🍌 Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 (9-inch) baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the filling:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 cups whole milk

• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced

For the topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the custard filling:

   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.

   • Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.

   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.

2. Temper the eggs:

   • Whisk about ½ cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks (to prevent curdling).

   • Slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan.

   • Continue cooking 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Finish the filling:

   • Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.

   • Let cool slightly (10 minutes), stirring occasionally to avoid a skin forming.

4. Assemble the pie:

   • Arrange sliced bananas evenly in the baked pie crust.

   • Pour warm custard over bananas, spreading evenly.

   • Cover with plastic wrap (press it gently on top of the filling) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

5. Whipped cream topping:

   • In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

   • Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

   • Slice and enjoy!