Banana Cream Pie

🍌 Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Custard Filling:

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
2. 2
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5–7 minutes until thickened to a custard consistency.
3. 3
   Layer sliced bananas over the cooled crust. Pour warm custard over bananas and spread evenly.
4. 4
   Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. 5
   Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie. Garnish with banana slices and serve!

🌿 Health Benefits

Bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber that support heart and digestive health. Eggs in the custard add protein and essential vitamins. While banana cream pie is an indulgent dessert, the banana filling does contribute meaningful nutrition. Enjoy as a special treat!

📚 History

Pies have ancient roots — early Egyptians and Romans made grain-encased dishes filled with meat or fruit. The modern cream pie evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries as bananas became affordable and widely available in the United States. Banana cream pie became a staple of American diners and home kitchens, beloved for its creamy custard, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream topping.

❓ Quiz