Cherry Banana Pie
A vibrant cherry banana pie featuring tart cherries, sweet bananas, and a flavorful cinnamon-almond topping, perfect for summer gatherings and fruit lovers seeking a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the pie shell and let it cool.
- In a saucepan, combine cherries with their liquid, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and boils.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in butter.
- Cool and then stir in cinnamon and almond extract.
- Slice bananas into layers and arrange in the baked pie shell.
- Pour the cherry filling over the banana slices.
- Chill until the filling is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh cherries when in season. If tart cherries aren't available, sweet cherries can be used, but reduce the sugar slightly. For a twist, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the filling for extra brightness. Make sure to let the pie chill thoroughly to ensure the filling sets properly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Banana Pie chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice and place individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or enjoy cold for a refreshing dessert. The pie can also be frozen for up to two months; just make sure to wrap it well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Banana Pie contains roughly 262 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before combining with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the cherries you use.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Cherry Banana Pie gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pie crust instead of a traditional one. There are many pre-made options available in stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
What should I do if my filling doesn't thicken?
If the filling doesn't thicken, it may be due to not cooking it long enough after adding the cornstarch. Make sure to cook it until it reaches a full boil and thickens. If it still seems runny, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while cooking until it thickens.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).