Ah, the classic old fashioned banana cream pie! This delightful dessert has been bringing smiles to faces for generations, and I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia every time I make it. I remember my grandma whipping up this creamy, dreamy treat in her cozy kitchen, the sweet aroma of ripe bananas filling the air. It’s a pie that effortlessly combines simplicity with comfort, and let’s be honest, who can resist that luscious custard and fluffy whipped cream on top? This recipe captures the essence of that treasured family favorite, with a rich custard filling that’s perfectly balanced with the freshness of sliced bananas. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this pie has a special place in the hearts of so many. So, let’s dive into making this timeless classic!
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
- 1 pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced (make sure they’re nice and spotty for that sweet flavor)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk is best for a creamy custard)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (this adds just the right sweetness)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for that perfect thickening magic)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 3 large egg yolks (this is where the richness comes from)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (adds a lovely creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, comforting flavor)
- Whipped cream for topping (because what’s a banana cream pie without it?)
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Alright, let’s get our hands into this deliciousness! Making an old fashioned banana cream pie may sound like a bit of a project, but I promise it’s well worth it. First, we’ll whip up that luscious custard, and then it’s all about layering and chilling for the perfect finish. Ready? Let’s go!
Making the Custard
To start, grab a medium saucepan and combine the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir it all together until it’s smooth—this is super important to avoid any lumps! Now, place it over medium heat, stirring constantly. You want to keep an eye on it because it’ll start to thicken up, and we don’t want it to burn. Once it’s nice and thick, take a bowl and whisk those egg yolks. Here’s a little trick: gradually add a splash of your hot mixture to the yolks. This tempers them and prevents scrambling. Then, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes while stirring. Remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until it’s all beautifully smooth and creamy. Yum!
Assembling the Pie
Now comes the fun part! Take your pre-baked pie crust and layer those lovely sliced bananas right on the bottom. Don’t be shy—let them shine! Pour that warm custard over the bananas, gently spreading it out to cover them completely. This is where the magic happens; the bananas will infuse their flavor into the custard. Once that’s done, pop the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—this chilling time is crucial for the custard to set up nicely. Trust me, waiting is hard, but it’ll be so worth it! When you’re finally ready to serve, top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It’s pure bliss!
Tips for Success
To truly nail your old fashioned banana cream pie, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, always use ripe bananas; the more spots, the sweeter they are! This really elevates the flavor. Also, when making your custard, don’t rush the cooking process. Stir constantly and keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. If you notice lumps forming, don’t panic; just keep stirring and they’ll smooth out. When it comes to chilling, patience is key—allowing it to set for at least 4 hours (or even overnight) makes a world of difference in texture. And lastly, I love to add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for a little extra flair. It’s those little touches that make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in that slice of old fashioned banana cream pie! Each serving is about 320 calories, which isn’t too shabby for a dessert. You’ll also find approximately 12 grams of fat, with 7 grams being saturated fat. In terms of protein, you’re looking at around 4 grams, and it has about 48 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect as you indulge in this creamy delight!
FAQ about Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Got questions about making the perfect old fashioned banana cream pie? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use frozen bananas?
I wouldn’t recommend it! Fresh ripe bananas are key for that delicious flavor and texture. Frozen bananas can turn mushy, and we want our pie to have that perfect bite.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
To keep your bananas looking fresh, you can brush them with a little lemon juice after slicing. This adds a tiny bit of tanginess that actually complements the pie!
Can I make the custard in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the custard a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
What if my custard doesn’t thicken?
If your custard doesn’t thicken as expected, it might need a bit more cooking time. Just keep stirring over medium heat until you see it start to bubble and thicken up. Patience is key!
How long will leftovers last?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well to keep everything fresh and tasty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a nostalgic treat that brings back sweet memories of family gatherings.
- Simple, easy-to-follow steps make it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- The creamy custard paired with fresh bananas creates a delightful flavor explosion!
- It’s a make-ahead dessert, so you can enjoy stress-free entertaining.
- A classic dessert that never fails to impress guests and family alike!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your old fashioned banana cream pie experience, consider serving it with a side of freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of tea. The rich flavors of the pie pair beautifully with a light, nutty latte or a smooth herbal tea. If you want to add a little something extra, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for added texture and flavor. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Drucken
Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie: 5 Steps to Blissful Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Classic old fashioned banana cream pie with a rich custard filling and fresh bananas.
Zutaten
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Anweisungen
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add some hot mixture to yolks to temper them.
- Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer sliced bananas in the pie crust.
- Pour the custard over the bananas.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 320
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 48g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 90mg
Keywords: old fashioned banana cream pie
