Strawberry Banana Cream Pie

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe - Made in the USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie is a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of bananas. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Strawberry Banana Cream Pie are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. This classic dessert has been a favorite for many years and continues to be a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

0.5 cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 tsp salt
4 egg yolks
2 cup milk
1.5 tsp vanilla
1 pt (473 ml) California strawberries, sliced
1 (9 inches) baked pie shell
1 large or 2 small bananas, peeled and sliced
whipped cream, optional

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Blend together egg yolks and milk.
Stir a small amount of the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, making a smooth paste.
Gradually blend in the remaining milk mixture.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.
Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Cool quickly by setting the pan in a bowl of ice or cold water and stirring for a few minutes.
Set aside about 0.25 cup of strawberry slices for garnish.
Arrange the remaining strawberry slices in the pie shell.
Pour half of the custard mixture over the strawberries.
Top with banana slices and cover with the remaining custard mixture.
Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Before serving, top the pie with the reserved strawberry slices.
Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
To bake the pie shell: Line the unbaked pie shell with a 12-inch square of aluminum foil.
Fill with rice or dried beans or peas and cover the rim of the shell with the edges of the foil.
Bake in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven until lightly browned at the edges, for 10 to 15 minutes.
Lift out the foil and rice and cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Try using different fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, in place of the strawberries.
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and sugar substitute in the custard mixture.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the custard mixture constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

- Cooling the custard quickly in a bowl of ice or cold water will help it set faster.

- For a decorative touch, use a piping bag to create swirls of whipped cream on top of the pie.

- To prevent the bananas from turning brown, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Strawberry Banana Cream Pie is to cook the custard mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and boils. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the perfect consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cornstarch on hand, you can use flour as a thickening agent for the custard mixture. You can also use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the custard mixture and bake the pie shell ahead of time, then assemble the pie just before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, so try to make it as close to serving time as possible.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the pie with fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. You can also arrange the strawberry slices in a decorative pattern for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. The combination of sweet and creamy flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Banana Cream Pie contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Banana Cream Pie contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Banana Cream Pie contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Banana Cream Pie contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, while bananas are rich in potassium. This dessert is a tasty way to get some essential vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat (in the pie shell), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries and bananas with a creamy custard filling. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this delicious recipe for Strawberry Banana Cream Pie. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah who lived in a quaint little cottage just outside of town. Sarah was known for her exquisite baking skills, and she loved to experiment with new recipes.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the sweet aroma of strawberries and bananas wafting through the air. Curious, I asked Sarah what she was working on, and she excitedly told me about her latest creation - a Strawberry Banana Cream Pie. My mouth watered at the thought of such a delectable dessert, and I begged her to teach me how to make it.

Sarah was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she began to walk me through the steps. First, we started by making the crust, which consisted of crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a touch of sugar. As we mixed the ingredients together, Sarah shared with me how she had come up with this particular crust recipe after trying out various combinations until she found the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Next, we moved on to the filling, which was a creamy mixture of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and fresh bananas. Sarah explained that she liked to use instant pudding mix for convenience, but she always made sure to add a generous amount of sliced bananas to give the pie a burst of fruity flavor. As we folded the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, Sarah told me how she had learned this technique from her own grandmother, who had been a skilled baker in her own right.

Finally, it was time to assemble the pie. We spread a layer of the creamy pudding mixture over the graham cracker crust, and then topped it with a generous amount of sliced strawberries. The vibrant red berries contrasted beautifully with the pale yellow filling, creating a visually stunning dessert that was almost too pretty to eat.

As we waited for the pie to chill in the refrigerator, Sarah and I sat down at her kitchen table and shared stories of our own grandmothers and the recipes they had passed down to us. It was a special moment of bonding between friends, and I felt grateful to have someone like Sarah in my life who shared my passion for cooking and baking.

When the pie was finally ready, we sliced into it and savored each bite. The combination of the sweet strawberries, creamy bananas, and crunchy crust was pure perfection. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, and I made a mental note to pass it down to future generations.

As I sit here now, many years later, I can't help but smile as I think back on that sunny afternoon in Sarah's kitchen. That day I not only learned how to make a delicious dessert, but I also gained a cherished memory that I will always hold dear. The recipe for Strawberry Banana Cream Pie will forever remind me of the love and friendship that can be shared through the simple act of cooking and baking together.