Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Where Do I Begin?


Oh my goodness. I don't even know where to begin with this pie. It was amazing! Let's see, first it's made with a vanilla wafer crust. Don't buy the premade crust for this, it's so easy to make your own and it's better and fresher. Then it's layered with bananas, homemade vanilla pudding and more vanilla wafers. The original recipe called for a meringue topping, but I opted for whipped cream!

I made this for my father-in-laws 69th birthday a couple weeks ago. We took a day trip to a small town here in Texas and ate at a kitschy cafe supposedly known for their pies. We had lunch then ordered their pie sampler complete with 4 slices of pie and 4 scoops of ice cream. As the waiter brought it out, we started singing and the whole restaurant joined in. It was completely gluttonous but the birthday boy was surprised and happy so that's all that matters.

Look at all those luscious layers!
I was afraid that my father-in-law would be "pied out" and that my little ol' homemade banana pudding pie wouldn't live up to the famous restaurants pie but it did and he wasn't! And I have to say it was much better and way cheaper than their pies. It's really hard to compare though because they didn't have any cream pies on their menu and all their pies were made with traditional pie crust. This one was creamy and dreamy, sweet but not too sweet. The crust still had great texture and the bananas stayed firm, while the wafers in the center softened. All the ingredients just complimented eachother perfectly.

This really was an excellent pie and I will definitely make this pie again. My grandpa is a banana pudding lover and I know he'd love this version too! The recipe may seem long but I broke it down in steps so it would be easier to follow. Please read the notes and the recipe before heading to the kitchen to make this. The original recipe I have was in Southern Living Best Ever Cake & Pies Magazine and it's different than the one online and it's confusing so I've done my best to make it easier for you so you'll make this pie. Like for this weekend, maybe or an upcoming birthday?


Banana Pudding Pie
adapted from Southern Living
  • Vanilla Wafer Crust (recipe below)
  • Vanilla Pudding (recipe below)
  • Whipped Cream (recipe below)
  • 3-4 medium bananas, cut into slices
  • 20 vanilla wafers plus more for decoration (see note)

Vanilla Wafer Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups (about 30) crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
Vanilla Pudding:
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
For the crust:
In a medium bowl, stir together crushed vanilla wafers and butter until blended. Firmly press on bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack, and let cool 30 minutes or until completely cool.
For the pudding: Whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, yolks and milk in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 10-12 minutes or until it reaches the thickness of chilled pudding. (Mixture will just begin to bubble and will be thick enough to hold soft peaks when whisk is lifted. It must be thick and slightly bubbly to set up properly!) Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.
Transfer to a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap, making sure to press the plastic directly on top of the custard so it doesn't get a "skin" on it. Refrigerate til completely cool. (Can be made up to a day in advance.)
Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, whip cream on medium high speed til soft peaks form. Slowly add the sugar and vanilla and continue to beat til thick and stiff. Don't overbeat or you'll have butter!
Assembly: Arrange half of the banana slices evenly over bottom of cooled crust. Spread 1/3 of cooled pudding over bananas, then layer with 20 vanilla wafers. Spread 1/3 more pudding over vanilla wafers, then add the remainder of the banana slices and cover them with the last of the pudding. Spread the whipped cream over the entire pie and decorate with more vanilla wafers if desired.
The layers from the bottom up should be: vanilla wafer crust, bananas, pudding, vanilla wafers, pudding, bananas, pudding, whipped cream
Refrigerate at least for 4 hours. Overnight is best. Consume within 2 days.
NOTE: It's best to prepare the pudding in advance to allow it to chill properly. If you prefer this pie be topped with a meringue then there's no need to refrigerate the filling. See the original recipe here.
Also I used an entire box of vanilla wafers for the pie. If you want to decorate with additional wafers then get a second box to be on the safe side.
Make me. Eat me. Be happy.
__________________________________________________
Oh and look at the newest addition to my cake stand collection. I have an obsession but I love them and I use them all. Well, except for one but I will eventually :-) I picked this one up at an antique market after we ate lunch for my FIL's birthday. It's so pretty and I'll be using it this weekend on my Easter buffet! It's the Harp design by Jeanette Glass in Ice Blue. ::sigh::

83 comments:

Leslie Harris said...

OMG! Banana Cream Pie is my absolute favorite pie! And yours looks heavenly! :)

Memória said...

I've never tried Banana Pudding Pie, but I love regular banana pudding, so I'm sure I'll love this!! This is the only way I enjoy bananas haha. I'm going to bookmark this recipe...or you could just make this for me :P.

Katie said...

