Quick & Dreamy Banana Cream Pie Recipe You’ll Love

Banana cream pie stands as a timeless dessert that beckons with its creamy, dreamy allure.

Sweet enthusiasts have long celebrated this classic treat for its smooth, velvety texture and irresistible flavor profile.

Layers of silky custard meet ripe, golden slices nestled between a buttery, flaky crust that crumbles delightfully with each forkful.

Rich and indulgent, this dessert combines comfort and nostalgia in a single, decadent slice.

The harmonious blend of ingredients reimagines simple components into a masterpiece of culinary delight.

Soft, pillowy peaks of whipped cream crown this magnificent creation, adding an ethereal lightness to its robust foundation.

Prepare to embark on a delectable journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.

Banana Cream Pie That Brings Back Nostalgia

• Craft a Foolproof Crust: This pie crust method guarantees a perfectly flaky, tender base every time. Using a food processor ensures consistent texture without overworking the dough, making even novice bakers feel like pastry pros.
• Luxurious Layered Flavors: The combination of creamy custard, fresh bananas, and optional peanut butter creates a decadent dessert that balances sweet, rich, and fruity notes. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smooth filling and ripe banana chunks.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: Despite looking impressive, this banana cream pie comes together with surprisingly simple steps. Cooking the filling slowly develops deep flavor, while the chilling time allows bakers to prepare ahead and serve a stunning dessert with minimal last-minute stress.

Ingredients Needed for Banana Cream Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for creating a flaky, tender pie crust with classic texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control gluten development in the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates the signature flaky layers in the crust.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a workable dough without overworking.

• Half and Half: Creates a creamy, rich base for the pie filling with smooth consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard filling and balances other flavors.
• Corn Starch: Thickens the filling and provides a smooth, pudding-like texture.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and contribute to its rich, creamy structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the filling.
• Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and classic banana cream pie flavor.

• Peanut Butter: Optional ingredient that adds extra richness and nutty flavor to the filling.
• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that complements the creamy banana filling.

How to Make Banana Cream Pie from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust Dough

• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar

Pulse ingredients until well combined. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until butter pieces resemble small peas. Gradually pour cold water and pulse until dough forms a cohesive mixture. Shape dough into a compact disc, wrap in plastic, and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

Step 2: Shape and Pre-Bake Crust

Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll pastry on wax paper, creating a circle slightly larger than a 9″ pie plate. Transfer dough to plate, folding and pinching edges for a thick border. Use a fork to create small punctures across bottom and sides. Line crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake 10 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 3: Complete Crust Baking

Remove weights and parchment. Return crust to oven, baking additional 8-10 minutes until bottom achieves light golden color. Transfer to wire rack for cooling.

Step 4: Create Creamy Filling

• Half and half
• Sugar
• Corn starch
• Eggs

Ensure mixture is completely smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for approximately 15 minutes until filling thickens significantly. Stir gradually to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 5: Finish Filling Preparation

Remove from heat. Optional: strain through fine mesh sieve to eliminate potential lumps. Mix in vanilla extract. If desired, add peanut butter for extra richness. Gently fold in sliced bananas.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill Pie

Pour filling into pre-baked pie crust. Cover and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight until completely set.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Top pie with freshly whipped cream. Slice and serve chilled for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Tips for the Smoothest Banana Cream Filling

• Chill the Dough Perfectly: Refrigerate pie crust dough for at least 1 hour to ensure a flaky, tender texture that prevents shrinking during baking.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust completely and let it cool entirely before adding filling to maintain a crisp bottom layer.
• Create Smooth Filling: Whisk constantly while cooking custard to avoid lumps, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-silky consistency.
• Slice Bananas Strategically: Add banana slices just before pouring custard to prevent browning and maintain fresh flavor and texture.
• Whip Cream Like a Pro: Prepare whipped cream topping just before serving to keep it light, fluffy, and picture-perfect on your banana cream pie.

