The Creamiest Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe Ever

Crafting a delectable banana cream pie can transport you to a world of pure dessert bliss.

Sweet memories flood back with each creamy spoonful of this classic treat.

Layers of silky custard nestle between flaky pastry, creating a symphony of textures.

Ripe bananas bring a natural sweetness that dances across your palate.

Generations of bakers have perfected this comforting dessert, passing down cherished techniques.

Whipped cream crowns this masterpiece, promising a heavenly experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.

One slice will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

FAQs

• What makes the custard smooth and creamy?

The combination of cornstarch and egg yolks helps create a silky, thick custard that sets perfectly without being lumpy or grainy.

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

While instant pudding is quicker, homemade custard provides a richer, more authentic flavor and smoother texture that significantly improves the pie’s overall quality.

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

Layer the banana slices immediately after cutting and cover them completely with custard, which acts as a barrier and slows down oxidation and browning.

• Why do I need to temper the egg yolks when making the custard?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling by gradually raising their temperature, ensuring a smooth, creamy custard without any lumps or curdled bits.

Homemade Banana Cream Pie You’ll Adore

• Craft an Impressive Dessert: Impress family and friends with a homemade banana cream pie that looks and tastes like it's from a professional bakery.
• Customize with Ease: Add personal touches by choosing your favorite pie crust or adjusting banana thickness to suit your taste preferences.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: Perfect for beginner bakers, this recipe requires simple cooking techniques and basic ingredients that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A classic dessert that brings nostalgic memories and delights both kids and adults with its creamy, sweet banana goodness.

Ingredients List for Homemade Banana Cream Pie

• Pie Crust: A crispy and flaky base that provides the foundation for the banana cream pie.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the custard mixture.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard and create a smooth texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the custard.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the custard.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help set the custard.

• Butter, Vanilla Extract: Add depth and rich flavor to the custard.
• Bananas: Fresh fruit that provides natural sweetness and the signature flavor of the pie.

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that adds a creamy finish to the pie.

How to Make Homemade Banana Cream Pie Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Follow the package or homemade pie crust instructions for prebaking. Allow the crust to cool completely before moving forward.

A crisp, golden crust sets the foundation for an amazing pie.

Step 2: Create Creamy Custard Base

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Gradually whisk milk into the dry ingredients.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 3: Temper Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth.

Slowly pour a small amount of hot milk mixture into the yolks, stirring continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.

Return the tempered egg mixture back to the saucepan.

Step 4: Finish Custard Filling

Cook the combined mixture for an additional 2 minutes.

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated and silky.

Step 5: Layer Bananas

Arrange sliced bananas evenly across the cooled pie crust.

Pour the warm custard over the bananas, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours.

This allows the custard to set and flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add Whipped Cream Topping

Just before serving, generously top the pie with freshly whipped cream.

Slice and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Tips for Creamy Homemade Banana Cream Pie

• Freeze banana slices beforehand to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance in the pie.
• Select ripe, slightly soft bananas for maximum sweetness and easier slicing.
• Use a candy thermometer when cooking custard to ensure perfect consistency without burning.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pie crust with almond flour or graham cracker crust made from gluten-free crackers.
• Enhance flavor by sprinkling toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top of whipped cream for added texture and taste.

Flavorful Twists on Homemade Banana Cream Pie

• Vegan Banana Cream Pie: Replace dairy milk with coconut milk, use cornstarch to thicken. Swap eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba for custard. Use coconut cream for topping.
• Gluten-Free Banana Cream Pie: Substitute traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add cocoa powder to custard mixture. Drizzle melted dark chocolate between banana layers. Top with chocolate shavings instead of plain whipped cream.
• Low-Sugar Banana Cream Pie: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk. Reduce custard sweetness and focus on natural banana flavor.

Serving Homemade Banana Cream Pie With Style

• Breakfast Bliss: Slice the banana cream pie and pair it with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Decadence: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce or caramel over each slice to elevate the pie's richness and create a gourmet dessert experience.
• Party Pleaser: Serve individual portions in elegant dessert glasses, garnishing with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a stunning presentation that will impress guests.
• Comfort Companion: Enjoy a slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent and creamy dessert that combines two classic favorites.

How to Store Homemade Banana Cream Pie

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Avoid freezing the banana cream pie as the custard and bananas will separate and lose their creamy texture.
• Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power, or let the slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the custard.

Perfect Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade banana cream pie delivers a classic dessert with creamy custard and fresh bananas nestled in a flaky crust. Rich layers of sweet banana slices and silky pudding create a comforting treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks

Thickening and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust by baking at recommended temperature until golden brown, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Craft the silky custard base by whisking together dry ingredients in a saucepan, then gradually incorporating milk while stirring constantly over medium heat until mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
3. Temper egg yolks by slowly introducing a portion of the hot milk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent curdling, then reintroduce the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
4. Continue cooking the custard for an additional 2 minutes, stirring consistently to maintain a creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
5. Remove custard from heat and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated and creating a glossy, rich filling.
6. Create a beautiful base layer by arranging fresh banana slices evenly across the cooled pie crust, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Gently pour the warm custard over the banana layer, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
8. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the custard to set and flavors to meld completely.
9. Just before serving, crown the pie with a generous layer of freshly whipped cream, creating elegant peaks and swirls.

Notes

• Prevent banana browning by tossing sliced bananas with a bit of lemon juice before layering in the pie crust.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust or create a nut-based crust using ground almonds or graham crackers.
• Enhance the banana flavor by adding a dash of banana extract to the custard or using very ripe, deeply flavored bananas.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and substituting some of the whipped cream with Greek yogurt for topping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg