern twist. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day of the week, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the creamy, banana-filled goodness with each bite, and delight in the compliments from your friends and family!
