Description
This Strawberry Banana Cream Pie features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a smooth and fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream mixture layered over fresh bananas and strawberries. Chilled until set and topped with more fresh fruit and whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for a refreshing finish to any meal or a festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Decoration
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Banana slices
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking the crust.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes to set it, then allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring it is light and airy.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy, creating a smooth filling.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the sliced bananas and strawberries evenly at the bottom of the cooled crust.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cream cheese and whipped cream filling evenly over the fruit layer, covering it completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 3-4 hours to allow it to fully set and chill.
- Decorate: Before serving, garnish the pie with additional swirls of whipped cream, fresh sliced strawberries and bananas, and optionally sprinkle colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Slice the pie and enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- For best results, whip the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid over-whipping, which can cause it to become grainy.
- You can substitute fresh or frozen strawberries, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the pie.
- The pie needs a minimum of 3-4 hours chilling time to set properly, but chilling overnight will produce the best texture.
- To add texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts over the fruit layer before adding the filling as an optional variation.
