If you’re craving an iconic comfort dessert that feels like a big, nostalgic hug, this Homemade Banana Cream Pie is your golden ticket. Creamy, dreamy custard meets fresh bananas and a crisp, buttery crust, all topped with a cloud of sweet whipped cream. This pie is a slice of pure happiness that will make any gathering feel instantly more special. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard BBQ, bringing it to a family potluck, or simply sneaking a piece in the middle of the night (no judgment!), Homemade Banana Cream Pie is a tried-and-true classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this pie plays a starring role in creating its luscious texture and irresistible flavor. Good-quality, simple components ensure your Homemade Banana Cream Pie comes out tasting bakery-worthy, right from your kitchen.

1 prepared 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled: The pie’s solid foundation, offering that irresistible flaky crunch in every bite.
3 medium ripe bananas, sliced: Choose bananas with a few brown spots for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just-right sweetness to enhance the banana flavor without overwhelming it.
1/4 cup cornstarch: Gives the custard its smooth, thick consistency; don’t skip this key player!
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch to help balance and accentuate all those sweet and creamy flavors.
3 cups whole milk: Whole milk makes the custard velvety and rich; lower fat milks won’t give quite the same result.
4 large egg yolks: Extra yolks mean a silky, luscious custard with that classic yellow glow.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Stirred in at the end for luxurious texture and added richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances every other flavor and brings delicious warmth to the filling.
1 cup heavy cream: The base for that delightfully fluffy whipped topping.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream without making it gritty or overly sweet.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a little in the whipped cream for extra depth and aroma.

How to Make Homemade Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Make the Custard

Start by whisking together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually pour in the whole milk, blending everything until nice and smooth. Set this over medium heat and whisk without stopping; patience is key! The mixture will thicken and start to bubble after a few minutes. Don’t wander off—smooth, glossy custard is only a few whisks away.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, lightly whisk those golden egg yolks. To prevent any scrambled egg surprises, you’ll need to temper them: Slowly drizzle in about 1/2 cup of the hot custard mixture while whisking vigorously. This gently raises the temperature, so your completed custard stays silky and lump-free.

Step 3: Finish the Custard and Add Flavor

Pour the warmed egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the custard is thick and creamy. Remove from heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly! Let the filling cool just until it’s warm to the touch.

Step 4: Layer the Bananas

Scatter your sliced bananas evenly over the cooled, baked pie crust. If you’re a true banana devotee, add a double layer here and even tuck a few slices into the middle of the custard for double the flavor in every bite!

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Pour the warm custard over the banana slices, smoothing the top with a spatula. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface—this helps prevent any skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours so the filling sets into dreamy, sliceable perfection. Waiting is the hardest part, but trust me—it’s worth it.

Step 6: Whip the Cream and Finish

When the pie is fully chilled, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Swirl or dollop the whipped cream generously over the top of your pie right before serving. Sometimes I like to go a little overboard on the whipped cream—it’s a celebration after all!

How to Serve Homemade Banana Cream Pie

Garnishes

The finishing touches really make your pie special. Try sprinkling extra banana slices, a dusting of finely grated chocolate, or even a little toasted coconut right on top of the whipped cream. For extra crunch, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few chopped nuts brings out the pie’s best flavors.

Side Dishes

Homemade Banana Cream Pie is a showstopper by itself, but if you want a truly memorable dessert spread, serve it alongside a simple platter of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Light, fruity side dishes complement the pie’s richness beautifully and keep the meal feeling fresh and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re up for a twist, try making mini pies or parfait-style banana cream desserts by layering broken pie crust, custard, and bananas in individual glasses. Or serve a slice with a shot of espresso or iced coffee for a playful café vibe at home. Dress it up or down based on the occasion—the magic is all in the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the bananas can darken a bit over time, it’s best enjoyed as fresh as possible. Place plastic wrap directly against the custard and whipped cream layers to keep everything tasting and looking its best.

Freezing

If you want to get a head start, you can bake and freeze the pie crust ahead of time, but avoid freezing the assembled Banana Cream Pie. The custard and banana slices can become watery and lose their silky texture once thawed, so this dessert is all about enjoying it fresh and fluffy.

Reheating

Banana cream pie is always served cold, so no reheating required! Just bring it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off, and you’re all set for creamy perfection.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought crust makes this recipe even easier while still delivering delicious results. Just make sure to bake and cool it according to package directions before assembling the pie.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

Bananas naturally darken as they oxidize. To keep them looking fresh, slice and layer them right before adding the custard, and cover the pie with plastic wrap touching the filling. You can also brush the slices lightly with lemon juice, though this may slightly alter the taste.

Can I make Homemade Banana Cream Pie a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld. Just wait to add the whipped cream until the day you plan to serve so it stays fluffy and fresh.

Can I use non-dairy milk or lighter alternatives?

Whole milk makes the creamiest custard, but you can use 2% with decent results. Almond or oat milk can work for a dairy-free pie, though the filling may be slightly less rich and thick.

What’s the best way to get clean pie slices?

For neat, picture-perfect slices, use a sharp, thin knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This helps glide through the custard and gives you those swoon-worthy layers in every piece!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired and a little bit excited to whip up this comforting Homemade Banana Cream Pie in your own kitchen. With every creamy bite, you’ll see how simple ingredients can create a dessert that’s anything but ordinary. Gather your bananas, and get ready to make some sweet memories—one slice won’t be enough!

Homemade Banana Cream Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy deliciousness of this homemade Banana Cream Pie. A classic dessert featuring layers of fresh bananas and rich custard, all nestled in a flaky pie crust and topped with fluffy whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pie:

1 prepared 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
3 medium ripe bananas, sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
Temper the Eggs: Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly add hot milk mixture to temper the yolks. Return to saucepan and cook until creamy.
Finish the Filling: Stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool slightly. Arrange banana slices in pie crust. Pour custard over bananas.
Chill and Serve: Cover pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla for topping. Spread over pie before serving.

Notes

For extra banana flavor, layer bananas on both the bottom and middle of the custard.
Best served the same day for freshest bananas, but can be refrigerated up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop and Chilling
Cuisine: American