Ultimate Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups milk
• 6 egg yolks, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 2 baked 9-inch pie pastry shells (or substitute with graham cracker crusts)
• 10 ripe but firm bananas
• 2 cups sweetened whipped cream
• Sprig of mint for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a double boiler, mix together the milk, sugar, vanilla bean paste, cornstarch, and salt. A double boiler helps prevent burning delicate mixtures like this one.
2. Whisk Constantly: Whisk the mixture vigorously to dissolve the sugar and prevent the milk from burning. Continue to cook over the double boiler until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This should take about 10-20 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a thick, oatmeal-like consistency.
3. Incorporate Egg Yolks: Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the beaten egg yolks while stirring constantly. Continue adding the hot mixture in small amounts until all the egg yolks are incorporated.
4. Cook Further: Return the mixture to the double boiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Butter: Remove from heat, add the butter, and mix until fully incorporated. Allow the mixture to cool thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Shells

1. Bake Pie Shells: While the filling cools, bake the pie shells according to the package instructions. Ensure they are fully cooled to avoid a soggy bottom.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill Pie Shells: Divide the cooled filling evenly between the two pie shells.
2. Add Bananas: Peel and slice eight bananas, then layer them over the filling in each pie shell. Cover the banana slices with the remaining filling.
3. Garnish: Slice the remaining two bananas on a bias and arrange them around the edges of the pies. Whip the heavy cream with sugar to stiff peaks and dollop it in the center of each pie. Arrange banana slices on top in a decorative pattern and add a sprig of mint if desired.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Banana Consumption: Bananas are the most popular fruit in the world, with over 100 billion consumed annually. In the United States alone, the average person eats about 27 pounds of bananas each year (Source).
• Nutritional Value: Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. One medium banana provides about 12% of the daily recommended intake of potassium (Source).
• Historical Tidbit: The banana cream pie has been a beloved dessert in America since the early 1900s, often featured in diners and family gatherings (Source).

Conclusion

This Banana Cream Pie recipe is not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. With its creamy filling, fresh banana slices, and sweetened whipped cream, it's a dessert that promises satisfaction. Enjoy this classic pie and make it a staple at your gatherings!

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and Executive Research and Development Chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA, shares this delightful recipe. Shelley is also the desserts editor for BellaOnline.com.