Classic Banana Cream Pie the Ultimate Comfort Dessert

My GoTo Banana Pie Recipe Classic Comfort Easy Baking

By Emily CollinsSeptember 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancy a proper classic banana dessert ? I know I do! This banana pie recipe is like a warm hug on a plate.

The flavor is just divine : creamy banana goodness with a hint of vanilla, all nestled in a perfectly flaky pie crust banana pie .

Brief Overview

Originating from classic American comfort food, the banana custard pie is a delightful treat. It's a medium difficulty bake, taking around 1 hour 30 minutes prep and cook time plus chilling.

This recipe yields 8 generous slices, perfect for sharing... or not!

Main Benefits

Bananas are packed with potassium, so you can almost call this a healthy dessert...almost! This best banana pie is perfect for family gatherings or when you just need a bit of comfort on a rainy day.

What makes this recipe special? It's the homemade banana pie taste, you know? Like grandma used to make!

Ready to get started? Let's dive into what you'll need!

Gather Your Arsenal: Pie Perfection Ingredients

First things first, the glorious ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make this epic pie a reality, from the flaky pie crust banana pie base to the creamy banana pie filling and that dreamy whipped topping.

Honestly, seeing all these bits laid out makes you wanna start baking banana pie right now , doesn't it? I get it! Remember, quality counts.

The better your ingredients, the better the final product.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing banana pie recipe . It's not as daunting as it looks, I promise! Honestly, once you've got your bits and bobs sorted, the rest is a piece of.

.. well, banana pie !

Main Ingredients

Pie Crust: 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon (3g) salt, ½ cup (1 stick/113g) super cold unsalted butter, ¼ cup (60ml) ice water. If you're going for the flaky pie crust banana pie , you gotta keep that butter COLD. I’m telling you!
Custard: 3 cups (720ml) whole milk, ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt, 4 large egg yolks, 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5ml) vanilla extract.
Banana Layer: 3-4 ripe bananas, 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. Make sure those bananas are ripe but still firm!
Whipped Cream: 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream (ice cold!), ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract.

For that creamy banana pie , the quality of your milk makes a difference. Full fat is your best bet, trust me. It makes the custard super rich and decadent.

Seasoning Notes

Vanilla extract is crucial for that classic banana dessert flavor. Don't skimp! A pinch of salt in the custard balances the sweetness.

Feeling adventurous? A tiny dash of cinnamon in the custard adds a lovely warmth. If you can't find vanilla extract, a bit of maple syrup can work in a pinch (although it will change the flavor a bit).

Oh my gosh, and the lemon juice on the bananas? This prevents them from browning! It's a total game changer.

Equipment Needed

9 inch pie plate . Glass or ceramic works best, I reckon.
Rolling pin. You know, for rolling out that homemade banana pie crust.
Mixing bowls (various sizes).
Whisk.
Saucepan.
Plastic wrap.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand).
Parchment paper.
Pie weights.

No pie weights? Dried beans or rice work just as well! A fork can stand in for a whisk in an emergency.

But honestly, it's worth investing in a good whisk, makes your life so much easier.

And that’s it for the gear! You see is simpler to doing a banana custard pie that seems. Now, onto the fun part which is the baking section of this easy banana pie recipe .

Let's talk blind baking. Honestly, it sounds a bit intense, doesn't it? But trust me, it's the secret to flaky pie crust banana pie and banishing that dreaded soggy bottom.

Think of it as giving your pie crust a head start before adding the filling. We are all about that homemade banana pie , you know?

Prep Steps: It's All About the Base

First things first, you need your pie crust ready. Whether you’ve gone full Mary Berry with a classic banana dessert from scratch, or you are cheating with a store-bought one, this works the same! Essential mise en place here means having everything cold.

Cold butter is your best friend for a flaky crust . Roll out your dough and fit it into your 9 inch pie plate.

Crimp those edges fancy crimping makes you feel like a legit baker. Safety reminder: Be careful handling that hot pie plate later on!

step-by-step Process: Baking on Your Own

Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. This prevents it from puffing up like a balloon.
Line the crust with parchment paper. Make sure to overlap the edges!
Fill the parchment with pie weights or dried beans. Think of it as giving the crust a little hug to hold its shape.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15 minutes .
Remove the parchment and weights.
Bake for another 10- 15 minutes , or until the crust is golden brown.
Let it cool completely before adding your creamy banana pie filling.

