America's Test Kitchen Banana Cream Pie
Banana cream pie is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a sweet and creamy treat that is perfect for any occasion, from holidays to potlucks to family dinners. While there are many variations of banana cream pie, one of the most highly rated and heavily tested recipes comes from America's Test Kitchen.
The History of Banana Cream Pie
Banana cream pie has been around since at least the 19th century, and it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. The first recipes for banana cream pie appeared in cookbooks in the late 1800s, and the dessert quickly gained popularity across the country.
The basic recipe for banana cream pie consists of a pie crust, a layer of sliced bananas, a vanilla or custard filling, and whipped cream on top. Over time, bakers have added their own unique twists to the recipe, such as adding chocolate or caramel sauce, or using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pastry crust.
America's Test Kitchen Banana Cream Pie Recipe
America's Test Kitchen is known for its rigorous recipe testing and attention to detail, so you can be sure that their banana cream pie recipe is one of the best out there. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 prebaked 9-inch pie crust
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream, for topping
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Spread the sliced bananas in the bottom of the prebaked pie crust.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each yolk before adding the next.
- Return the pan to the heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the vanilla custard over the sliced bananas in the pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly to the edges of the crust.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap is touching the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to serve, top the pie with whipped cream and extra sliced bananas, if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Banana Cream Pie
While the America's Test Kitchen recipe is fairly straightforward, there are still a few tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect banana cream pie:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will turn to mush and won't hold up well in the pie.
- When making the custard, be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Use a high-quality pie crust for the best flavor and texture. If making your own pastry crust, be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least four hours before serving to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
Banana cream pie is a delicious and timeless dessert that is sure to please any crowd. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the America's Test Kitchen recipe is a great place to start. With its creamy vanilla custard filling and sweet sliced bananas, this pie is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
