Name: Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust; 3 ripe bananas, sliced (tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 3/4 cups whole milk; 4 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Jump to Recipe

There is something irresistibly comforting about a classic Banana Cream Pie that instantly brings a smile to your face. This luscious dessert combines a perfectly crisp pre-baked crust with silky smooth banana-infused custard and a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering creamy, sweet, and subtly fruity flavors that make this Banana Cream Pie a beloved treat any time of year. It’s truly the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is a simple but crucial step toward making a memorable Banana Cream Pie. Each component plays a special role, from the rich custard base to the fresh bananas that provide natural sweetness and a tender texture, all balanced by the light, airy whipped cream topping.

Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: This provides the perfect crisp foundation, supporting the creamy custard without sogginess.
3 ripe bananas, sliced: Choose bananas on the verge of peak ripeness for optimal sweetness and softness; toss them in a little lemon juice to keep that bright color.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipping this into stiff peaks creates the dreamy, airy topping that finishes the pie with delicate fluffiness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the custard without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
1/4 cup cornstarch: The secret to thickening the custard, making it luxuriously smooth and sliceable.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, bringing out the full depth of flavors.
2 3/4 cups whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the custard, ensuring richness without heaviness.
4 large egg yolks: Essential for that silky texture and custardy richness you want in every bite.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity that complements the bananas perfectly.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Folded in at the end for an ultra-smooth, glossy finish in the custard filling.

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

Start by whisking together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan — this dry mix is the foundation for your creamy custard. Gradually whisk in the whole milk to prevent any lumps from forming, creating a smooth mixture. Place the pan over medium heat and stir often while the mixture thickens over about 10 minutes. This patience ensures a velvety custard that’s perfectly thickened.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

Lightly whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Once your milk mixture has thickened, slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot custard into the eggs while stirring constantly. This crucial step tempers the eggs, preventing them from scrambling by slowly bringing them up to temperature.

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Custard

Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and return it to low heat. Stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes until the custard thickens even more to a luscious consistency. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth and glossy — this adds flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Bananas

Allow the custard to cool slightly for about 10 minutes to avoid cooking the bananas. Then gently fold in the sliced bananas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. The bananas become tender and infused with the creamy custard flavor, making each bite delightful.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Pour the banana custard mixture into your pre-baked pie crust, smoothing out the top evenly. Cover the pie with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing the pie to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Whip and Add the Topping

Before serving, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping. Spread or pipe this luscious whipped cream over the chilled pie, adding a light contrast to the rich custard and banana layers beneath. Optionally, garnish with extra banana slices for a lovely finish.

How to Serve Banana Cream Pie

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can elevate your Banana Cream Pie from delightful to stunning. Fresh banana slices arranged artfully on top add a fresh element and visual appeal. Consider dusting a little cocoa powder or grated chocolate for a subtle chocolatey hint that complements the banana perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Banana Cream Pie pairs beautifully with light, fresh side options like a crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add an extra layer of creaminess. For a cozy gathering, try serving it with a hot cup of coffee or tea — the warm beverage cuts through the richness, balancing the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, try serving the pie in individual clear glasses or mini tart shells, layering custard and bananas with whipped cream on top for an elegant presentation. You could also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for texture, adding delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, Banana Cream Pie keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing Banana Cream Pie is possible but not ideal, as the texture of the bananas and custard may change upon thawing. If you must freeze it, wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; it’s best suited to be eaten shortly after thawing for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed chilled and is not recommended to be heated as it will affect the cream and custard consistency. If you prefer a softer texture, simply let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

FAQs

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! Making your own pie crust adds a personal touch and can make the texture even better. Just ensure it’s fully baked and cooled before filling with custard to prevent sogginess.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Tossing sliced bananas in a little lemon juice right after slicing helps slow down browning and keeps them looking fresh when added to the custard and on top of the pie.

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk if needed. Avoid skim or non-dairy milks as they won’t provide the same rich texture the custard needs.

Is it okay to skip the cornstarch?

Cornstarch is essential here for thickening the custard properly. Without it, the filling might be too runny and won’t set well in the pie crust.

How long should I chill the Banana Cream Pie before serving?

At least 2 hours of chilling in the refrigerator is best to let the custard set fully and make cutting easier. For even better flavor development, you can chill it overnight.

Final Thoughts

Making this Banana Cream Pie is such a rewarding experience, especially when you see the joy it brings to those who taste it. Its comforting creamy layers and fresh banana notes make it a timeless dessert worth trying in your own kitchen. Dive in and share this little slice of happiness — I promise it will quickly become a new favorite for any occasion!

Banana Cream Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic homemade Banana Cream Pie featuring a creamy custard filled with ripe bananas, topped with fluffy whipped cream, all nestled in a crisp pre-baked pie crust. This refreshing dessert combines smooth textures and rich vanilla flavor for a perfectly indulgent treat.

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
Add Milk: Gradually pour the whole milk into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Cook Custard Base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir often. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
Prepare Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
Temper Eggs: Remove the milk mixture from heat. Slowly pour approximately 1 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, stirring constantly to warm them up without scrambling.
Combine and Cook Further: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Return to low heat, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens more.
Finish Custard: Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla extract and unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated.
Cool and Add Bananas: Let the custard cool for about 10 minutes, then gently fold in the sliced bananas.
Assemble Pie: Pour the banana custard into the pre-baked pie crust. Smooth the surface, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Whip Cream: Before serving, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe it over the chilled pie.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally decorate with additional banana slices. Cut into slices and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.

Notes

To prevent banana slices from browning, toss them lightly with lemon juice before folding into the custard.
Use a sharp knife to slice the pie smoothly without disturbing the layers.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for whole milk, but custard may be less rich.
This pie can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
Ensure the pie crust is fully baked and cooled before adding custard to avoid sogginess.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Stovetop Custard Preparation
Cuisine: American