Oh wow oh wow! It looks utterly divine. I'm drooling. Wish I could taste it. We don't have banana pudding here but I'm going to try and make it. What could I use instead of the vanilla wafers? We don't have those in the UK, nor gragham crackers either...

Love your new cake stand - so elegant.

Kim said...

I have been craving banana cream pie for ages! I about fell out of my chair when I saw this post:D Mouth-watering and delicious!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

That pie makes my mouth water.NOw I can only imagine how just how lovely your Easter table will look with a beautiful and delicious cake on that pretty palate.
Blessings,Ruth

From the Kitchen said...

Southern Living always comes through. No wonder banana cream pie was Elvis' favorite dessert!

I have a prayer request on my blog today. It's for two little girls (Roses) that I know and blogged about last month. Please check it out if you have time.

Best,
Bonnie

cookies and cups said...

Gorgeous cake stand! I haven't had banana cream pie since my grandma made it...I love yours with the wafers in the middle. Gonna do this one for sure!

A 'n D said...

yum yum and YUM!!!!!! i'm going to surprise my little brother with this sometime soon b/c banana cream is his favorite.

and i LOVE your cake stand!!! it is right up my alley in taste - i may need to find one soon!

Julie said...

Looks like your FIL had a wonderful pie-filled birthday...yours looks the best! I love that cake stand, it' so pretty :)

Lisa said...

Ah, that looks so delicious!

I love your cake platter, too, btw.

Have a great week!

Lisa

~Kristen~ said...

Hi!

I have been following your blog for a while now after seeing a link to it on another blog I read. Your recipes sound DELICIOUS and there are several I want to try, but I finally had to comment to tell you that what I love most here is your AMAZING photogrpahy skills!!! I *LOVE* the pics you take of everything you make! It may be posted somewhere here and I missed it, but could you share what type of camera you have and what lens(es) you use? I am a VERY amateur photography buff and still learning so when I see great photos I want to learn all I can! Thanks!!! :-)

Julie Harward said...

I LOVE the new dish...and the pie, wow that looks so yummy! Come say hi :D

oneordinaryday said...

So this is really an ice box cake, right? It's very similar to something my mom has made us forever, but she layers buttercream frosting, graham crackers, and bananas. But the crackers get all soft and the whole thing is so good, even if it sounds a little weird. : )

The bday boy surely looks pleased. What a great way to celebrate.

White Toast with Butter said...

The pie looks great and I really love that cake stand -- I have a cake stand addiction.

Unknown said...

Love that southern living magazine--I have made so many recipes from it and looked at this one but hadnt' tried it yet--will have to soon! And I'm i LOVE with your cake stand! they are an obsession of mine too...

Astrid said...

Wow that pie looks amazing. I have a fascination with vanilla wafers and love them in desserts. Sadly, I haven't thought to buy and use them lately, so I might be inspired by you to break out a box and make something delicious.
Monica, you are truly a great cook, so talented! Everything always looks scrumptious.

Patti said...

Oooh, that cake stand is GORGEOUS! And banana pudding pie! I love banana pudding..but never thought to put it in a crust! Brilliant!! Now if I only had some bananas....

Janet said...

Sigh is right! Oh my...

Melanie said...

I love the cakestand! And look at the layers on that pie! Banana cream is my husband's FAVORITE. He would die over this version. I love it!

Keeley said...

All I can say is WOW! The pie looks beautiful and perfect and I LOVE fresh whipped cream. How did you get it to slice so neatly?

My birthday is on Friday and if I wasn't the cook/baker in the family, I'd want someone to make me this pie. It will absolutely be making an appearance at my house this spring!

Kathleen said...

This looks like an unbelievable banana cream pie. I love Southern Living! Your cake stand is lovely, too!

Joanne said...

Gluttony is warranted on birthdays and this looks SO worth every bite!

Hennifer said...

That cake stand is beautiful!

I'm eager to make this. I'm sure it is better with the homemade vanilla pudding but I just happen to have instant pudding on hand and cream. Need me some ripe bananas and some .nilla wafers!

From the Kitchen said...

Thank you for your prayers Monica. Have a blessedly beautiful Easter.

Best,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

YUM! This looks amazing as always. I will probably go back to a meringue topping since I don't like whipped cream. Thanks for posting this!

Oh, and your cake plate is beautiful. Since you post them as you get new ones I've discovered I have a new appreciation for cake plates and I need to acquire some. I'm looking for the perfect fist one to start my collection. :-)

Natalie said...

this is absolutely going on my to-make list. banana pudding is one of my all-time favorite desserts! yours looks beautiful!!!

Kate H.(www.sprinkletherapy.blogspot.com) said...

