Are you craving a dessert that's both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! This Banana Terracotta Pie is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced – a delightful twist on a classic. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and brown sugar to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Blind bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make and Bake the Filling:
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour and bake: Pour the banana filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust: Use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water). You may need to adjust the baking time.
- Serve it warm: Enjoy a slice of warm pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This Banana Terracotta Pie is a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe is a great example of how homemade cooking can create delicious dishes without requiring extensive time or skill. Enjoy!