Individual Banana Cream Delights: The Perfect Treat For Two
Tired of making a whole pie when you only need a couple of servings? Look no further! These individual banana cream pies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They're perfect for a cozy night in, or when you just want a sweet treat without the leftovers.
My Journey to Individual Servings
A while back, a friend introduced me to an amazing banana cream pie recipe. It was so good that I made it constantly. However, as a household of two adults and a baby, a whole pie was just too much for us, especially since it doesn't keep well. That's when the idea of making individual pies was born. These are not mini pies, they are deep dish sized single servings packed with goodness.
What Makes These Pies Special?
These individual banana cream pies are made in ramekins or jars and are filled with a delicious graham cracker crust, fresh banana slices, creamy banana filling, and topped with whipped cream. The recipe is simple and forgiving, perfect for any level of baker.
Key Ingredients
- Crust: The base is made with a simple graham cracker crust.
- Filling: The ingredients include milk, eggs, butter, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, and a roasted banana for extra flavor.
The Smiling Banana
Don't forget to roast your banana alongside the crust. When you take it out of the oven, you'll be greeted by a smiling banana face wearing pie crust glasses! A little extra fun while baking can never hurt.
Simple and Forgiving
These pies are not fancy at all but are very forgiving. They do require a short 2-3 hour chill time, but trust me, the wait is worth it. The end result will be creamy, thick, sweet, and wonderful.
Common Questions About Banana Cream Pies
Q: How can I make this dairy-free? A: Use canned coconut milk for a creamy texture, but keep in mind that it will impart a coconut flavor. Unsweetened almond milk will also work, but may have a more gelatinous texture. Use a dairy-free whipped topping.
Q: Can I use an alternative for butter in the crust? A: Coconut oil is a great substitute for butter in the crust.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free? A: Simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Recipe
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 4 graham crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Banana Cream Pie Filling
- 1 banana + a few extra slices for layering
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Tiny splash of vanilla
Instructions
- Crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press into two 8-ounce ramekins or small mason jars. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet along with one unpeeled banana. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the banana is soft and the crust is set.
- Filling: In a small saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolk together. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a low simmer over low heat, whisking frequently until the mixture thickens into a pudding. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Blend: Transfer the cooled pudding to a blender or food processor with the roasted banana. Blend until mostly smooth to loosen it up.
- Assemble: Top the baked crusts with slices of banana. Pour the filling over the top. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!
Enjoy The Individual Delights
These individual banana cream pies are a low-maintenance dessert, perfect for those who love a great dessert without all the fuss. Whether you're making them for a special occasion, or simply for a single serving, they are sure to become a favorite!