I cannot say enough good things about this deluxe Strawberry Banana Cream Pie, so I’ll let the photos do most of the speaking. It includes five layers of divine goodness that are well worth the time and effort. I’m sharing this fabulous recipe as part of Nap Time Creations’ “Summer Fun” series, of which I’m thrilled to be a part.
Feast your eyes on that. Is your mouth watering too?
I’m yearning for another piece right now. A perfect pie crust layered with sweet cream cheese, then sliced bananas, succulent fresh strawberries, a strawberry glaze and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
I mentioned earlier that I visited my parent’s house a few weeks ago and number one on my bucket list while I was there was to partake of my mom’s homemade strawberry pie. I seriously dream about it. I grew up indulging in it every summer. My siblings and I would beg her to make it. I even often promised to cut strawberries and bananas to make the job easier.
Of course you can just buy the crust and cut out a lot of the work, but to my mom, pie making is an art, and she would never think of using anything but a homemade crust. However, if you’re short on time, there’s no crime in purchasing the crust. I promise not to hold it against you. 🙂
For some reason, I’ve always been intimidated by making pie crust. Are you like me? Each time I do, though, I’m amazed at how easy it really is. Probably the most important thing to remember is not to add too much water. A soggy crust is no bueno.
I’ll try to be detailed in my instructions so you can output the perfect pie crust to impress your family and friends!
{PERFECT PIE CRUST}
Makes two 9″ pie crusts
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/8 c. shortening
Stir flour and salt together. Add shortening on top.
Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture forms pea-sized pieces.
Add 3 Tbsp. ice water (ice water prevents the shortening from melting) and work into mixture with a fork, pushing aside the moistened portions.
Sprinkle ice water, 1 Tbsp. at a time on dry areas, and continue working moistened parts to the side until all the dough is moist.
Divide dough into two equal portions and form into balls. You can use a scale for this or just eyeball it like we did.
Press dough ball with the palm of your hand to flatten a bit.
Roll out on floured surface until about 2″ wider than your pie plate.
Scrape dough underneath with a metal spatula for a clean release from the counter top.
Fold dough in fourths to transfer easily to the pie plate.
Align dough so it overhangs by about 2″, then unfold.
Trim dough so it hangs over the pie plate by about 1″. If some areas are scant, grab a piece of trimmed dough and use a few dabs of ice water to “glue” it to the area.
Fold dough under so a little of it sticks above the pie plate.
Now flute the edges using two of your fingers as support on one hand and your index finger on the other hand to press the dough between your fingers. Be sure to press down so the dough will be right up against the pie plate. This will prevent shrinking.
Prick the bottom and edges with a fork so the crust can breathe while baking. Bake at 475 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Let cool, then add filling layers listed below. You’ll want to make the glaze while the crust is baking.
Look at that gorgeous glistening strawberry glaze! I want to dip my finger into the picture and take a lick. There are lots of layers, but I guarantee you’ll want to jump on this bandwagon, because it will take you to pie heaven!
Layer 1
Layer 1
{CREAM CHEESE LAYER}
Makes enough for two 9″ pies
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. cool whip
Mix in the bowl of an electric mixer until creamy. Divide in half and spread onto bottom of crusts.
Layer 2
6 Bananas, sliced and divided in half
Place bananas over cream cheese layer
Layer 3
2 cartons of strawberries, washed, dried, and stems removed.
Slice strawberries in half and arrange 1 carton’s worth over each pie on top of the bananas.
Layer 4
{STRAWBERRY GLAZE}
Makes enough for two 9″ pies
12 c. (or 2 cartons) strawberries
2 c. sugar
6 Tbsp. corn starch
1 c. water
Mash enough strawberries to measure 2 cups. Mix sugar and corn starch in 2 quart sauce pan. Stir in water and strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir one minute. Cover with plastic wrap and let cool completely.
Pour and spread half the cooled glaze mixture on each pie.
Layer 5
{WHIPPED CREAM}
1 pint whipping cream
2 tsp. vanilla
4 heaping Tablespoons powdered sugar
Put all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer and whip until peaks form. Spread on top of pie.
Place pie in refrigerator and chill for 3 hours before eating for best results.
It’s simply irresistible, just like it looks! Strawberries won’t be in season for too much longer, so you should make this ASAP! You won’t regret it. At bite one, you’re sure to be hooked and this incredible pie will become a tradition for you, too, each summer.
Do you enjoy making pie crusts from scratch, or are you all about buying them?
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Check out these other “Summer Fun” ideas by my awesome fellow bloggers!
Chocolate Dipped Mickey Treats from Forty Eighteen- yum!
My Overstuffed Life is sharing How to Host a Summer Book Club for Kids- FUN!
And last be sure to check out this delicious Banana Strawberry Cream Pie at I Dig Pinterest.
Head over to Nap-Time Creations to see lots of other ideas for Summer Fun
last week’s collage:
Preparing a Successful Yard Sale for a Big Move by One Dog Wolf
Crochet Nautical Handbag by the Stitchin’ Mommy
Strawberry Shortcake by O Taste and See
Mini Greenhouse by Sugar Tart Crafts on Nap-Time Creations
Hop on over to Nap-Time Creations to enter TWO great giveaways…
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