Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie

in Pies and Tarts, Project Pastry Queen

… with Hot Fudge Sauce and Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream. It’s a mouthful. On all accounts.

Josie‘s choice for this week’s Project Pastry Queen challenge was a reminder of one of the main reasons that I love this cookbook so much: big, over-the-top, show-stopping desserts. And this banana cream pie doesn’t disappoint.

There’s the flakey crust, a thin layer of chocolate, a thin layer of peanut butter, a killer banana custard filling, and fresh bananas. And that’s just he pie. Then there’s a bourbon chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream. And let’s not forget the chopped peanuts!

I’m not a huge banana pie fan – I like them – but I thought this pie was insanely good. The custard filling, with a few changes, is going to make a killer banana pudding – I can’t wait to make it again!

I made a handful of minor detail changes to the recipe based on what I had in the pantry:
– I put the fresh banana slices on top (not on top of the peanut butter layer). I knew there’d be no way that I could cut a clean slice with bananas on the top and bottom.
– I bypassed the heating milk/vanilla bean pod step in favor of just using vanilla bean paste in the filling – because everything looks better with pretty flakes of vanilla bean. And it saved a pot.
– I substituted half of the flour in the crust with whole wheat pastry flour.
– I replaced 2/3 of the milk in the custard with yogurt.
– I put bourbon and vanilla bean paste in the whipped cream. Because everything is better with bourbon and vanilla bean flecks.
– I shoved the finished pie in the freezer for 20 minutes and then in the fridge. Because I was really bummed when I realized that there was an overnight step when I had my heart set on pie for dessert Thursday night. It was a late dessert, but we still had dessert!

A big, stretchy waist pants thank you to Josie for picking such a fabulous dessert! Check out the other Project Pastry Queen members to see their take on the banana pie.

Next week will be lighter, we promise, with a Texas twist on Crab Cakes.

19 comments… add one
  • That looks delicious! I love chocolate, peanut butter and banana together!

  • Look fantastic! I’m not a huge banana fan either, but anything drizzled in chocolate it delicious! 🙂

  • Hi…linked here from Claire’s blog and wanted to say hello! I really enjoyed visiting and plan to keep following. I always like finding other Texas bloggers…what part of the state are you in? I grew up in a small town between Houston and Galveston, but I live in San Antonio right now. I love PB and bananas together…toss in some chocolate? Even better!!

    • @Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet), We just recently moved to the west side, almost to Katy.

      • @foodiebride,
        I grew up in Alvin, and all my family still lives there.

        • @Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet), If everyone and everything cooperates, I want to head over to Alvin this weekend to pick strawberries at Froberg’s 🙂

          • @foodiebride,
            Their produce is so good…grew up eating it. Was so happy when my husband found Froberg’s strawberries at Whole Foods here in SA last week!! I was able to use them in the salad that I featured in my Newman’s Own/Foodbuzz video project and give them a little shout-out…

  • Oh wow. I’m a fan of anything banana and chocolate…but in pie form? Your presentation is beautiful!

  • That looks fantastic! I cannot wait to finish mine!

  • This may be over-the-top…but in the best possible way. Can you go wrong with peanut butter, hot fudge and a super flaky crust? I think not.

  • oh man, my grandpa loooves banana cream pie & i’m not a big fan, but this PB might win me over 🙂

  • This is amazing in every single way. Bananas and peanut butter make a lovely combination, but when you add chocolate to the mix it just steps it up to a whole new level! Love!

  • Theresa

    That looks amazing! Is there any way you can share the recipe? I’m dying to try this!
    Thanks!

  • This looks and sounds amazing! As a child, I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches, so I’m pretty sure I’d love this too. Yum!

  • It looks delish!! Great job!

  • It really looks so tempting..

  • Looks absolutely wonderful! Great flavors in this! Especially the bourbon whipped cream!

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