Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe
If you have a soft spot for classic, comforting desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Banana Cream Pie. It’s a luscious combination of silky banana-infused custard nestled in a crisp pie crust, topped with pillowy whipped cream that melts in your mouth. The best part? It uses simple kitchen staples but comes together to create a pie that feels like a special occasion every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe will become your go-to for banana cream pie perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture of your Easy Banana Cream Pie. From the buttery crust to the creamy custard, every element works together to create a harmony of tastes and delightful textures.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Acts as the crisp, buttery foundation that holds all the creamy goodness.
- 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced: Offer natural sweetness and that unmistakable banana flavor throughout the custard.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides richness and creaminess essential for the custard base.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the bananas.
- 1/3 cup cornstarch: The thickening hero that gives the custard its luscious, velvety texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3 large egg yolks: Adds depth and richness to the custard while helping it set.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Makes the custard silky smooth and rich.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a lovely fragrant note to the filling.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, providing that fluffy, dreamy topping.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream light and perfectly.
- Additional banana slices for topping (optional): For extra visual appeal and banana flavor boost.
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional): A little extra decadence for presentation and taste.
How to Make Easy Banana Cream Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re not using a pre-baked crust, start by baking your pie crust according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Make sure it’s completely cooled before filling it to keep that crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy center.
Step 2: Start the Custard Base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. These dry ingredients come together to sweeten and thicken the custard. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Adding the egg yolks at this stage enriches the custard and helps it set beautifully.
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. This step requires patience because the mixture needs about 8 to 10 minutes to transform from a liquid into a thick, luscious custard that just starts to bubble. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick or scorch.
Step 4: Finish the Custard
Remove the pan from the stove and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and fully incorporated. This step makes the custard ultra-smooth and adds that indulgent buttery flavor and a hint of aromatic vanilla.
Step 5: Fold in the Bananas
Let the custard cool for about 5 minutes — just enough so it’s still warm but won’t mush the bananas. Gently fold in the sliced bananas to distribute them evenly while preserving their soft texture. This creates the signature banana flavor throughout the pie.
Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the creamy banana custard into your prepared pie crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. This is where all your preparation really comes to life, ensuring every bite has that rich banana custard delight.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely set. This chilling step firms up the pie making it slice beautifully and taste even better.
Step 8: Whip the Cream
Right before serving, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. This fluffy topping adds a light, creamy contrast to the dense custard and gives the pie that classic banana cream pie look.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Spread or pipe your freshly whipped cream over the chilled pie and adorn with extra banana slices if you like. Slice it up and get ready to savor every luscious bite!
How to Serve Easy Banana Cream Pie
Garnishes
Enhance your pie’s appearance and flavor with simple garnishes. Fresh banana slices provide a fresh, natural finish, while a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch. You can also dust the top lightly with a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Side Dishes
Although this pie stands perfectly on its own as a dessert, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the experience. A fresh fruit salad on the side also provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your friends or family, try serving individual banana cream parfaits in clear glasses. Layer sliced bananas, custard, and whipped cream, repeating the layers for an elegant, easy-to-eat presentation. Another fun idea is to top the pie with crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Easy Banana Cream Pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days to savor the best flavor and texture. The pie crust might soften over time, so clinical storage is best.
Freezing
This pie doesn’t freeze well after it’s assembled because the custard and bananas can separate and become watery when thawed. If you want to freeze, prepare the custard ahead of time and freeze it separately, then fill a freshly baked crust when ready to serve for the best quality.
Reheating
Since Easy Banana Cream Pie is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow slices to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This brings out the flavors without compromising texture.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade butter crust or graham cracker crust works beautifully and adds a personal touch to your Easy Banana Cream Pie.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Look for bananas that are fully yellow with a few brown spots—they are sweet and soft but not overripe, which helps maintain texture and flavor in the pie.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, substitute the whole milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter, and use a vegan pie crust. The custard will require additional thickening tricks, but it’s possible!
Why does my custard sometimes have lumps?
Constant whisking during cooking and gradual addition of milk help prevent lumps. If a few do form, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve before folding in the bananas.
How long can I keep the pie refrigerated before it goes bad?
For optimal freshness and safety, consume the pie within 3 days when stored well in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about enjoying a slice of Easy Banana Cream Pie that you made with your own hands. It’s creamy, smooth, and bursting with banana goodness, yet wonderfully simple enough to recreate any night of the week. Give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire!
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Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Banana Cream Pie features a rich and creamy banana custard filling nestled in a crisp pre-baked pie crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh banana slices. Perfectly sweet and delightfully smooth, it’s a classic dessert that comes together quickly and makes a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
Banana Custard Filling
- 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Additional banana slices for topping (optional)
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Prepare your pie crust according to package instructions if not using a pre-baked crust. Allow it to cool completely if freshly baked to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk them together until well-blended to ensure a smooth custard texture.
- Add Liquids and Egg Yolks: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the egg yolks and stir until fully incorporated.
- Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 8-10 minutes, ensuring the custard doesn’t scorch.
- Finish Custard: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in Bananas: Let the custard cool for about 5 minutes, then gently fold in the sliced bananas to combine without mashing.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the banana custard mixture evenly into the prepared pie crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Make Whipped Cream: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, ensuring the cream is cold for best results.
- Top and Garnish: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with additional banana slices if desired for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Slice the pie and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy banana flavors and crisp crust.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for a sweeter, more flavorful custard filling.
- Make sure the pie crust is fully cooled before adding the custard to maintain its crispness.
- Chill the custard slightly before folding in the bananas to keep them firm and prevent over-softening.
- For a lighter pie, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk when making the whipped topping.
- The pie is best consumed within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
- Feel free to use a graham cracker crust for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking/No Bake (for assembling the custard pie)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: banana cream pie, easy banana pie, banana custard pie, homemade banana pie, creamy dessert, classic pie recipe