Goodness, I'm so anxious to try this recipe for my dad's bday in April. He LOVES banana pudding, so I'm sure he'll love this pie! A different touch to this pie..you could use PF short bread cookies for the crust, they are delicious with banana pudding :)

Sophie said...

Glad you went with the whipped cream topping, sounds like the perfect touch. I bet the birthday boy was very happy :D. Have a Happy Easter, Monica! I know you'll be making something pretty and delicious :).

Lucie said...

oooo delish - this looks wonderful. What a lucky father in law!

Lori said...

That looks oh so good. Creamy goodness! I am lovin this recipe. You have a knack for making everything look extra special.

Foodiewife said...

I have fantasized about making this very pie (though I'd love to make my own vanilla wafers). Love, LOVE, LOVE this version, Monica. Great call on the whipped cream, rather than a meringue. I would eat it like a glutton, and I would not feel any shame. Awesome, girl. You're a pro. Love the cake stand, too. Someday, I'll find one that knocks my socks off.
Blessed Easter!

Leslie Harris said...

I know I already commented, but I wanted to tell you that I have an award for you on my recipe blog! :)

♥peachkins♥ said...

you just made me crave for banoffee pie!

Pam said...

Oh, that pie looks heavenly and I like it so much better with the whipped cream! Your cake stand is gorgeous! Love the color of it.

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Um, you can start by sending us some! Uh, hello...BANANAS! LOL

Happy birthday to your handsome FIL!

Btw, that restaurant's pies might be good but their presentation stinks. Yours definitely looks WAAAAY better!
~ingrid

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Hey, I'm back! :) Two things. First I need to borrow your new cake stand (love it!)and two, I just realized I didn't win your chocolate bar giveaway! I'm seriously depressed now. How will I make all that chocolate cake I have planned?
~ingrid

Debbie said...

That is definitely a WOW pie! It looks fantastic. I will have to make this for my husband. He loves banana cream pie!!!!

Maria said...

Great way to celebrate a birthday! Love your new cake stand too!

Misc Momma said...

I swear I posted a comment...and now I don't see it?! Just curious as to what you think about leaving a whipped cream and/or meringue layer off completely...

nanny said...

I've never had banana pudding pie....but oh my I want it.....it looks wonderful!!!!

Monica H said...

Misc Momma- The only thing I'd worry about with leaving the topping off is that the pudding would dry out and get a "skin" on it. Maybe you could add a top layer of crushed up cookies on top to protect the pudding?

Confections Of A Bake-A-Holic said...

I am always the one to bring banana pudding to Michael's family house. I might have to surprise them with this pie instead... it looks amazing! Can't wait to try it!

Kerstin said...

Happy Belated Bday to your father in law! I love love love banana pudding and know I could easily down several slices of this in one sitting :) I feel like banana desserts are so delicious and underrated!

grace said...

considering how happy i am just looking at this pie, i can barely fathom how delighted i'd be to consume it. excellent work!

Unknown said...

Oh, yum! I'm going to have to make this pie!
And what was the name of the cafe y'all ate at?!

Monica H said...

Sarah- We ate at Royer's Round Top Cafe.

Amber said...

This looks amazing!

Charlene said...

I made this banana cream pie recipe and it was delicious. I made more of the crust, mostly because it seemed to need it to cover the pie pan but also b/c the crust smelled so good when I was putting it together (I used about 50 or more nilla wafers). The ingredients are all so yummy that next time, I'm going to try and make it in a taller pan so I can add in an extra layer of the nilla wafers. Mmmnnn. Thanks for sharing.

jo ellen said...

I am in the process of making this right now. I've done the crust and i've made the pudding.

I stopped there because the pudding taste WAY too vanilla-y. Almost overbearing. I definitely measured everything right and followed directions to a T.

Is there any way to fix this or do I need to start over? I'm contemplating just going with a regular box of instant banana pudding. Though I really don't want to.

Is it supposed to be that potent or will it taste better once the entire pie is put together?

Monica H said...

Jo Ellen, I don't remember the pudding being overwhelming in the vanilla department, but I also didn't eat the pudding by itself. If I were you, I'd go forth and assemble the pie but use your own judgement, because I'd hate for you to make this pie and be disappointed. I, however, think it's pretty amazing as is. If you forge on, I hope you like it too! Please let me know how it turns out.

Monica h

JoEllen said...

I finished the pie today and it was d'lish! I guess the pudding just wasn't right all by itself, but everything combined is perfect.
Everyone loves it!
Thanks again!

Kristen W. said...

