Banana Cream Pie

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

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1. Heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C / 320°F fan). Mix the crushed biscuits, melted butter and brown sugar and press firmly into the base and sides of a 23 cm pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside while you make the filling.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

2. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.

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3. Whisk the caster sugar, egg yolks, cornflour and salt in a bowl until smooth. Slowly pour in about a third of the hot milk, whisking, then tip it all back into the pan.

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4. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until the custard is very thick and bubbling. Keep whisking and cook for 1 minute more.

   Mark done Start 4 min timer

5. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the 30 g of butter and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla until smooth.

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6. Toss the bananas with the lemon juice. Spread a third of the custard over the crust, cover with half the bananas, then repeat, finishing with the last of the custard.

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7. Press cling film directly onto the surface of the custard to stop a skin forming and chill for at least 4 hours until completely set.

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8. Whip the cream with the icing sugar and the teaspoon of vanilla until it holds soft peaks, spread it over the pie and scatter with the chocolate.

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Tips for Making Banana Cream Pie

• Whisk the custard constantly and cook it for the full minute after it thickens. It cooks out the starchy taste and makes it set firm.
• Press cling film directly on the surface of the custard. Otherwise a skin forms, and it leaves rubbery lumps in the filling.
• Use ripe but firm bananas and slice them just before layering. Slices left standing brown quickly.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Double cream won't whip if you swap it, but for the cooking itself, full-fat crème fraîche or a lower-fat single cream works in its place.

What to Serve with Banana Cream Pie

• A cup of coffee
• Chocolate sauce
• Salted caramel

Storing & Reheating Banana Cream Pie

Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days; the bananas darken slightly after the first day. It does not freeze well, since the custard turns watery.

Banana Cream Pie FAQ: Common Questions

Banana Cream Pie Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.