Banana Cream Pie w/ Shortbread Cookie Crust

Can we talk cream pies for a second? Pie shells filled with a rich pudding-like custard, and sometimes topped with a big cloud of whipped cream...you know the ones I mean. I'm about to make an admission that may stun and amaze you. Here goes: I can't remember eating more than a single slice of cream pie in my entire 39 years of existence. And I haven't actually made one myself until now.

I came close once, with this Coconut NO-Cream Pie that I made (which means that I also ate some) to share over at my friend Bea's blog, The Not So Cheesy Kitchen. But no cream filling is slightly (and by slightly, I mean extremely) different than rich, magnificent, actual custard filling. Just sayin'.

I've mentioned several times that I'm more of a fruit pie kind of girl, with nut pies coming in a close second. And of course I grew up eating pumpkin pie around Thanksgiving every year, but that's nowhere near a cream pie consistency. To make a long story short (which I suppose I really didn't), I decided it was high time that I try making an honest to goodness cream pie in my own kitchen. I had to start with banana, because I knew that would be universally accepted (if my home were the universe).

Since I'd just picked up a few boxes of Girl Scout cookies a couple of days beforehand, I decided that the shortbread box (minus 3) was going to go towards making the crust for this pie. I could just taste the creamy banana against the buttery shortbread. Let's just say that it was a fantastic choice.  You might notice that my pie doesn't stand high and proud. The custard was more pudding-like; even after a night in the fridge, the removal of one slice caused the pie around it to cave in. Nobody seemed to care though, because the flavor and velvety pudding texture, against the crunchy, buttery crust felt all-together sinful.

Now that this banana cream pie is a happy memory, I'll revisit cream pies another day and work on giving them height by getting the custard to "set" better (tips and suggestions welcome).

Banana Cream Pie with Shortbread Cookie Crust

Layers of bananas and rich custard, topped with fluffy whipped cream, sit in a crunchy shortbread cookie crust. This Banana Cream Pie recipe is sure to satisfy your most decadent cravings.

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 30 minutes (active), 8+ hours (inactive)

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Keywords: dessert nut-free soy-free vegetarian bananas pie American

Ingredients (serves 8)

for the crust:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) fine shortbread cookie crumbs
• 2 tablespoons superfine or granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) salted butter

for the filling:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas

everything else:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

making the crust:

Use a fork to combine shortbread cookie crumbs and sugar in a medium size bowl. Melt the butter, then drizzle it over the crumbs. Use the fork to stir it in until moistened, switching to your hands, if needed.

Dump mixture into a 9-inch pie plate/tin. Use your hands and/or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly in the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Place in fridge until the butter has firmed up, at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350° F, then slide the pan into the oven and bake until the crust is set and golden, 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

making the filling:

Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan and whisk to combine. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Set over medium-high heat, until it just comes to a boil, whisking often. Let it bubble for 1 minutes, stirring constantly.

Beat the eggs in a medium size bowl, then very gradually whisk in a little bit of the hot mixture to temper the eggs. Scrape the mixture back into the pot, whisking as you go, bringing it back to a boil. Continue to whisk, it should be very thick in about 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour into a bowl (I just use the same one I tempered the eggs in) and allow to cool completely, whisking from time to time to keep a skin from forming on the top. (You could also cool it for about 30 minutes, then lay a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the custard and refrigerate until ready to use).

Once completely cool, use immediately (or again, cover with a sheet of plastic wrap, pressing it directly on top of the custard itself, and refrigerate until ready to use).

putting it together:

Peel the bananas and cut them into 1/4-inch thick coins.

Put 1 cup of the cooled (or cold) custard into the bottom of the chilled crust and carefully spread it out evenly. Cover with half of the banana slices. Carefully spread another cup of custard over the top of the bananas. Cover that layer with the remaining banana slices. Spread the remaining custard on top of that layer. Chill until the filling is set, at least 8 hours.

finishing the pie:

Just before you're ready to serve, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and beat until you have stiff peaks. Pile it on top of the custard and gently spread it out to cover (or decorate however you like). Cut into 8 slices and enjoy! Store covered in the fridge.

-filling adapted slightly from epicurious 

Grab a plate and a fork, it's time for PIE! Pull a chair up to the table and help me dive deeper into the wonderful world of pie; from fruit pies to nut pies to cream pies to icebox pies and beyond...to savory pot pies and skillet pies. Whether it's a traditional round pie, a slab pie, or even a hand pie—it's going to be all about the pie.

Join me on the last Friday of each month for pie and crust recipes, techniques, tools of the trade, and other inspiration. For more information and recipes, please check out my #FRIDAYPIEDAY page!