Hi, fellow Texan here! I found this blog post through pinterest. I love banana pudding so I'll have to try this soon! The cake stand is gorgeous too. I can't believe I live so close to Round Top and still haven't been. I think it would be a fun day trip. Glad I found your blog!

Meeshaniqua said...

I attempted to make this for Thanksgiving and the "vanilla pudding" came out way to watery almost. I could not get it to thicken up so I had to toss the pie. Maybe there is a better way to make it thick.

Victoria said...

OMG so i wanted to make some banana pudding for a potluck picnic my church is having. but then i wanted to make pie... so i went to google and typed in 'banana pudding pie?' and BOOM! i found this. totally gonna make it. THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS LOL!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

I just love banana pudding, and this pie looks wonderful! I found you on pinterest, and I'm featuring you this week as my pinterest pick at my Friday Favorites event. Come by and grab my featured button if you'd like one!

Becky said...

HI, I found you via this recipe on pinterest, am now a follower as well. I did a blog post about that you can find here: http://thebartonlife-est1995.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-know-its-been-forever-right.html and referenced your blog and link in it. Would love a follow back.
Thanks.

Court said...

Made this yesterday and it is yummy! The only problem I had was 30 crushed nilla wafers only measured out to be about 1 cup, so I crushed a bunch more to get closer to 2 1/2 cups, then when putting it in the pie plate realized I had too much! I just used the leftover crumbs to sprinkle on top of the whipped cream. Thanks for the great recipe.

Anonymous said...

I'm in the process of making this now but the pudding is really thick when cooled. I'm wondering if its supposed to be this thick or if I screwed up. I don't know how I'm going to make it pretty like you did. :(

Monica H said...

Anonymous- I tried to comment on this earlier and my phone was giving me issues. I'm sorry for the delay. Yes, the pudding should be thick. It's much thicker than the typical boxed pudding. You didn't do anything wrong. But if you feel that it's just way too thick then you can add a little milk to the chilled pudding and whisk it until it's the consistency you want. But remember that it needs to be firm so you can slice it and it holds it's shape. You don't want pudding oozing out of your pie!

Hope it turns out well for you. Let me know!

Monica

AngelFrouk said...

I made this for my husband's birthday. The whole family liked it very much. I had to make a few alterations, as I couldn't find vanilla wafers in the Netherlands. I used ladyfingers instead and added a bit of vanilla extract.

Anonymous said...

Thought it was Royer's :) And your pie looks amazing!

Unknown said...

Made this today and it was so devine! So easy and my whole family devoured it!!

Anonymous said...

I Made this Pie! it is AMAZING so good!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have made something like this before. I add crushed pecans to my crust and add a thin layer of cream cheese whipped with sugar on top of the crust. Soooo good!!!

Gold For Runescape said...

Pleased Belated Wedding for your daddy within legislations! I like love adore banana dessert as well as understand I possibly could quickly down a number of cuts of this in one sitting :) I am similar to blueberry sweets are so delicious as well as unappreciated!RS 2007 Gold
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Adele Forbes said...

wish you had a Share & Pinterest button...lovely work

MissyMo said...

My son loves pie and bananas. I wonder if he will like this recipe. I will try it soon. I love that you said it was sweet but not too sweet. Thanks for posting!

Anonymous said...

Would you clarify the eggs in the pudding? I understand it to read, two whole eggs and then 4 additional egg yolks. Is this correct?

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love bananas and this is one way to enjoy it! I will surely make this soon! quiet similar to my banana cream pie, but this is an absolute variation! thanks a lot!

Anonymous said...

I was wondering the same thing!

Anonymous said...

How did you do the eggs?:o

Anonymous said...

Do you use a regular pie dish or a deep dish?

Anonymous said...

Hi Monica, do you use a regular pie dish or deep dish?

Monica H said...

2 whole eggs, 4 yolks

Monica H said...

I'm sorry, I never saw your question. You are correct. 2 whole eggs, 4 yolks

Monica H said...

I used a regular Pyrex glass pie dish- 1 1/2-2 inches deep. You could use a deep dish but nothing shallower than that.

Anonymous said...

Ok the dish I have is a glass Pyrex 23 cm - 209. It just didn't look deep enough like your picture.

Christyna said...

Would this recipe work in a larger pan such as a cake pan?

Monica H said...

You could double the recipe and put it in a 9x13 pan or it could probably fit fine in a 9-inch square cake pan

Unknown said...

Should the pie be covered while in the fridge?

Monica H said...

Cover loosely with plastic wrap

Unknown said...

This was so yummy! made this for a family dinner and it was a huge hit!

Unknown said...

Love love love this recipe.

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