Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie

By charlotteh371

This delicious pie is so simple it's foolproof. Be sure to let the crust and custard meld in the refrigerator for 4 to 48 hours before topping with cream.

Ingredients

• 22 peanut butter sandwich cookies
• 1/2 cup lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts $
• 1/4 cup butter, melted $
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar $
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 4 large egg yolks $
• 3 tablespoons butter $
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter $
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 2 medium bananas
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Garnishes: halved peanut butter sandwich cookies, chopped lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Process cookies and peanuts in a food processor about 1 minute or until finely chopped. Stir together cookie mixture and melted butter. Press crumb mixture on bottom, up sides, and onto lip of a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate.
2. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes).
3. Whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch in a large, heavy saucepan. Whisk together half-and-half and egg yolks in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk half-and-half mixture into sugar mixture, and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil, whisking constantly, 1 minute; remove from heat.
4. Stir butter, peanut butter, and 1 tsp. vanilla into sugar mixture. Place heavy-duty plastic wrap directly on warm custard (to prevent a film from forming), and cool 30 minutes.
5. Cut bananas into 1/2-inch-thick slices; place in a single layer on bottom of crust, covering bottom completely. Spoon custard mixture over bananas; cover and chill 4 to 48 hours.
6. Beat cream at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add powdered sugar and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla, beating until soft peaks form. Top pie with whipped cream mixture. Serve immediately, or chill up to 4 hours.
Note: We tested with Nabisco Nutter Butter peanut butter sandwich cookies.