Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Dreamy Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Crafting a smooth and creamy banana cream pie creates magic in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Sweet bananas nestle between layers of silky custard and flaky pastry.

Memories of grandma’s classic desserts dance through each delectable slice.

Luxurious ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Pastry chefs might envy the simple techniques needed to achieve such delightful results.

Whipping up this treat takes less time than you might expect.

Prepare to wow everyone with a slice of pure, nostalgic deliciousness.

Homemade Banana Cream Pie for Dessert Lovers

  • Burst with Seasonal Freshness: Capture the vibrant essence of summer with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon, creating a delightful flavor combination that celebrates seasonal produce.
  • Master Baking Techniques: Learn valuable skills like creaming butter, folding delicate berries, and creating smooth frosting while enjoying a forgiving recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Impress Without Stress: Craft bakery-quality cupcakes that look gorgeous and taste incredible, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or surprising loved ones with a homemade treat.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping blueberries for other berries or adjusting the frosting intensity, allowing personal creativity and flavor exploration.

Ingredients for Homemade Banana Cream Pie

For the Crust:
  • Pie Crust: A flaky base that provides a crisp foundation for the creamy filling.
For the Filling Base:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the flavors.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the custard and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the custard.
  • Milk: Creates the creamy base for the custard.
  • Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help to thicken the custard.
  • Butter: Adds a rich, smooth finish to the custard.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
For the Topping and Filling:
  • Bananas, Whipped Cream: Add freshness, sweetness, and a light, creamy texture to complete the pie.

Instructions for Homemade Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare The Pie Crust

Follow the package or homemade recipe instructions to bake a golden-brown pie crust. Allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring a crisp foundation for your delicious dessert.

Step 2: Create Creamy Custard Base

In a medium saucepan, blend together:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it transforms into a thick, smooth consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks

Carefully warm the egg yolks by gradually adding small amounts of the hot milk mixture. This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling.

Once tempered, fold the egg mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 4: Finish Custard Mixture

Continue cooking for an additional few minutes.

Remove from heat and gently stir in:
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract

Ensure the custard is silky and well-combined.

Step 5: Layer Bananas

Slice ripe bananas and create an even layer across the cooled pie crust.

Pour the warm custard directly over the banana slices, covering them completely.

Step 6: Chill And Garnish

Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the custard to set and flavors to meld.

Before serving, crown the pie with fluffy whipped cream for a decadent finishing touch.

Best Tips for Homemade Banana Cream Pie

  • Prevent banana browning by brushing slices with lemon juice to maintain their fresh, creamy appearance.
  • Ensure a silky smooth custard by continuously whisking and straining the mixture to remove any lumps.
  • Blind bake the pie crust for extra crispness, preventing a soggy bottom that can ruin the pie's texture.
  • Make the pie gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust as an alternative base.
  • Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt for topping.

Homemade Banana Cream Pie – Try These Flavors

  • Tropical Paradise Pie: Replace regular milk with coconut milk and add toasted coconut flakes on top for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Banana Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate between banana layers and incorporate cocoa powder into the custard for rich chocolate undertones.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between banana layers and drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream for extra texture and sweetness.
  • Spiced Banana Fusion: Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the custard mixture, and garnish with a light dusting of warm spices for a cozy, aromatic version.

Serving Homemade Banana Cream Pie to Guests

Cozy Family Dessert Night

  • Slice the banana cream pie into neat wedges and gather everyone around the table for a sweet shared moment.
  • Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the creamy banana flavor.
  • Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts on top for a delightful crunchy texture.

Weekend Brunch Showstopper

  • Serve chilled pie slices alongside strong coffee or fresh-brewed tea for a decadent weekend treat.
  • Create individual mini pies in small mason jars for a cute, portable dessert perfect for brunch gatherings.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon for an elegant presentation.

Elegant Dinner Party Finale

  • Present the pie on a beautiful cake stand with delicate serving utensils for a sophisticated dessert course.

Homemade Banana Cream Pie – Save for Later

  • Wrap the banana cream pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Protect the whipped cream topping from absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer individual slices to sealed containers to preserve freshness and prevent the pie from absorbing refrigerator flavors. Stack carefully to maintain the pie's delicate structure.
  • Freeze the pie without whipped cream topping for maximum preservation. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant pudding mix instead of making custard from scratch?

While instant pudding mix is quicker, homemade custard provides a richer, more authentic flavor and creamier texture that’s worth the extra effort.

  • How do I prevent bananas from browning in the pie?

Toss banana slices with a little lemon juice before arranging them in the pie crust. The citric acid helps slow down oxidation and keeps bananas looking fresh.

  • What type of pie crust works best for banana cream pie?

A traditional graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust complements the creamy banana filling perfectly. Pre-baked pie crusts ensure a crisp bottom and prevent sogginess.

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Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky homemade banana cream pie combines creamy custard and ripe bananas in a flaky crust. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each luscious slice of this classic American treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3 medium bananas
  • 2/3 cup (134 g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie crust in advance, following the recommended baking instructions at 375°F until golden brown, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine dry ingredients thoroughly, whisking sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well blended.
  3. Gradually pour milk into the dry mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps while heating over medium temperature.
  4. Heat the mixture, continuously whisking until the custard thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Carefully temper egg yolks by slowly incorporating a small amount of hot custard, stirring rapidly to prevent scrambling.
  6. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan, blending smoothly with the existing custard and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and immediately incorporate butter and vanilla, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
  8. Arrange fresh banana slices in an even layer across the cooled pie crust, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
  9. Gently pour the warm custard over the banana layer, allowing it to settle naturally and fill all spaces.
  10. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to set the custard completely.
  11. Before serving, top with freshly whipped cream, creating decorative peaks and swirls for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Choose a graham cracker or traditional pie crust based on personal preference, ensuring it’s fully cooled to prevent soggy bottom.
  • Toss sliced bananas with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent quick oxidation.
  • Whisk continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, silky custard texture that coats the back of a spoon.
  • Prepare the pie a day in advance for deeper flavor melding and easier serving, keeping the whipped cream separate until just before presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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