Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for *old fashioned banana cream pie*! It’s one of those desserts that instantly takes me back to my childhood, sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, eagerly waiting for her to slice into that golden crust. The way the creamy, luscious filling mingles with sweet, ripe banana slices is pure magic. Not to mention the fluffy whipped cream on top—it’s like a cloud of happiness just waiting to be devoured! Each bite is a delightful blend of textures: the flaky crust, the smooth filling, and the soft bananas. Trust me, once you make this pie, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone!
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade, baked and cooled completely)
- 3 ripe bananas (sliced into thick rounds for layering)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that rich and luscious whipped topping)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness to the filling)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (to thicken the filling perfectly)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
- 3 large egg yolks (for a rich, custardy texture)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (adds a lovely richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, comforting flavor)
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this *old fashioned banana cream pie*! I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a showstopper dessert that everyone will adore!
Prepping the Pie Crust
First things first, get that pie crust ready! If you’re using a store-bought crust, just follow the instructions on the package, and bake it at 350°F (175°C) until it’s golden brown. If you’re feeling adventurous and making it from scratch, go for it! Just remember to let it cool completely after baking. This step is super important to avoid a soggy bottom later on!
Making the Cream Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until it’s smooth. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. You’ll want it to thicken, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and thick, remove it from the heat and whisk in those egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it smells heavenly!
Assembling the Pie
With your pie crust cooled and cream filling ready, it’s assembly time! Start by slicing your bananas into thick rounds. Layer them evenly in the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Then, pour that luscious cream mixture right over the bananas. Spread it gently to make sure everything is well covered. It’s so satisfying to see those layers come together!
Chilling and Serving
Now for the hardest part—waiting! Cover the pie with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight if you can resist the temptation. This chilling time helps the filling set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, top it off with that whipped cream you’ve prepared (or store-bought if you’re in a pinch) and maybe a few banana slices for a lovely finish. Trust me, your guests will be in dessert heaven!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for a slice of this delightful *old fashioned banana cream pie*. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary depending on your specific choices.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoying a slice of this classic dessert is truly worth every bite! Just remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the sweet moments in life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style, bringing nostalgia with every bite!
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- The rich, creamy filling paired with sweet bananas is a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.
- Great for gatherings—everyone loves a slice of banana cream pie, and it’s sure to impress your guests!
- It’s a versatile recipe; you can easily customize it with different toppings or add-ins.
- The textures are amazing—flaky crust, smooth filling, and soft banana slices create a delightful experience.
- This pie can be made ahead of time, making your life easier on busy days!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for celebrating any occasion, from birthdays to holiday dinners.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *old fashioned banana cream pie* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you avoid any common pitfalls and ensure a delicious result every time.
- Use ripe bananas: This is key! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pie will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Don’t skip the cooling step: Allow your pie crust to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents that dreaded soggy crust that no one wants!
- Stir constantly: When cooking the cream filling, keep stirring! This helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky smooth texture in the end.
- Chill it well: Patience is crucial! Letting the pie chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) helps the filling set beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Whipped cream tips: For the best whipped cream, make sure your heavy cream is cold, and use a chilled bowl. This helps it whip up light and fluffy!
- Layering bananas: Arrange the banana slices evenly in the crust so every slice of pie gets a lovely balance of bananas and cream filling.
- Garnish wisely: Just before serving, feel free to add some fresh banana slices or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious *old fashioned banana cream pie* that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Variations of Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, I’ve got some fantastic variations for your *old fashioned banana cream pie*! Each twist brings its own charm, and you might just find a new favorite!
- Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add some cocoa powder to the cream filling for a delicious chocolatey twist. You can also layer some chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence!
- Nutty Banana Cream Pie: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for a delightful crunch. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top of the whipped cream for a lovely texture contrast.
- Coconut Cream Banana Pie: Mix shredded coconut into the cream filling and top with toasted coconut flakes. This tropical twist will transport you straight to the beach!
- Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie: Swirl in some creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the filling for a rich, nutty flavor. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for a fun finish.
- Berry Banana Cream Pie: Layer in some fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, along with the bananas. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the bananas beautifully!
- Maple Banana Cream Pie: Swap out the granulated sugar for maple syrup in the filling. This gives it a warm, caramel-like flavor that’s just divine.
- Spiced Banana Cream Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to give it a warm and cozy spice. This is especially lovely during the fall or winter months!
These variations are not just fun; they allow you to experiment with flavors and find the perfect combination that makes your heart sing. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make this classic pie your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *old fashioned banana cream pie*, there are a few delightful accompaniments that can elevate the experience to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite ideas to serve alongside this classic dessert!
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi can provide a nice contrast to the rich creaminess of the pie.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream paired with a slice of pie is pure bliss. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm flavors of the banana cream pie perfectly!
- Whipped Cream: Of course, you can never go wrong with an extra dollop of homemade whipped cream. It adds a lovely lightness and enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
- Espresso or Coffee: A small cup of strong coffee or espresso pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pie. The bold flavors of coffee make a wonderful contrast and can help balance the dessert’s richness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of decadence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of your pie slices before serving. It adds a beautiful presentation and a delightful flavor burst!
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top or serve them on the side for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pie.
- Mint Leaves: Garnishing each slice with a sprig of fresh mint not only makes it look elegant but adds a fresh burst of flavor that brightens up the dessert.
These serving suggestions can really enhance your *old fashioned banana cream pie* experience, making it a memorable treat for any occasion. So go ahead and get creative with your pairings, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious *old fashioned banana cream pie*, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty! Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge and keeps it nice and chilled. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, although I doubt it’ll last that long!
- Freezing: If you’ve made the pie ahead of time and need to store it for longer, you can freeze it! Just slice the pie and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember, the texture of the bananas may change a bit once thawed.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice from the freezer, simply transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This ensures it returns to its creamy, delicious state without getting mushy.
- Reheating: You generally won’t need to reheat *old fashioned banana cream pie* since it’s best served cold. However, if you do want to enjoy it slightly warmed, you can take a slice and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Just be careful with any toppings like whipped cream, as they might melt!
By following these storage tips, you’ll be able to savor every last bite of your homemade pie, ensuring it stays as delightful as the first slice!
Print
Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie: 7 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert featuring layers of banana, creamy filling, and a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the pie crust according to package instructions. Let it cool.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.
- Slice bananas and layer them in the cooled pie crust.
- Pour the cream mixture over the bananas.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Chill the pie overnight for better results.
- Garnish with additional banana slices if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: old fashioned banana cream pie











