Welcome to the world of comfort and delight with our Banana Pudding Pie Delight! This dessert is a dreamy blend of creamy pudding and fresh bananas, all nestled in a buttery crust. It's the perfect treat for any occasion, promising a slice of nostalgia with every bite.
The star of the show is, of course, the bananas. They add natural sweetness and a creamy texture when layered in the pie. The pre-made butter pie crust serves as a convenient and buttery base, holding everything together. For the pudding, whole milk gives it a rich and creamy consistency, while granulated sugar sweetens it just right. The all-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the pudding sets perfectly. A touch of salt balances out the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Egg yolks are used to enrich and thicken the pudding further, giving it a beautiful, smooth texture. A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note, while unsalted butter gives a silky finish. To top it off, we whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla extract for a light and fluffy topping.
This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side of fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab that convenient pre-made butter pie crust. Pop it into the oven for a quick 10-minute bake to give it a nice, firm base. Once done, let it cool on a rack while you move on to the pudding.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly whisk in the whole milk over medium heat. Keep stirring; this step is all about patience. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to thicken and comes to a gentle boil.
Now, onto the egg yolks. In a separate bowl, whisk them lightly. To avoid scrambling the eggs, slowly pour in half of your hot milk mixture, whisking constantly to temper them. Once combined, return this mixture to the saucepan. Cook for another 2 minutes, until it's thick and creamy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Mix until everything is smooth and incorporated. Let it cool slightly, just enough so it’s easy to handle.
Now for the fun part: layer those banana slices into your cooled pie crust. Pour the pudding over the bananas, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This is where it all starts to come together.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This waiting game is critical for a perfect set.
When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread this fluffy goodness over the chilled pie, and it’s ready to wow your guests!