Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to create a dessert that's not only delightful to the palate but also a visual treat? The best Banana Cream Pie from Better Homes & Gardens is a timeless classic, perfect for impressing guests at gatherings, celebrating special occasions, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea. Let's dive into this exquisite recipe that blends the creamy sweetness of bananas with the flaky, buttery crust to craft a dessert masterpiece.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Banana Cream Pie
Before you start, ensure you have all these ingredients ready:
- Crust:
- 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄3 cup cold shortening
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water
- Filling:
- 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍌 Note: Choose bananas that are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Banana Cream Pie
1. Prepare the Crust
Begin with the foundation of your pie:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening until you have pea-sized pieces.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until dough begins to form.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 450°F (232°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
2. Making the Cream Filling
Here’s how to make the rich, velvety filling:
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
- Reduce heat; cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the hot filling into egg yolks to temper them, then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, cook, and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla.
- Layer banana slices in the cooled crust and pour the warm filling over them.
🥧 Note: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, consider brushing the bottom with a bit of egg white before adding the filling.
3. Whipped Cream Topping
Top your pie with light and fluffy whipped cream:
- Beat heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread over the pie, or pipe decoratively. Add additional banana slices for garnish if desired.
4. Chill and Serve
Chill your pie thoroughly for:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight for the filling to set properly.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, banana-filled layers with the crisp, flaky crust.
In conclusion, this recipe offers an exquisite Banana Cream Pie that combines traditional flavors with a modern twist in presentation. The carefully crafted crust, the rich, custard-like filling, and the pillowy whipped cream topping work together to create a dessert that's not only a joy to eat but also a centerpiece for any dessert table. This pie is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic desserts, revitalized for today's palate.
What is the secret to a perfectly flaky pie crust?
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The secret lies in keeping your ingredients cold, using enough fat, and handling the dough minimally to avoid developing gluten which makes the crust tough rather than flaky.
Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
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Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust to save time, though the homemade version often provides a richer taste and texture.
How long will this pie keep?
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Cover and store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust might soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.
