Banana Cream Pie
Granny’s Banana Cream Pie is an indulgence you can enjoy at any time of the day. This headliner dessert features a rich and creamy custard filling over a layer of sliced bananas and topped with a freshly whipped sweet cream. Whether as a breakfast treat, after a classy dinner, or just as a snack, a Banana Cream Pie is sure to put a smile on your face.
Granny kept an overflowing recipe book, but it was adaptable enough to handle any sort menu variation with ease. This Banana Cream Pie, for instance, shares the same custard filling base as a Coconut Cream Pie. Dare to venture beyond the banana and with just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a smorgasbord of cream pie flavors.
Ingredients
2 cups milk 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract dash of salt 1-2 sliced ripe bananas
For the Topping1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Method
- 1. Make one of Granny's all-purpose pie crusts. After baking, line the pie shell with sliced bananas.
- 2. Beat the eggs. Add the sugar and flour, then mix until smooth.
- 3. Heat the milk over the medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook until thick. When the mixture has thickened, add vanilla and salt. Cook another minute or two, then pour over the bananas into the pie crust.
- 4. To serve, whip the cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Top the cooled pie with whipped cream.
Going Bananas for Banana Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie, with its creamy custard, fresh bananas, and flaky crust, is a classic dessert that has been a favorite in American households for generations. The pie's origins are intertwined with the history of bananas in the United States. In the mid-19th century, advancements in transportation technology, particularly steamships, made it possible to import bananas from tropical regions. As bananas became more widely available and affordable, they quickly found their way into various culinary creations, including the beloved Banana Cream Pie.
The pie's popularity soared due to its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy custard, made from a simple mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs, perfectly complements the sweet, fruity flavor of the bananas. The flaky crust adds a contrasting texture that rounds out the dessert. Over time, the Banana Cream Pie has become a staple in American cuisine, often served at family gatherings, holidays, and diners.
Granny's Banana Cream Pie recipe is a testament to her culinary wisdom and adaptability. She understood that a good recipe is versatile and can be tweaked to create a variety of delicious dishes. The custard filling in her Banana Cream Pie, for instance, serves as a base that can be used to make other cream pies. By simply replacing the bananas with shredded coconut, you can create a Coconut Cream Pie. Or, you could add chocolate for a Chocolate Cream Pie. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to venture beyond the banana and explore a smorgasbord of cream pie flavors.
In addition to its versatility, Granny's recipe is also straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. The ingredients are common pantry items, so you can whip up this dessert whenever the craving strikes.
When making Banana Cream Pie, one tip is to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can make the pie too sweet and give it a mushy texture. Also, to prevent the bananas from browning, you can brush them with a little lemon juice before layering them in the pie crust.
In the end, Granny's Banana Cream Pie is more than just a dessert. It's a piece of culinary history, a versatile recipe, and a sweet reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Enjoy a slice and savor the tradition and taste that have made this pie a beloved classic.