Banana Cream Pie With Vanilla Wafer Crust
If you're looking for a classic American dessert that never goes out of style, then you need to try banana cream pie with vanilla wafer crust. This creamy, delicious pie is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we'll show you how to make this timeless dessert step-by-step, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious.
The History of Banana Cream Pie
While the exact origins of banana cream pie are unknown, it's believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. The first mention of banana cream pie in print was in a 1917 cookbook called "The Modern Method of Preparing Delightful Foods."
Banana cream pie quickly became a popular dessert in diners and homes across the country, and it's still a beloved classic today. The combination of creamy custard, sliced bananas, and a crunchy crust is simply irresistible.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Before you get started, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of vanilla wafer crumbs
- ⅓ cup of butter, melted
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 ½ cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ¾ cup of sugar
- ⅓ cup of cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
How to Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust
The first step in making banana cream pie with vanilla wafer crust is to make the crust itself. Here's how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Pulse the vanilla wafers in a food processor until they are fine crumbs.
- Add the melted butter and sugar to the crumbs and stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
- Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
How to Make the Custard Filling
Now it's time to make the custard filling for your banana cream pie. Here's how:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
- Add the egg yolks to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the sliced bananas to the custard and stir until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture into the cooled vanilla wafer crust.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Banana Cream Pie
Follow these tips and tricks to make your banana cream pie even more delicious:
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- You can use store-bought pie crust or graham cracker crust instead of making your own vanilla wafer crust.
- For an extra decadent pie, add a layer of chocolate ganache to the crust before adding the custard filling.
- Top the pie with whipped cream and additional sliced bananas for a beautiful presentation.
- Try using different types of cookies or crackers for the crust, such as gingersnaps or shortbread cookies, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
Banana cream pie with vanilla wafer crust is a classic American dessert that's easy to make and always impressive. With its creamy custard filling, sliced bananas, and crunchy crust, it's no wonder this dessert has stood the test of time. Follow our step-by-step instructions and tips and tricks to make the perfect banana cream pie for your next gathering or special occasion.