Pro Tips: Expert Baker Secrets

The biggest mistake? Not using enough pie weights! Seriously, don't skimp. You don't want a wonky crust. You can totally make the crust ahead of time, wrap it well, and store it in the fridge for a couple of days.

This comes handy with our easy banana pie recipe .

Blind baking is essential for achieving the best banana pie , especially if you're making a banana cream pie or even some banana pie variations .

A fully baked crust will hold its shape and provide a solid foundation for your banana custard pie . The next time someone says "banana pie recipe" make sure you have blind baked your crust!

Recipe Notes for the Best Banana Pie

Okay, so you’re about to embark on a banana pie recipe adventure. Brilliant choice! But before you crank up the oven, let’s chat about some essential pointers to elevate your homemade banana pie from 'meh' to magnificent .

Honestly, it's all about the small things that make a huge difference. I swear!

Serving It Up Right!

Right, so you've slaved over that flaky pie crust banana pie and creamy filling. Now, let's talk presentation. For a simple yet elegant touch, a dusting of cocoa powder over the whipped cream is chef's kiss .

Or, y'know, go full-on retro with some extra banana slices artfully arranged. A cheeky drizzle of caramel sauce? Absolutely! Want something to wash it down with? A good banana custard pie goes beautifully with a cuppa (obviously!), or even a glass of cold milk for the kids.

Storage Savvy

Right, so you've made this beautiful easy banana pie recipe and you have leftovers. First, wrap that bad boy up tight! Cling film is your friend.

Keep your creamy banana pie in the fridge for up to three days . Honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house.

Freezing? Not really recommended, the texture gets a bit weird. Reheating isn't really a thing either. But, if you must, a very gentle warming might work.

Banana Pie Variations - Let's Get Wild!

Fancy a little twist on the classic banana dessert ? How about a chocolate version? Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard.

Oh my gosh! dairy-free? Easy peasy! Use plant based milk and vegan butter, and you've got a delicious alternative. Feeling autumnal? A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a lovely, cozy touch.

For seasonal ingredient swaps: during summer, consider topping with some juicy strawberries alongside the bananas.

Nutrition Basics - A Little Bit of Goodness?

Let's be real, it's pie. But bananas are good for you, right? Each slice will give you a bit of potassium and some carbs for energy.

Everything in moderation, my friend. And, hey, it’s homemade! You know exactly what's in it, which is always a plus.

You could consider reducing the amount of sugar for a healthier banana pie .

So there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs to make your banana cream pie the absolute best banana pie on the block.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. This baking banana pie is all about having fun. Now, get in that kitchen and bake !

Frequently Asked Questions

My banana pie filling is runny! What did I do wrong?

A runny filling is a common banana pie problem. Usually, it means the custard wasn't cooked long enough or there wasn't enough cornstarch to properly thicken it. Make sure to cook the custard until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and double check your cornstarch measurement next time.

Pop it back in the fridge for longer sometimes time is all it needs to firm up!

How can I stop my bananas from turning brown in my banana pie recipe?

No one wants a brown banana surprise! The key is lemon juice toss your sliced bananas in lemon juice as soon as you slice them. The citric acid acts as a shield, preventing oxidation. You can also layer the bananas directly into the pie with the custard right away, minimising their exposure to air.

Can I use a store-bought crust for this banana pie recipe?

Absolutely! If you're short on time (or just fancy a shortcut), a store-bought crust is perfectly acceptable. Look for a good quality pre-made pie crust the refrigerated ones tend to be better than the frozen ones.

Just make sure to blind bake it according to the package instructions to prevent a soggy bottom, just like you would with a homemade crust!

How long will my homemade banana pie last, and how should I store it?

Banana pie is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. Bear in mind the bananas will continue to soften and may start to brown slightly, but it will still be delicious think of it like a slightly more "rustic" version!

I'm feeling adventurous! What variations can I make to this banana pie recipe?

Feeling like Mary Berry, are we? Excellent! Try adding a layer of salted caramel sauce under the bananas for a sweet and salty twist. Or, incorporate some cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolate banana cream pie.

A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds a lovely crunch, and a dash of rum extract in the custard will give it a grown-up flavour. The possibilities are endless!

Is banana pie healthy? What is the nutritional value?

Let's be honest, banana pie is more of a treat than a health food! It contains sugar, butter, and cream, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. However, it does offer some nutritional benefits from the bananas, such as potassium and fiber.

See the Recipe Details above for the estimates of Calories, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates and Sugar. You can lighten it up by using less sugar, swapping to a lower fat cream, or using a whole wheat crust, but remember, it's all about balance a little bit of what you fancy does you good!