Banana Cream Pie

This Banana Cream Pie delivers everything a dessert lover could ask for—layers of silky homemade vanilla custard, slices of fresh banana, and pillows of whipped cream all cradled in a flaky, golden pie crust. Every bite balances richness with freshness, and the made-from-scratch method makes it taste like a cherished family heirloom recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings, Sunday dinners, or when you’re craving a nostalgic comfort dessert, this pie is a breeze to make ahead. Add a hint of cinnamon to the bananas for a flavor twist that guests won’t expect—but will definitely remember. It’s simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned bakers. Serve chilled and savor the smiles.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• Optional: 1 large egg white beaten with 1 Tbsp milk (for egg wash)

For the Custard Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1/8 tsp salt

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 2 Tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2–3 ripe but firm bananas, sliced

• Optional: sprinkle of ground cinnamon

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup (240ml) cold heavy cream

• 2 Tbsp (15g) confectioners’ or granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Extra banana slices for garnish (add just before serving)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Make pie dough and chill for at least 2 hours. Roll out into a 9-inch pie dish, flute edges, and chill again for 30 minutes.

2. Blind Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line crust with parchment and pie weights. Bake 15–16 minutes. Remove weights, prick bottom with fork, optionally brush edges with egg wash, and bake 14–15 more minutes until golden. Cool completely.

3. Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, sugar, and salt to a simmer. Slowly whisk some hot milk into the egg mixture to temper. Then slowly whisk tempered yolks into remaining milk in the pan. Cook until thick and bubbling, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.

4. Assemble: Arrange banana slices in cooled pie shell. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Pour slightly cooled custard over bananas and smooth top. Press plastic wrap directly onto custard surface. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Whip the Cream: Just before serving, whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla to medium peaks. Pipe or spread over custard. Garnish with fresh banana slices. Serve immediately or within 1 hour.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The Timeless Allure of Banana Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie is one of those nostalgic desserts that instantly transports you to a simpler time. With its buttery, flaky crust, smooth and luscious vanilla custard, layers of fresh banana slices, and billowy whipped cream topping, it’s a celebration of texture and flavor that’s beloved across generations. Whether it’s a family gathering, a summer cookout, or a holiday dinner, this pie never fails to steal the show.

This classic American dessert has a rich history rooted in the tradition of custard-based pies that date back centuries. It evolved from the English cream pies and puddings and gained popularity in the United States in the early 1900s. The introduction of mass-imported bananas to the U.S. made them a common fruit in many households, leading to the creation of banana-infused desserts like the banana cream pie. Over time, it became a staple in diners, bakeries, and home kitchens alike.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

This particular banana cream pie recipe stands out for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it’s made 100% from scratch—there’s no shortcut with instant pudding mixes or pre-made crusts here. While there are quicker ways to whip up a pie, none deliver the same depth of flavor or texture as a fully homemade one.

The homemade vanilla custard is the star of the show. It’s silky, thick enough to hold its shape when sliced, yet light enough to melt on your tongue. The use of both whole milk and heavy cream gives the custard a velvety richness without being too heavy. Four egg yolks and a balanced amount of cornstarch ensure it sets perfectly, creating a clean, sliceable pie without weeping or collapsing.

The pie crust—also homemade—is tender and flaky. Blind-baked until golden, it offers a buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. If time is short, a graham cracker crust is a suitable alternative, but the original crust provides an unbeatable texture and flavor.

Then there are the bananas themselves. Only perfectly yellow bananas (not too ripe) are used to avoid an overly sweet or mushy filling. They hold their shape well, and the natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the custard’s vanilla base.

Step-by-Step Technique That’s Beginner Friendly

Even though this pie is fully homemade, it’s remarkably approachable for novice bakers. The directions walk you through each step in detail—from blind baking the crust to tempering the egg yolks for the custard. There are plenty of baking tutorials and photos from Sally’s Baking Addiction that further support success, especially for visual learners.

