Banana Cream Tarts

Hello Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was good, busy but good. Now I am getting myself ready for another crazy week  with the election and another Nor’easter coming this direction!

I had a lot of work to catch up on this weekend, so I did not get too much reading or baking done. But I did manage to make a couple Banana Cream Tarts, and they were scrumptious!

Banana Cream Tart

Inspired by Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

Crust:

2 cups of crumbs ( I used Oreos and graham crackers)

1/2 stick of melted butter

Preheat oven to 350. Mix butter and crumbs press into pie pan/tart shell. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool

Filling:

4 egg yolks

8 ripe bananas

3 cups of whole milk

2/3 cup sugar

5 Tablespoons of cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. In a large bowl prepare an ice bath set to side.

2. Lightly whisk egg yolks in a large bowl, set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch and salt.

4. Bring to a simmer, Do NOT Boil! Cook, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes.

5. Whisk a quarter of the ,ilk into the bowl of egg yolks, whisk a few seconds then add the rest of the milk mixture.

6. Return mixture to pan and cook over medium high heat whisking constantly until custard is thick, about 4-5 minutes.

At this point you can place pan in an ice bath or transfer to a bowl, press cling wrap to the surface so that no crust forms and cool in the refrigerator.

Whipping Cream

1 cup heavy cream

2 to 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar

Whip cream with electric mixer until soft peaks form then add sugar and mix with spoon until combined.

To Assemble:

Slice 6 bananas and place neatly over crust. Pour filling over bananas, then spread with whipping cream. Place in refrigerator for a couple of hours. Just before serving slice bananas and decorate the top of pie.

 This little tart is fabulous! I love the combination of the Oreo and graham crackers in the crust, you get just a hint of chocolate flavor. The pudding is creamy and delicious and is a great compliment to the bananas and the whipping cream.

I know there are a lot of variations for banana cream pie, and frankly I do not think you could go wrong with any of them, a traditional pate brisee, a layer of chocolate or even just a few chocolate curls on top, all wonderful additions.

Do you have a favorite banana cream pie/tart recipe? I would love to hear about it.

I hope you have a wonderful day!