The Best Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This banana cream pie is a dreamy dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its creamy filling and flaky crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Creamy & dreamy texture – The smooth custard filling pairs perfectly with fresh bananas.
- Simple ingredients – You likely have everything in your pantry already.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping ahead so you can enjoy stress-free.
Recipe
Banana Cream Pie is a classic dessert that combines a flaky crust, creamy custard filling, and fresh bananas, topped with whipped cream. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust, baked and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the pie crust according to package instructions or using your favorite recipe. Let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let the custard cool slightly.
- Layer the sliced bananas on the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Pour the custard over the bananas, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Before serving, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the pie. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes:
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the flour with cornstarch.
- Confirm the bananas are ripe but not overripe for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional for whipped cream)
Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 slices
Nutrition
One slice of banana cream pie offers a rich blend of flavors and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbs | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my banana cream pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it adds a cool, creamy contrast that’s just perfect. You can also try sprinkling some caramelized walnuts on top for a crunchy, nutty twist. These simple additions really take the dessert to the next level!
Vanilla Ice Cream
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a scoop of vanilla ice cream on its own, I’ve found it becomes even more special when paired with the right dessert. For me, it’s the ultimate sidekick to banana cream pie—its creamy, cool texture complements the pie’s richness perfectly. When it comes to ice cream toppings, I usually keep it simple—maybe a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For dessert pairings, think warm brownies or apple crisp. Honestly, vanilla ice cream’s versatility makes it a hero in my kitchen, and I’ve yet to meet a dessert it doesn’t enhance.
Caramelized Walnuts
If you’ve ever wondered how to take caramelized walnuts from a simple snack to a star ingredient, you’re in for a treat. I love sprinkling these golden, crunchy beauties over my banana cream pie for an extra layer of texture. The walnut crunch adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling, while the sugar coating brings a sweet, glossy finish. Making them is easy—just toss walnuts in melted sugar until they’re golden and let them cool. Trust me, they’re so good, you might find yourself nibbling on them before they even make it to the pie. Perfect for impressing your guests!