Keeping Banana Cream Pie Fresh and Tasty

• Storing Leftovers
• Refrigerate the banana cream pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture from affecting the crust's texture. Keep the pie in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.
• Reheating Tips
• Avoid reheating banana cream pie, as the delicate custard filling and fresh bananas can become soggy or lose their creamy texture. Instead, enjoy leftover slices chilled directly from the refrigerator. If the whipped cream has deflated, quickly whip fresh cream to top each slice before serving.
• Freezing Considerations
• Freezing is not recommended for this pie, as the custard and bananas will separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed. The crust may also become soggy and lose its crisp texture.

Delicious Pairings for Banana Cream Pie

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Coffee: The rich, smooth banana cream pie begs for a velvety caramel latte that complements its sweet, creamy texture. The coffee's warmth highlights the pie's cool, silky filling while the caramel notes dance perfectly with banana's natural sweetness.
• Match with Toasted Almond Liqueur: A chilled glass of amaretto provides a nutty, sophisticated counterpoint to the pie's smooth profile. Its delicate almond essence enhances the pie's creamy banana flavor and adds an elegant adult twist to dessert.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Bourbon: A smooth bourbon with vanilla undertones creates a luxurious pairing that elevates the banana cream pie's classic comfort. The spirit's subtle warmth and oak hints beautifully balance the pie's sweet, creamy character.
• Complement with Sparkling Moscato: A light, bubbly moscato brings refreshing brightness that cuts through the pie's rich, dense filling. Its subtle sweetness and effervescence provide a delightful contrast to the smooth banana cream texture.

Flavor Twists to Update Banana Cream Pie

• Tropical Paradise Pie: Replace half the bananas with fresh mango chunks and add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired version.
• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Mix melted dark chocolate into the cream filling and garnish with chocolate shavings for an indulgent chocolate-banana combination.
• Nutty Caramel Fusion: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bananas before pouring the filling, and top with crushed pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Spiced Banana Cream: Add ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist that enhances the banana's natural sweetness.

Banana Cream Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy banana cream pie delivers a nostalgic journey through classic American desserts. Silky custard, fresh bananas, and buttery crust combine to create a sweet slice of comfort that delights taste buds and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 bananas, sliced
• 3 whole eggs (or substitute 6 yolks)
• 2 cups half and half (or substitute whole milk)

Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold butter, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• Sweetened whipped cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor and pulse to create a uniform mixture.
2. Add chilled butter cubes and pulse until butter pieces resemble small peas in size.
3. Gradually introduce cold water and pulse until dough forms a cohesive mass without being overly wet or sticky.
4. Form the dough into a compact disc, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (up to several days is acceptable).
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out pastry on wax paper, ensuring it extends 2 inches beyond a 9-inch (23-centimeter) pie plate.
6. Transfer pastry to pie plate, folding and pinching edges to create a thick border.
7. Use a fork to create multiple punctures across bottom and sides of the crust.
8. Line crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
9. Bake for 10 minutes until top edges turn light golden brown.
10. Remove weights and parchment, then continue baking 8-10 minutes until bottom crust achieves a golden hue.
11. Cool crust completely on a wire rack.
12. In a medium saucepan, whisk half and half, sugar, cornstarch, and eggs until completely smooth.
13. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until significantly thickened (approximately 12-15 minutes).
14. Remove from heat and optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate potential lumps.
15. Incorporate peanut butter (if using) and vanilla extract into the filling.
16. Gently fold in sliced bananas and pour mixture into prepared pie crust.
17. Refrigerate pie for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled and set.
18. Before serving, garnish with freshly whipped cream.

Notes

• Chill the pie crust dough for at least an hour to ensure a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Use cold butter and water when making the pie crust to create those coveted delicate, layered edges.
• Constantly whisk the filling while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Strain the filling through a fine mesh sieve if you spot any tiny lumps for an ultra-silky texture.
• Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to develop rich, full flavors.
• Optional peanut butter can add a delightful depth and nutty undertone to the classic banana cream pie.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365 cal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg