Step 1

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and sugar. Add the butter and mix well. Press firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and cool completely before adding filling (about 1 hour).

Step 3

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in egg yolks, Gradually add milk and cream. Cook over medium heat, bringing to a gentle boil, whisking constantly until mixture thickens 8-10 minutes. Continue to gently simmer for 1 minute, lowering heat as necessary, and stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla, butter, and brandy.

Step 4

Pour filling into a bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Cool for about 30 minutes or until filling is warm, but no longer hot.

Step 5

Pour half of the warm filling into the cooled crust. Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 inch slices and layer on top of the filling. Pour the remainder of the filling over sliced bananas. Place a clean sheet of plastic wrap directly on the top surface of the filling. Refrigerate pie until completely chilled, at least 3 hours.

Step 6

Whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; continue to whip until peaks are just stiff. Spread whipped cream over topping and shape decoratively into a mound. Refrigerate until ready to serve.