Banana Cream Pie

Steps

• Assemble: Spread a thin layer of the chilled pastry cream in the bottom of the cooled shell.
• Assemble: Toss the banana slices gently with the lemon juice, then layer them over the pastry cream.

  Tip: A quick acid toss slows the same enzymatic browning that darkens a cut apple, though it won't stop it indefinitely.

• Assemble: Spread the remaining pastry cream over the bananas, covering them completely.

  Tip: Fully covering the fruit also helps by limiting its exposure to air, which is what actually drives the browning reaction.

• Topping: Whip the cream, icing sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks and spread or pipe over the top.
• Chill: Chill at least an hour before slicing, and serve the same day.
  ⏱ Start 60 min timer

  Tip: This isn't a make-ahead dessert — the bananas continue to soften and darken even under the covering layers as time passes.