A Comprehensive Guide to Making Banana Cream Pie

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making a delicious banana cream pie. This creamy and sweet dessert is a classic favorite, perfect for any special occasion or simply a cozy treat at home. Follow the detailed instructions to create a mouth-watering pie that's sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Pie Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (optional) 8 ounces unsalted butter, chilled and cubed 1 cup vegetable shortening, chilled 1 Tablespoon vinegar 1 cup water, divided

Banana Cream Pie Filling

2 cups whole milk, cold 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 5.1-ounce box prepared banana cream pudding mix 2 medium bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch slices 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed or whipped cream, divided

Optional Toppings

Cool Whip or Whipped Cream Sliced Bananas Caramel Sauce

Instructions for Making Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the butter and shortening until it forms coarse crumbs or pea-sized pieces with a few larger bits of fat. Be careful not to overmix as you want to work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up.

Prepare an ice water mixture in a cup by adding water and ice cubes, then stir and let sit for a few minutes. Measure 1/2 cup of this ice-cold water and add the vinegar, stirring with a wooden spoon. Continue adding 1 Tablespoon water at a time, up to 1/2 cup, until a dough is formed but not overly sticky. If necessary, dip your fingers in ice water and bring the dough together with your hands. If it's too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour and bring the dough together with your hands.

Cut the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Press each dough into a disk for easy rolling out and place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days.

Once the dough is chilled, roll out each half on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Carefully fold the dough in half and then again, then transfer to a pie pan. Unfold, and shape the crust edges with your thumb and index finger. Trim any excess dough from the edges or press it down with a fork. Follow your favorite pie crust cooking instructions.

Step 2: Freezing Instructions for the Pie Crust

If you're looking to freeze the dough, place the dough disks in a zip-top bag or freezer container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the pie crust in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Step 3: Blind or Par-Baking

For a partially baked crust, cover the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the paper and beans and bake an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Cream Pie Filling

Whisk together the milk and cornstarch until fully dissolved. In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix with the remaining milk mixture until the pudding is thick. Gently fold in the sliced bananas and half of the Cool Whip. Add more Cool Whip to reach the desired filling consistency for the pie crust.

Transfer the filling to the prepared pie crust. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving. Top with any remaining Cool Whip, fresh sliced bananas, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

Step 5: Sliced and Serve Chilled

Cut the pie into slices and serve chilled for the best texture and taste. This is a delightful dessert that's sure to become a family favorite!

Enjoy!

Now that you have the complete guide to making a perfect banana cream pie, it's time to put on your apron and get cooking. Happy baking and May your pie be delicious!