Banana Coconut Cream Pie
Highlighted under: FreshGlow Recipes
A delightful and creamy dessert that combines the tropical flavors of banana and coconut, perfect for any occasion.
This Banana Coconut Cream Pie is a luscious dessert that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich creaminess of coconut. Each bite is a tropical escape, making it a favorite for summer gatherings or any sweet occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich banana flavor complemented by creamy coconut
- Smooth and velvety texture that’s irresistible
- A stunning pie that impresses guests at any gathering
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Banana Coconut Cream Pie is not just a dessert; it's an experience that transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this pie is guaranteed to delight your guests. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it an excellent choice for any occasion, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
This pie is particularly appealing for family gatherings, where everyone can savor the delicious combination of banana and coconut. It’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal fruits while still being easy to prepare. The rich flavors meld beautifully, making it a standout dish that elevates any meal.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
One of the highlights of this Banana Coconut Cream Pie is the perfect balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs wonderfully with the creamy, rich coconut filling. This harmonious blend ensures that each slice is a delightful treat. The addition of toasted coconut adds a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling, creating a multi-layered texture that makes each bite exciting.
Moreover, the graham cracker crust provides a buttery, slightly salty base that enhances the overall flavor profile. This combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly savory elements makes this pie irresistible, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pie
To ensure that your Banana Coconut Cream Pie turns out perfectly, it's essential to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the more intense their flavor will be, contributing to a richer pie. Additionally, make sure to toast the coconut until it’s golden brown; this enhances its flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the topping.
When whipping the cream for the topping, be sure to use heavy whipping cream for the best results. Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator beforehand can help achieve better volume and stability in the whipped cream. This little tip can make a significant difference in how the topping holds up once spread over the pie.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients to make this delicious pie.
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut for garnish
Make sure to prepare the filling and toppings while the crust is cooling.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Banana Coconut Cream Pie.
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish.
Make the Filling
In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and toasted coconut. Allow to cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie
Layer the sliced bananas on the cooled crust. Pour the coconut filling over the bananas, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Prepare the Topping
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the set filling and sprinkle with toasted coconut.
Serve
Slice the pie and enjoy this delightful Banana Coconut Cream Pie!
Enjoy your pie with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
After assembling your Banana Coconut Cream Pie, it’s best to refrigerate it for at least two hours to allow the filling to set properly. If you're preparing it in advance, you can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
When serving, consider garnishing each slice with an extra sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few banana slices for added visual appeal. This small touch can elevate the presentation and make your pie even more inviting.
Variations to Try
If you're looking to switch things up a bit, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the coconut filling. This addition introduces a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas and coconut, making a decadent twist on the classic recipe.
Alternatively, you can experiment with different nuts for the crust, such as using crushed almonds or pecans instead of graham crackers. This variation provides a different flavor profile and adds healthy fats to your dessert, making it a delightful option for those seeking something a little different.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use canned coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, canned coconut cream will make the filling richer, but you may need to adjust the sugar.
→ How long can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What can I use instead of bananas?
You can substitute bananas with other fruits like mangoes or strawberries for a different flavor.
Banana Coconut Cream Pie
A delightful and creamy dessert that combines the tropical flavors of banana and coconut, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: FreshGlow Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and toasted coconut. Allow to cool slightly.
Layer the sliced bananas on the cooled crust. Pour the coconut filling over the bananas, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the set filling and sprinkle with toasted coconut.
Slice the pie and enjoy this delightful Banana Coconut Cream Pie!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g