Banana Cream Pie - KAF

By norsegal8

From diner classic to homemade favorite, banana cream pie is an absolute standard in the world of pies. Many shortcut versions rely on a graham cracker crust and vanilla pudding; but this, our favorite version, pairs a real pastry crust with homemade cream filling — for what we hope will be your best banana cream pie experience yet! Speaking of, we recommend serving individual slices with the topping listed in the recipe. While it's optional, of course, the smooth, rich, vanilla-scented topping is wonderfully complementary to the custard-y banana pie.

Ingredients

• Crust
• your favorite single-crust pie crust; try our favorite pie crust, if you don't have one of your own
• Filling
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups milk, whole milk preferred
• 6 tablespoons room-temperature or soft butter
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
• 1 1/2 to 2 medium bananas, peeled and sliced 1/2" thick
• Topping, optional
• 7 regular-size marshmallows or 1 1/4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons half & half
• 1/3 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extact

Preparation

Step 1

If you're a fan of salty/sweet, try sprinkling the bananas in the crust with a tiny bit of salt before adding the filling. Don't overdo it; but a tiny bit helps cut the pie's overall sweetness, and heightens the bananas' flavor.

Topping is optional, but it's a nice touch. Top individual slices of pie with lightly sweetened whipped cream, or the suggested topping.

Prefer a graham cracker crust for your banana cream pie? Go for it!

For a lower-fat (but also less-rich tasting) filling, omit the butter.

Why the wiggle room in the amount of cornstarch in the filling? Because some folks like a slightly softer filling, one that slumps just a bit when the pie is cut; and some prefer a stiffer filling — one that holds its shape.


1) Roll the pie dough into a 12" to 13" circle, and settle it into a 9" pie pan that's at least 1 1/2" deep. Crimp the crust, making either a flat edge with the tines of the fork, or a standup rim using your fingers. Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes, to relax the gluten; this will help prevent if from shrinking as it bakes.

2) Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the pie from the refrigerator, and prick its bottom surface all over with a fork; this will help keep it flat. Line the crust with a piece of waxed paper or parchment (a 9" parchment cake round works well), and fill with dried beans, rice, pie weights, or the oven-safe, food-safe weights of your choice.

3) Bake the crust for 20 minutes. Remove it from the oven, remove the weights and paper, and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until it's golden brown across the bottom. Remove the crust from the oven, and cool it on a rack while you make the filling.

4) To make the filling: In a medium-sized heatproof bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt, and eggs, whisking until smooth.

5) In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the milk just to a boil.

6) Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring all the while.

7) Return the egg/milk mixture to the saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to boil; this will happen quite quickly, so don't leave the stove to do other chores.

8) Remove the pastry cream from the heat, and stir in the extract(s) and butter.

9) Place the sliced bananas in the bottom of the pie crust. Spoon the hot pastry cream over the bananas, Smooth the surface, and cover it with plastic wrap — or with the same piece of parchment you used to line the crust while it was baking.

10) Refrigerate the pie until it's completely cold; the filling will thicken and set.

11) To make the topping: Heat the marshmallows and half & half, in the microwave or over low heat, until the marshmallows are soft. Stir until the marshmallows melt and the mixture is smooth.

12) Stir in the cream and vanilla. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, preferably overnight.

13) Beat the mixture until soft mounds form; it won't become stiff like whipped cream. For stiffer texture, let the topping chill after you've beaten it.

14) Place a slice of pie on a plate. Dollop with topping. Serve immediately.