Tempering eggs may sound intimidating, but it’s simply a matter of slowly whisking warm milk into the yolks before adding them back into the pot. This prevents curdling and results in a custard that’s smooth and uniform. Plus, there’s a tip to strain it if needed, ensuring a foolproof finish.

The whipped cream topping, made with just cream, sugar, and vanilla, is the perfect finishing touch. It can be spread in a rustic layer or piped into decorative swirls, depending on your preference or occasion.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Prep

One of the biggest advantages of this banana cream pie is that it’s a make-ahead dessert. In fact, it needs to be made ahead of time to set properly. The custard firms up beautifully in the refrigerator and the pie holds its shape well for slicing after chilling for four hours or overnight.

This is ideal for parties, holidays, or busy weekends when you want dessert ready to go. You can bake the crust up to three days in advance, and the assembled pie (without topping) can rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add the whipped cream and fresh banana garnish before serving, and you’re all set.

It’s worth noting that the whipped cream can also be piped on up to an hour ahead, saving even more time. For the banana garnish on top, you can lightly brush the slices with lemon juice to slow browning if needed—but it’s best to garnish immediately before serving.

Healthier and Fresher Than Store-Bought

Another great reason to make this banana cream pie at home is that it’s fresher and healthier than most store-bought versions. Commercial pies are often loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and stabilizers to extend shelf life.

By contrast, this pie uses wholesome ingredients—real dairy, fresh bananas, eggs, and butter. There’s no artificial yellow coloring or overpowering sweetness. The result is a pie that’s lighter, cleaner, and more satisfying to eat. You can taste the quality in every bite.

Plus, for those watching what they eat, this pie provides portion control and ingredient flexibility. You can reduce the sugar in the custard slightly, or use an alternative sweetener if needed. The crust can be adapted for dietary needs—gluten-free pie crusts or nut-based crusts are great options.

Ideal for Special Occasions and Everyday Treats

Banana cream pie brings both elegance and comfort to the table. It’s suitable for everything from birthdays to bridal showers, family dinners, or even a cozy weeknight treat. Its presentation is beautiful when topped with whipped cream swirls and fresh banana slices. It has a retro charm that makes it stand out next to more modern desserts like molten lava cakes or matcha tiramisu.

Guests are always impressed by the homemade touch, and it often becomes a requested favorite. Even those who aren’t banana fans often find themselves going back for a second slice. Its balanced sweetness, creamy texture, and nostalgic flavor profile make it universally appealing.

For holidays, it pairs wonderfully with lighter meals or as a refreshing finish to heavier mains like roasts or casseroles. It’s also a great addition to potlucks, as it travels well and slices cleanly.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to make your banana cream pie flawless every time:

• Chill your crust properly. Cold dough prevents shrinking during baking.
• Temper your egg yolks slowly. This prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.
• Use ripe but firm bananas. They should be fully yellow without brown spots for best texture.
• Whip cream to medium peaks. This creates a light and stable topping that holds its shape well.
• Garnish just before serving. This keeps banana slices fresh and visually appealing.
• Use a sharp knife for slicing. Dip it in hot water and wipe clean between slices for perfect cuts.

A Customizable Base for Creative Variations

While this recipe is a traditional banana cream pie, it’s also an excellent base for fun variations. Try adding:

• A layer of chocolate ganache on the crust before the bananas for a chocolate-banana twist.
• Crushed toffee or caramel drizzle on the whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• A peanut butter crust for a flavor reminiscent of Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich.
• Toasted coconut flakes as garnish to turn it into a tropical cream pie.
• Espresso whipped cream for a mocha-banana fusion.

The possibilities are endless, making this a versatile and adaptable dessert.

Conclusion

This homemade Banana Cream Pie isn’t just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience. It combines timeless flavors with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a level of care that store-bought desserts simply can’t match. Every layer, from the crisp pie crust to the creamy custard and fresh banana slices, contributes to a dessert that’s both luxurious and comforting.

Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this banana cream pie deserves a spot in every baker’s rotation. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging in a sweet craving, this pie guarantees satisfaction with every silky, banana-kissed bite.