Banana Cream Pie

This classic banana cream pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The creamy custard filling is made with bananas, vanilla, and cream cheese, and it's topped with a flaky crust.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges of the dough so that it overhangs the pie plate by about 1 inch.

3. Prick the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from bubbling. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.

4. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the sliced bananas.

5. Pour the Filling: Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

6. Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

7. Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

8. Top the Pie: Spread the whipped cream and banana slides over the chilled pie.

Tips:

• For a richer crust, use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.

• If you don't have a 9-inch pie plate, you can use a 9-inch springform pan. Just be sure to line the pan with foil or parchment paper before adding the crust.

• You can also use your favorite store-bought pie crust.

• If you want a smoother filling, you can puree the bananas before folding them into the mixture.

• For a more festive look, you can garnish the pie with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Enjoy this delicious and classic banana cream pie!