On March 2 we celebrates, National Banana Cream Pie Day, a day to enjoy the classic dessert by making your own pie or indulging in a slice from your favorite bakery. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe with a flaky crust, fresh bananas, creamy filling, and whipped topping, or want to try a fun twist, it’s a perfect day to treat yourself.
However, banana cream pie is all about that perfect balance of flavors and even you get the sweetness of ripe bananas, the rich creaminess of the custard filling, and the light, airy texture of whipped cream. The buttery, flaky crust adds a nice contrast, while a sprinkle of vanilla or a hint of nutmeg can elevate it even more.
March 6 is a day to commemorate one of the tastiest dishes in the U.S. Although there are many kinds of pie in the U.S., banana cream pie is unique because of the variety of flavors and textures that it brings to the palate. All pie lovers come together on National Banana Cream Pie Day to make and eat their favorite banana cream pie recipe.
This celebration reminds us to pause and savor the flavors, textures, and memories each bite brings. From its smooth filling to its fluffy topping, every element of the banana cream pie deserves its moment in the spotlight.
So, let’s grab a fork and dive into the deliciousness that is National Banana Cream Pie Day. Whether you’re a pie aficionado or just looking for a reason to treat yourself, this day is a sweet excuse to do just that.
History of National Banana Cream Pie Day
Did you know that, Historians have traced back the origins of pie to the Neolithic Period, around 6000 B.C? However, it has been discovered that during this period, ancient Egyptians made a version of pies called ‘galettes,’ which were rustic free-form pies, made from oats, wheat, rye, and barley. Along with this, the crust was filled with honey and the galettes were then baked over hot coals.
Bananas became a popular ingredient in American desserts in the late 1800s. It wasn’t long before the banana cream pie became a household favorite with its creamy filling and sweet banana flavor. This day encourages us to celebrate this iconic pie and its enduring popularity.
However in the late 1620, European pilgrims came to America with their favorite family pie recipes. These recipes were adapted to accommodate the resources already available to them in America. Initially, their pies were baked using berries and fruits that the Native Americans showed them. The European women used round pans for their baking in order to stretch the ingredients as they were scarce.
In the 1700s, American women cemented the tradition of serving pies with every meal and thus the pie became an important part of American cuisine and culture. Pies were seen at every public gathering and fair in America. As more settlers moved to other parts of the continent, various kinds of regional pies were created. Pie ingredients are constantly being experimented with to this day to meet the demands of a hungry, pie-loving population.
Banana Cream Pies became famous in the 20th century. In the 1950s, these pies became the favorite dessert of many American soldiers. These pies were essentially thin pastries, full of thick and creamy banana custard. The pie’s popularity has spread worldwide. The British version of this is the Banoffee pie, which is made using bananas and toffee.
| 6000 B.C. (The Earliest Version of Pies is Invented) | The ancient Egyptians make pie-like creations called galettes using oat, wheat, rye, and barley, with a honey-filled crust. |
| 1620 (Pies Travel to America) | European Pilgrims bring their favorite family pie recipes with them to America. |
| 1700s (Pie Becomes Part of American Culture) | American women cement the tradition of serving pies with every meal and thus the pie becomes an important part of the American way of life. |
| 1950s (The Rise of Banana Cream Pies) | American soldiers fall in love with banana cream pies and it becomes their favorite dessert. |
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Source: Everyday Pie
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until golden. Let it cool.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat. Stir until it begins to thicken and bubble.
- Gradually whisk about 1 cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them.
- Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Slice 2 bananas and layer them on the cooled crust.
- Pour the custard filling over the bananas, smoothing it out evenly.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming) and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- In a bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Slice the remaining banana and arrange it on top of the whipped cream for garnish.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious banana cream pie!
5 Tasty Facts About Pies
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New Mexico has a Pie Town- Yes, Pie Town is an actual place in the U.S., and it’s famous for its pies.
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America loves its pies- Around 186 million pies are sold in grocery stores in the U.S. every year.
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Pies can be dangerous weapons- Popularly seen in cartoons, pieing or pie attack involves throwing a pie in someone’s face.
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The Romans published the first pie recipe- The pie was made using rye-crusted goat’s cheese and honey.
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Pie crust used to be called ‘coffyn’- The crust of meat pies in 12th century England was called ‘coffyn.’
Activities for National Banana Cream Pie Day
1. Bake Together
On this you can gather friends or family and have a pie-making party. Share recipes and tips while you all create your own versions of banana cream pie.
2. Taste Testing
Even you can visit local bakeries or restaurants to sample different banana cream pies. You can rate them and find your favorite!
3. Banana-Themed Games
Organize banana-themed games, like a banana relay race or a trivia quiz about bananas and desserts.
4. Crafting
Also, you can make banana-themed crafts, such as banana-shaped decorations or pie-themed art. You could even design pie-themed greeting cards.
5. Movie Night
Host a banana-themed movie night. Pick films that feature food or dessert prominently, and enjoy slices of pie while you watch.
6. Social Media Challenge
Start a social media challenge where people share their banana cream pie creations or favorite recipes using a specific hashtag.
7. Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic with banana cream pie and other banana-inspired treats. Enjoy the outdoors while savoring your dessert.
8. Banana Split Bar
Even more you can, set up a banana split bar with various toppings, allowing guests to create their own unique desserts.
FAQs
What are the main ingredients in banana cream pie?
The main ingredients typically include bananas, vanilla custard, whipped cream, and a pie crust (either traditional or graham cracker).
Can I make a banana cream pie ahead of time?
Yes, Banana cream pie can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
How can I prevent bananas from browning in the pie?
To slow down browning, you can toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pie.
What are some variations of banana cream pie?
Variations include adding chocolate or peanut butter, using a different crust like Oreo or cookie crust, or incorporating other fruits.
Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or make a crust with ground nuts or gluten-free cookies.
