Banana Cream Pie

Here’s a classic recipe for a delicious Banana Cream Pie:

Banana Cream Pie

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated with butter.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs.
4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
6. Let the filling cool for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Slice the bananas and arrange them in a single layer over the cooled pie crust.
2. Pour the slightly cooled filling over the bananas, spreading it out evenly.
3. Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie, or use a piping bag for a more decorative look.

Serve:

1. Slice the pie and serve chilled. Enjoy your homemade Banana Cream Pie!

Feel free to garnish with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added texture and presentation.