The Secret Ingredient That Adds A Nutty Flavor To Banana Cream Pie

It doesn't get more comforting than a slice of banana cream pie. Whether it's the nostalgia that gets you or the delicious squishy sweetness of bananas and cream combined with a crumbly, buttery crust, this dessert is a study in simple deliciousness. Readymade pie crust and banana pudding mix are readily available, but making this dessert from scratch is quite simple too. Whichever route you decide to take, the one ingredient you should add to your next banana cream pie is tahini.

Much like salting your apples before adding them to a pie helps bring out their flavor, incorporating nutty tahini into banana cream pie boosts all the sweet notes in the dish. It can balance the sometimes cloying taste of banana pudding mix, for one. Even if you're making the pie's custard filling from scratch, tahini will add an extra depth to the flavor that will have people asking you for the secret ingredient. 

Why tahini? Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini has a distinct earthy taste that's akin to roasted hazelnut, but more complex. There are multiple ways to incorporate tahini into a banana cream pie depending on the texture and flavor intensity you're after. Even a touch of tahini goes a long way in boosting the flavors of this creamy, comforting dessert.

If you want a relatively light tinge of tahini distributed throughout the pie, incorporate it into the custard. Whether you're using store-bought pudding mix or making it at home, add in the tahini once all the other ingredients are combined. Use a little and gradually increase the amount until you're satisfied with the flavor. Fortunately, bananas have a dominant flavor that won't get lost in tahini's distinctive notes.

If you have a banana cream pie recipe that's been perfected and you don't feel like messing with it, make a whipped tahini cream topping that you can dollop on top before serving so people can choose how much tahini flavor they want in every bite. Simply whisk together about 1/4 cup tahini, 1 cup whipping cream, and 1/4 cup sugar until you have a fluffy topping. If you're really a fan of sesame, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a flaky, nutty crunch.

While making tahini at home is quite simple and requires only sesame seeds and oil, storebought tahini is typically good enough to use in this case. Don't hesitate to buy a big jar because this classic paste is versatile enough to go into dips, dressings, and even sandwiches.