If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel like a warm hug wrapped in sweetness, you are going to adore this Banana Cream Pie. It’s a luscious combination of silky vanilla custard, perfectly ripe bananas, and a flaky or crumbly crust that comes together to create something truly special. This Banana Cream Pie balances refreshing fruitiness with rich creaminess in every bite, making it a timeless favorite for gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together a Banana Cream Pie might sound fancy, but the ingredients are straightforward, accessible, and each plays an essential role. From the creamy custard base to the fresh bananas, and the delicate crust, every component works in harmony to deliver those luscious textures and flavors you crave.

Prebaked pie crust: Choose either a classic pastry crust for a flaky texture or a graham cracker crust for a sweeter, crumbly foundation that holds the filling beautifully.
Whole milk: The base for the custard, providing richness and smoothness essential to that creamy bite.
Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to the filling without overpowering the banana flavor.
Cornstarch: A reliable thickening agent that helps the custard set perfectly while maintaining a silky feel.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors, making every ingredient pop.
Large egg yolks: Key for that rich custard creaminess and natural golden color.
Unsalted butter: Gives the custard a touch of velvety richness and depth.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
Ripe bananas: The star of this pie, their sweetness and soft texture complement the creamy filling perfectly.
Heavy cream: For whipping into the topping, adding a light and airy finish to each slice.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping just enough without making it heavy.

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust

Start with a prebaked pie crust—whether pastry or graham cracker, prebaking ensures it stays crisp and keeps the filling from making it soggy. If you choose a graham cracker crust, simply press the crumbs firmly into your pie dish and chill or bake briefly according to package instructions or your favorite recipe. This crust will serve as the sturdy yet tender base to hold all the creamy banana goodness.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling

In a saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt for a smooth blend before gradually stirring in the whole milk. This prevents lumps and sets you up for a silky custard. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles gently. Meanwhile, whisk your egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly temper the yolks by adding a bit of the hot milk mixture while whisking rapidly, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook another couple of minutes until luscious and thick. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract for that extra creamy, fragrant finish.

Step 3: Assemble the Banana Cream Pie

Lay the sliced ripe bananas evenly over the prebaked crust. Gently pour the warm custard over the bananas, smoothing the top with a spatula. As the custard cools, it will set around the bananas, locking in the perfect blend of flavors. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for several hours or overnight—patience here makes all the difference!

Step 4: Whip the Cream Topping

When your pie is thoroughly chilled, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until soft peaks form. This light, airy topping creates the perfect contrast to the dense custard. Spread or pipe the whipped cream beautifully over the top of the pie just before serving.

How to Serve Banana Cream Pie

Garnishes

To make your Banana Cream Pie truly shine, consider garnishing with thin banana slices around the edge or a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate or toasted coconut flakes. A dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely visual pop and subtle extra flavor that elevates the dessert experience.

Side Dishes

This pie is delightful as a standalone star, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light berry compote can balance the creaminess with a refreshing note. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a floral tea complements the flavors beautifully, making your dessert moment even more indulgent and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve your Banana Cream Pie in individual glass parfaits layered with crumbled crust, banana slices, and custard, topped with whipped cream. Or try mini tart shells for bite-sized versions that are perfect for parties or elegant desserts. The versatility of this classic allows you to personalize the presentation while still celebrating its delightful flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana Cream Pie keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from absorbing moisture. This makes it a convenient dessert to prepare in advance for gatherings or to enjoy over a few special days.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze Banana Cream Pie, the texture of the bananas and whipped cream can change upon thawing, becoming a bit watery. If you want to freeze it, consider doing so before adding the whipped topping, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For the best texture, fresh is definitely the way to go here.

Reheating

This Banana Cream Pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you crave a warm dessert, save your custard or fruit pies without the whipped cream for gentle warming, but this particular pie’s charm lies in its cool, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for Banana Cream Pie?

Absolutely! Store-bought crusts, whether pastry or graham cracker, can save time and work perfectly as long as you prebake them to keep everything crisp and flavorful.

What is the best way to slice bananas so they don’t brown?

Slicing bananas right before assembling the pie is ideal to prevent browning. If you need to prep ahead, tossing the slices briefly in lemon juice will slow oxidation and keep them looking fresh.

Can I make Banana Cream Pie vegan or dairy-free?

While this classic recipe relies on dairy and eggs, you can experiment with plant-based milks like coconut or almond milk and vegan butter substitutes. Using cornstarch and a vegan egg replacer can help form the custard, though the texture may vary slightly.

How long does the Banana Cream Pie take to set in the refrigerator?

For the custard to fully set and flavors to meld, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time is crucial for the perfect slice.

Can I make the custard filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard filling a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble the pie.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Banana Cream Pie is like wrapping a little bit of sunshine into a dessert plate. Its comforting flavors, creamy textures, and simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—there’s something truly special about cutting into that perfect slice and savoring the harmony of custard, bananas, and whipped cream. Whether for a special occasion or a treat for yourself, Banana Cream Pie is sure to become one of your cherished favorites.

Banana Cream Pie

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 65 reviews

This classic Banana Cream Pie features a prebaked pie crust filled with a rich, smooth banana custard, topped with fresh banana slices and a fluffy homemade whipped cream topping. It’s a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, combining creamy textures with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Use a prebaked classic pastry or graham cracker crust as the base. Ensure it’s completely cooled before adding the filling.
Make the custard filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add whole milk while stirring to combine. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and just begins to boil.
Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook the custard: Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens further and reaches a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Assemble the pie: Arrange a layer of sliced bananas on the bottom of the prebaked crust. Pour the warm custard over the bananas, spreading it evenly. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the custard layer.
Chill the pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap directly on the custard surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Prepare the whipped cream topping: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (if using) until soft peaks form.
Finish and serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie just before serving. Optionally garnish with additional banana slices or chocolate shavings.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness in the pie.
Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours ensures proper setting of the custard filling.
For a graham cracker crust, prebake for 8 minutes at 350°F if not prebaked.
Cover custard with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation while cooling.
This pie is best enjoyed within 2 days of assembly for optimal freshness.