Sunday, April 18, 2010

Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

There are certain foods that just say summertime fun to me, whether it's for a family picnic, 4th of July party,  barbecue or homecoming.  I like love fancy layered cakes, but to me there's still nothing homier than a pie.  And at the top of that list is a a beautiful cream pie, custardly good with gorgeous, perfectly ripe fruit flavoring every bite.  And to me, I have found the perfect banana cream pie.  Ole Sweetie-Pi loved this pie.  I loved this pie.  We loved this pie!  This is now my go-to banana cream pie recipe.

I also tried another pat-in-pan crust recipe, and this time I had much better success.  It's an oil crust and did a terrific job of holding its crispy-flaky shape after being blind baked.  It doesn't have the same desirable buttery flavor I like to associate with a pastry crust, but I'm so pleased with the way it turned out, that I will use this crust for future prebaked crust recipes. 

(Recipezaar #14979)

One prebaked pastry crust, cooled (recipe to follow)

3 cups whole milk
3/4 cups white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 ripe bananas

In a large saucepan scald the milk.  Remove any milk solids that might develop.

In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt; gradually whisk in the scalded milk.  Over medium heat, stirring constantly, cook until thickened.  Cover, cook two minutes more, stirring occasionally.

In a small bowl, have the 3 egg yolks, slightly beaten, ready. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into beaten yolks (tempering the yolks with the hot liquid so as not to curdle them).  When thoroughly combined, stir yolks into hot mixture.  Cook for minute more more, stirring constantly. Stir in the butter and vanilla. 

Let custard sit until lukewarm.

When ready, pour about a cup of the custard into the bottom of the prepared pie crust.  Slice 3 ripe bananas over the top and then pour the remainder of the custard over the bananas.

Wrap in plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming on the custard and refrigerate until cold and custard is set.

Serve with either a meringue made from the leftover egg whites or nice dollops of whipped cream.

No Roll Pie Crust
(Recipezaar #73041)

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar **
1/8 teaspoon vanilla**
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup canola oil
3 tablespoon milk

Preheat oven to 375*F.

Put all ingredients into a 9-inch pie plate.  Mix with a fork until well blended and pat into the pan. Push the pastry up the sides and make a nice edge.

Generously prick the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking (I pricked every 1/4 inch or so around the sides and across the bottom).

Bake 15-17 minutes, or until nicely browned.

**The original recipe calls for one tablespoon vanilla sugar, a product I do not keep on hand.  I substituted one tablespoon sugar and added a couple drops of vanilla extract.  Seemed to work fine, and was especially nice to use with a pie that called for vanilla as part of the flavoring.

29 comments:

  1. Don't forget to save me a piece ;)

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  2. So funny you made this Katy because I have been secretly squirelling away ingredients and ideas to make this. Great minds think alike, huh.

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  3. Banana cream pie is THE best. And I love the sound of this pie crust. I'm always so scared to make my own but this one looks foolproof and delicious.

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  4. Put the coffee on, I'm on my way!

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  5. One of my favorite desserts that I don't get to enjoy nearly as often as I'd like to. Looks great!

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  6. Yum! This banana cream pie looks incredible, pure heaven!

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  7. This looks so good! I love banana cream pie but don't make it often because I lack self-control when it's in the house. I can only imagine how good this tastes. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  8. You take good care of Ole Sweetie Pi. That is one creamy pie. Yum

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  9. Ohmy doesn't that look good. My mom used to make great banana and lemon pies. I really should dig out those recipes and give them a try.

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  10. Mmmm, this looks lovely and the cucumber salad sounds great too! So sorry I haven't been by, busy times lately. I am really glad to see you are back and feeling better! :-)

    Thanks for all your comments on my entries this afternoon. The dollar a day challenge has been a little crazy but not too bad at all. Surprisingly we're making it just fine.

    Have a great week Katy! :-)

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  11. I have a huge weakness for banana cream pie. Did I ever tell you the story about the time I was visiting my daughter in Idaho and we ate the entire banana cream pie she baked in one evening? Talk about self control!!! I'll have to tell her about this recipe. Maybe she will surprise me with one when I arrive next week.

    Thanks for sharing, Katy. It looks simply heavenly...

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  12. Oh yummy!! This totally screams summertime. I love it Katy and could use a piece right about now while I am at school doing "work" :) xx

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  13. I haven't had banana pie in quite awhile so this is really calling my name Katy! It looks luscious and creamy and addictive all rolled into one pie!
    My Grandmother used to make a crust using oil and it always turned out so well for her too. I must give it try. Have a wonderful week. :)

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  14. oh my goodness, this pie practically sings summer, how delicious!

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  15. I SO share you sentiments on the virtues of a homey cream pie, Katy! My favorite pie crust (my husband's grandma's recipe) is also an oil crust. I am bookmarking this, because I've gotta try your perfect banana cream pie. YUM! Thank you!

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  16. Oh yummmmmm, this sounds just excellent.

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  17. This cream pie looks so yummy! Bananas are one of my favorite fruits.
    I am going to write the recipe in my book recipes. Thanks Katy!
    I'm glad that your feel better and you are back ☺
    Oh...thanks also for the strawberry rhubarb pie, just delicious!

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  18. That looks so silky & smooth--looks like a good base for any cream pie. The pat in crust is something I've not tried!

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  19. Oh YUM!! it even comes with a no roll pie crust! now that is something I need to try quickly:) bookmarking!

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  20. I would love to sneak a piece of that decadent pie Katy! I love banana cream pie....MMMMMMmm good. I've never tried the pat in the pan crust..I must remember that for the next time I need a pre-baked pie shell...then I won't have to make up any new words when the doggone crust slinks down into the pie pan.....:(

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  21. Oh Katy, sounds like you're in full recovery! Glad that you're back on track again. I love all three recipes of yours the strawberry rhubarb pie, the cucumber and the banana pie. They are awesome! The best thing was they're all look very light & it's a healthy way of eating. Good on you! Have a wonderful day!
    Cheers, Kristy

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  22. Just like you, I prefer pies. I love cream pies such this delight banana cream pie or fruit pies. This is wonderful.

    btw, I am so glad that your are feeling better. Glad to see you back in the blogosphere.

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  23. I have been craving just this very thing! And I am horrible at making pie crusts - so happy to see your fail-proof crust recipe. I bet the pie is heavenly!

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  24. Oh boy, love banana cream pie and this crust sounds quick and easy! Thanks Katy!

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  25. Oh Katy I just have to try this pie..it is calling me! I'm licking my lips in anticipation:) I like the idea of simply 'patting in' crust.

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  26. Hi katy,you are rocking with your delicious dishes one after another.Thanks a lot for your sweet comments,it means a lot.Banana cream pie looks so scrumptious n count me in at any time.Bet it would have tasted divine.I liked the cucumber salad very much,it's so comforting n refreshing katy.Good day.

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  27. How did I miss this the other day? I guess I'm getting behind! I love banana cream and coconut cream pie. This looks heavenly!!!!

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  28. This is my husband's favorite dessert. I will defintely try this along with the crust. Sounds great and thanks so much for posting this Katy!!!

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  29. Oh! This banana cream pie sure got me drooling, I usually do not care for bananas, but you really got me :-)

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