Today is Pi Day, did you know? Typically, every year I forget about this celebrated day until I open my Google reader and find many food bloggers posting a pie recipe. Get it? Pi or Pie?
Pi Day is not really to celebrate the food, pie, but instead is a day for mathematicians to recognize the day March 14 (or 3/14) because it resembles the beginning digits of the number Pi (3.14). But, of course, pie is included in most of their celebrations. Why not post a pie recipe to contribute? Math was my favorite subject in high school, so I can somewhat relate. 😉
When I decided that I was going to actually post a pie recipe on Pi Day this year (because it's the first time I remembered to do it in advance) I knew I wanted to lean towards a pie that Ben would love. He is a huge fan of banana cream pie and lately has been asking me to make it. After reviewing some of my bookmarked recipes, I came across this recipe from a fellow Mississippi gal and knew without a doubt that we would love it.
What is there not to love about a vanilla wafer cookie crust, layered with a homemade banana pudding and whipped topping, all on top a butterscotch ganache? This pie is definitely rich, but SO good. You'll want a small piece at a time. Lucky for me I have neighbors that make up a family of eight, so I sent the leftovers right over to them to save our waistline.
Recipe Card
Roasted Banana Cream Pie with Butterscotch Ganache
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Butterscotch Ganache:
- 1 ¼ cups butterscotch chips
- 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Filling:
- 3 medium bananas , at least somewhat ripened, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter , melted
- ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons light brown sugar (divided)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk , divided
- 1 envelope (¼ oz) unflavored gelatin
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter , at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafer cookies and the melted butter. Press onto the bottom and the sides of a 9- to 10-inch pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes.
For the Butterscotch Ganache:
- Place the butterscotch chips into a small heat proof bowl; set aside. Heat the heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the sides bubble. Pour immediately over top of the butterscotch morsels and let stand for 2 minutes. Whisk until the butterscotch chips are melted and smooth. Set aside 3 tablespoons in a small cup and cover for later use. Spread the remaining ganache evenly over the pie crust then place in refrigerator.
For the Filling:
- Layer the bananas in small or medium baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons brown sugar and the cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until bubbly and caramelized.
- Place ½ cup milk in a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle with gelatin. Set aside to thicken for 5 minutes. Heat the remaining ¾ cup milk and evaporated milk to nearly a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring often.
- Add ½ cup light brown sugar, cornstarch, and the egg yolks to the softened gelatin and whisk until blended. Temper the gelatin mix by gradually whisking about a ¼ cup of the hot milk mixture into the gelatin mixture; repeat this process once or twice using about ¾ cup of the hot milk mixture. Pour the warmed gelatin mixture into the saucepan with the hot milk and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Cook for a few minutes or until mixture is thick and coats the back of a wooden spoon.
- Strain the hot cream custard through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl; whisk in 2 tablespoons butter and vanilla extract. Stir in the roasted bananas. Cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator for 1 hour to cool. Spread the filling over the ganache in the pie shell and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- Beat 1 ½ cups heavy cream in a large bowl on high speed until foamy. Add the powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until soft to medium stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the pie. Transfer the reserved 3 tablespoons ganache into a small resealable bag. Seal bag, pushing out all the air, and press the ganache to one corner of the bag. Cut a very small hole in the corner and drizzle on the top of the pie. Keep pie refrigerated until ready to serve.
Recipe Note:
- Too many steps for you, or afraid to do it "from scratch"? Try using instant banana pudding and Cool Whip! (Although, I haven't done it myself so can not account for its taste.) 🙂
- Source: Mississippi Kitchen
Nutrition
michelle witunsky says
I've been making this pie for almost 9 years now, every other year or so. It is definitely a labor of love, but when you just want to treat yo-self or send a big dose of love to a friend, it's a truly decadent special pie. Right now my husband is renovating a kitchen and bathroom for friends of ours and the project is going much longer than anticipated, so when I found out banana cream pie is our friend's favorite- I knew this pie needed to make an appearance.
Kindest,
Michelle
PS- I've realized using an 8x8 glass baking pan (or similar size) for the bananas is best- in the past I've used a pan too big and the bananas got too dried out and the texture was off.
Nikki Gladd says
I love this Michelle, thank you! How kind y'all are making it for your friend as a peace offering ha! Your friend will be so happy! And thank you for the tip of using an 8x8. 🙂
Jessica says
Very cute site, you have some tasty looking recipes... I think I might have to try this one, yum : )
Nicole, RD says
You really did nail it on pi day...this looks uhhhmazing!
Jessica @ Sunny Side Up says
I'm not a huge fan of banana cream pies, but I know several people that are and I bet I would make their heart skip a beat if I made this pie for them. And butterscotch ganache?? I can totally get down with that!
Nikki says
Jess- I think you need to convert. 😉
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
Oh wow, I'd love this but I'd skip the crust and topping because they just take away from the awesomeness of banana pudding and butterscotch ganache. I don't think I've even had banana pudding before so I have to make this. 🙂
Lynsey says
This sounds delicious! I love the idea of roasted bananas. Saving this for later! Happy Pi Day
Cookbook Queen says
This pie looks amazing!! And I will take a bowl of the butterscotch ganache by itself. You know...for quality control tasting.
Laura says
Wow, roasted banana? That sounds amazing. Bookmarking this one! Happy Pi Day!
branny says
Glad you remembered this year. Looks fab!
Michelle Welker says
Can't wait to try this. Thanks for the recipe, Nikki!