World's Best Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Banana cream pie is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. From its creamy, banana-infused filling to its crispy, buttery crust, this dessert is a true work of art. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make at home! In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of making the world's best banana cream pie recipe.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the crust.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to evenly distribute the crust. Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the filling.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Once the mixture has thickened, continue to cook it for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sliced bananas. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth it out with a spoon or spatula. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
Step 3: Make the topping.
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie, using a spoon or spatula to create decorative peaks. Serve the pie immediately or refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Conclusion
And there you have it- the recipe for the world's best banana cream pie! This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a holiday gathering. With its deliciously creamy banana filling and crispy, buttery crust, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?