Banana Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (9-inch, I used store-bought)
• 2 Cups Half & Half
• 2/3 Cup granulated white sugar
• 3 egg yolks (large)
• 1/4 Cup cornstarch
• 2 Tablespoons salted butter (cold)
• 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 or 2 bananas (large, sliced)
• 1/2 Cup heavy whipping cream (very cold)
• 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
• banana slices

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Prepare the Crust ---

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F.

3. 3

   Place the store-bought flour pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.

4. 4

   Pierce the bottom a few times with a fork to prevent bubbling.

5. 5

   add: Cover the pie crust with parchment paper and pour pie weights or dry beans into the crust.

6. 6

   Bake the pie crust for 12 minutes.

7. 7

   cook: Remove parchment paper and pie weights and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

8. 8

   cool: Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

9. 9

   --- Make the Filling ---

10. 10

    combine: In a medium saucepan, combine the Half & Half and sugar.

11. 11

    Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring frequently so the bottom doesn’t burn. This should take about 10 minutes.

12. 12

    whisk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.

13. 13

    pour: Slowly pour half a cup of the hot Half & Half mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

14. 14

    pour: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, continuing to whisk.

15. 15

    Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

16. 16

    stir: Remove from the heat and stir in the cold butter and vanilla extract.

17. 17

    cool: Let cool slightly.

18. 18

    --- Assemble the Pie ---

19. 19

    Arrange banana slices in the bottom of the pie crust.

20. 20

    Pour the custard filling over the bananas, smoothing the top.

21. 21

    chill: Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

22. 22

    --- Add the Whipped Cream Topping ---

23. 23

    Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until medium peaks form.

24. 24

    Spread or pipe on top of the chilled pie before serving.

25. 25

    Garnish with additional banana slices if you like.