Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious banana cream pie:
Ingredients: For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces - 1/4 cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 cups heavy cream - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 3 large egg yolks - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions: *Step 1: Make the Crust* 1. *Combine dry ingredients*: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. 2. *Add butter*: Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 3. *Add water*: Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. 4. *Chill the dough*: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
*Step 2: Roll Out the Crust* 1. *Roll out the dough*: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. 2. *Transfer to a pie dish*: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish. 3. *Trim the edges*: Trim the edges of the crust to fit the pie dish.
*Step 3: Bake the Crust* 1. *Prick the bottom*: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from bubbling up during baking. 2. *Line with parchment paper*: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. 3. *Bake*: Bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. 4. *Remove parchment paper and pie weights*: Remove the parchment paper and pie weights or beans.
*Step 4: Make the Filling* 1. *Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt*: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. 2. *Add heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract*: Gradually add heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. 3. *Cook over medium heat*: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. 4. *Reduce heat and simmer*: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. 5. *Remove from heat*: Remove the saucepan from the heat. 6. *Stir in melted butter and egg yolks*: Stir in melted butter and egg yolks until smooth.
*Step 5: Assemble the Pie* 1. *Arrange banana slices*: Arrange a layer of banana slices in the baked pie crust. 2. *Pour the filling*: Pour the filling over the banana slices. 3. *Refrigerate*: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours or overnight.
*Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream* 1. *Beat heavy cream and granulated sugar*: Beat heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. 2. *Spread over the pie*: Spread the whipped cream over the pie.
Tips and Variations: - *Use ripe bananas*: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. - *Don't overbake the crust*: Don't overbake the crust, or it will become too dark. - *Chill the pie*: Chill the pie for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set. - *Top with chopped nuts*: Top the pie with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
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