There’s something truly magical about making an easy banana cream pie. The way those creamy layers come together, topped with fluffy whipped cream, just brings back so many sweet memories for me! I remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, the smell of ripe bananas filling the air as we whipped up this delightful dessert. It’s so simple, yet incredibly delicious—perfect for any occasion or just a treat for yourself. The best part? You can whip it up in no time, and the end result is a showstopper that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Easy Banana Cream Pie
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
How to Prepare Easy Banana Cream Pie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this easy banana cream pie is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through it step by step. First things first, preheat your oven and prepare the pie crust according to the package instructions. Once it’s baked to a lovely golden brown, let it cool completely. This is crucial, so don’t rush it!
Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Now, this is where the magic happens—cook over medium heat while whisking constantly. You’ll want to keep an eye on it until the mixture thickens up nicely, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Once it’s thick, remove it from the heat and stir in that heavenly vanilla extract. This will give your custard a lovely flavor!
Now, slice your ripe bananas and layer them on the cooled pie crust. Pour that warm custard over the bananas, making sure to cover them evenly. This keeps the bananas from browning and adds a delicious creaminess! Then, pop the pie into the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours—this is where the flavors meld and the pie sets up beautifully.
When you’re ready to serve, top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Ooh la la! Now you’ve got a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Cream Pie
- Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for any skill level.
- Delightfully creamy with layers of fresh banana goodness.
- Vegetarian-friendly and made with wholesome ingredients.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit at gatherings.
- Perfectly sweetened, with the option to customize toppings!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy banana cream pie turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, use the ripest bananas you can find; they’ll add the sweetest flavor and creaminess to your pie. Trust me, those speckled ones are gold!
When making the custard, be patient while whisking over medium heat. If you rush, it might not thicken properly, and we don’t want that! Also, make sure to let your pie crust cool completely before adding the bananas and custard. This helps keep everything from getting mushy.
Finally, don’t skip the chilling time! Letting the pie sit in the fridge not only helps it set but also allows all those amazing flavors to mingle. You’ll be rewarded with a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information for Easy Banana Cream Pie
Here’s a quick glance at the nutrition you can expect from each slice of this delightful easy banana cream pie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This pie is not only a sweet treat but also offers a nice balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying dessert! Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy banana cream pie properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare), cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep it from drying out and protect it from any fridge odors. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just remember to top it with fresh whipped cream right before serving for that perfect fluffy finish.
As for reheating, there’s no need! This pie is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you want to serve it slightly warmed, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before diving in. Just be careful not to leave it out too long, especially on warm days!
FAQ About Easy Banana Cream Pie
Can I use a homemade pie crust? Absolutely! While I love a good pre-made crust for convenience, a homemade crust adds a wonderful touch. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before filling.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning? Layering the bananas under the custard helps, but you can also brush them with a little lemon juice for extra protection. It adds a nice zing too! Learn more about preventing browning.
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes! This pie is perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness, and don’t forget the whipped cream topping until serving!
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this easy banana cream pie is vegetarian-friendly and packed with deliciousness!
What can I add for extra flavor? Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving, or even some crushed nuts for a delightful crunch! Check out more banana recipes.
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Easy Banana Cream Pie: 5 Simple Steps to Delightful Treats
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious banana cream pie that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Slice bananas and layer them on the pie crust.
- Pour the custard over the bananas.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy banana cream pie
