World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

World’s Best Banana Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that combines creamy custard, fresh bananas, and a unique peanut butter cookie crust. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this pie stands out with its rich flavors and delightful textures. Every slice is a perfect blend of sweetness and nostalgia that will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy custard and ripe bananas creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Unique Crust: The peanut butter cookie crust adds a delicious twist that elevates this classic dessert.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, even for beginner bakers, allowing you to whip up a stunning pie with ease.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday feast, this pie will shine on any dessert table.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this pie hours in advance, making it ideal for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 9-inch springform pan or deep-dish pie pan
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Perfectly crushes the Nutter Butters into fine crumbs for the crust.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping the cream effortless and ensures perfect stiff peaks.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups (480g) whole milk (or substitute with 2% milk)
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon bourbon or scotch (optional, but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 2-3 large ripe bananas, sliced

For the Peanut Butter Cookie Crust:

• 20-25 Nutter Butters
• ¼ cup (57g) melted butter

For the Topping:

• 16 ounces (1 pint) heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

To Garnish:

• Dark chocolate for chocolate curls

How to Make World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or melted butter. A regular deep-dish pie pan works too.

Step 2: Make the Crust

• Place the Nutter Butters in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed (about 1–2 minutes).
• Add the melted butter and pulse again until fully combined.
• Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of your prepared pan, forming a crust about 1 to 1.5 inches high.
• Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Ensure it’s cool before adding your filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In a large saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
• In another pot, bring your milk to a simmer (do not boil).
• Gradually whisk in ⅓ cup of hot milk into the egg mixture while constantly whisking to avoid curdling.
• Slowly whisk in the remaining hot milk until combined.

Step 4: Cook Until Thickened

Place your saucepan over medium heat. Continuously whisk until thickened to custard-like consistency. This happens quickly; keep stirring! Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and butter until mixed well.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Layer banana slices evenly on the cooled pie crust. Pour custard filling over bananas and smooth out the top. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the filling and refrigerate for 2–4 hours until chilled.

Step 6: Make Whipped Cream Topping

In an electric mixer bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Taste and add more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 7: Finish Your Pie

Once chilled, spread whipped cream evenly atop your pie. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder dusting before serving!

Step 8: Serve & Store

This recipe yields about 9–12 servings based on portion size. Store any leftovers in the fridge covered properly for several days.

Enjoy creating this delicious World’s Best Banana Cream Pie!

How to Serve World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Serving the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie is as delightful as making it. This pie is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve generous slices of pie on individual dessert plates for a classic presentation. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Pie with Fresh Fruits

• Place a few slices of fresh strawberries or blueberries on the side. The acidity from the berries complements the sweetness of the pie beautifully.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy each slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The bitterness balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Add a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream beside each serving. The creamy texture enhances the overall dessert experience.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice just before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness and visual appeal.

Festive Garnish

• Top with mint leaves or edible flowers to add color and freshness, especially if you’re serving it at a special event.

How to Perfect World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Achieving the perfect World’s Best Banana Cream Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your pie-making game.

• Use ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are spotty and soft for maximum sweetness and flavor in your filling.
• Chill your crust: Allowing the crust to cool completely before adding the filling prevents sogginess and helps maintain texture.
• Whip cream properly: Ensure your heavy cream is cold before whipping; this helps achieve stiff peaks for a fluffy topping.
• Prevent browning: To keep banana slices from browning quickly, consider tossing them lightly in lemon juice before layering them in the pie.
• Use quality ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality vanilla extract and butter for richer flavors in your custard filling.
• Allow chilling time: Be patient and let your pie chill for 2-4 hours; this sets the filling perfectly for clean slices.

Best Side Dishes for World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Pairing side dishes with your World’s Best Banana Cream Pie can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
2. Light Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette balances sweetness with crispness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that complement the flavors without overpowering them.
4. Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse can be an elegant addition that pairs well with banana flavors.
5. Pecan Pralines: These sweet, crunchy treats offer a delightful contrast in texture when enjoyed alongside the creamy pie.
6. Grilled Peaches: Caramelized peaches bring out natural sweetness and create a lovely summer vibe when served warm.
7. Nutty Granola: A small bowl of granola adds crunch and can be served alongside as a snack option before dessert.
8. Minted Yogurt Dip: A refreshing yogurt dip with mint can cleanse the palate between bites of banana cream pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the pie crust to cool completely before adding the filling. If you pour the custard into a warm crust, it can make the pie soggy.
• Not whisking constantly: When cooking the filling, it’s essential to whisk constantly. This prevents the egg yolks from curdling and ensures a smooth custard.
• Using unripe bananas: Choose ripe bananas for the best flavor. Unripe bananas can be starchy and lack sweetness, which affects your pie’s taste.
• Overwhipping the cream: Whip the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture that isn’t pleasant on top of your pie.
• Failing to chill properly: The pie needs to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps set the filling and enhance flavors.
• Not storing correctly: Ensure you cover your pie tightly in the fridge to keep it fresh. This prevents it from absorbing any odors or flavors from other foods.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep your pie covered with plastic wrap or in a sealed container.
• Duration: The pie will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Avoid cutting until ready to serve: This helps maintain its freshness longer.

Freezing World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

• Freezing method: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Duration: The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Thawing: Move from freezer to refrigerator to thaw overnight before serving.

Reheating World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slices gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie?

The combination of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and a delicious peanut butter cookie crust makes this pie stand out among others. The rich flavors create a memorable dessert experience.

Can I use different cookies for the crust?

Yes! While Nutter Butters provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with graham crackers or Oreos if desired. Just adjust the butter amount accordingly.

How do I prevent my bananas from browning?

To minimize browning, you can toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering them in your pie. This helps maintain their vibrant color.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.

Is there an alternative for heavy whipping cream?

You can use coconut cream or canned whipped topping as alternatives if you’re looking for dairy-free options or lighter substitutes.

Final Thoughts

The World’s Best Banana Cream Pie is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with different toppings or fillings. Its creamy texture combined with sweet bananas makes it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and impress your family and friends!

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World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

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Delight in the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie, a decadent dessert that harmoniously blends creamy custard, fresh bananas, and a delicious peanut butter cookie crust. Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to holidays—this pie is sure to impress with its rich flavors and delightful textures. Each slice delivers nostalgia and sweetness, making it an unforgettable treat for family gatherings or casual weeknight indulgences. With simple preparation steps and make-ahead convenience, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2–3 large ripe bananas
• 20–25 Nutter Butters (for the crust)
• 16 ounces heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Crush Nutter Butters in a food processor, mix with melted butter, and press into the pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
3. In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Heat milk until simmering, then gradually whisk into the egg mixture.
4. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract and butter.
5. Layer banana slices on the cooled crust, pour custard filling over them, cover, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours until set.
6. Whip cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; spread over pie before serving.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: For best results, use ripe bananas for sweetness and chill the pie well before serving to ensure clean slices. You can also add chocolate curls or fresh fruit as garnishes for an extra touch.