This banana cream pie recipe is a perfect combination of sweet bananas, smooth custard, and a crispy pie crust that will melt in your mouth.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, this banana cream pie recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
This delectable banana cream pie is made with a flaky pie crust filled with layers of sliced ripe bananas and a rich, creamy custard made from milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. The custard is subtly flavored with vanilla extract and topped with whipped cream.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Banana Cream Pie
Here is a list of ingredients used in banana cream pie:
- Pie crust (either homemade or store-bought)
- Ripe bananas
- Milk (whole or 2%)
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Egg yolks
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or meringue (for topping)
- Optional: Caramel sauce (for added flavor)
What to serve with Banana Cream Pie
Coffee: A cup of coffee is a classic pairing for sweet desserts like banana cream pie. The bitterness of the coffee can help to balance out the sweetness of the pie and enhance its flavors.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a popular choice to serve alongside banana cream pie. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, custardy filling of the pie.
Fresh Berries: Another great option is to serve the pie with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries can help to cut through the richness of the pie and provide a refreshing contrast.
Whipped Cream: If you didn’t already top your pie with whipped cream, you could serve it on the side for guests to add as much as they like. The light, fluffy texture of the whipped cream complements the creamy filling of the pie and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Occasions to serve with Banana Cream Pie
Banana cream pie is a classic dessert that is perfect for a variety of occasions, including:
Potlucks and BBQs: Banana cream pie is a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any potluck or BBQ. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be transported easily, making it an ideal dessert to bring to a gathering.
Holidays: Banana cream pie is a classic dessert that is often served during holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its rich, comforting flavors make it the perfect end to a festive meal.
Dinner Parties: If you’re hosting a dinner party, banana cream pie is a sophisticated and impressive dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, allowing you to focus on the rest of your meal prep.
Anytime Dessert: Of course, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy banana cream pie. It’s a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat after dinner or a mid-day snack.
How to store Banana Cream Pie
Banana cream pie should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips on how to store banana cream pie:
Cool: Before storing your pie, allow it to cool to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the pie and making it soggy.
Cover: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Refrigerate: Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Serve chilled: Banana cream pie is best served chilled, so remove it from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature slightly.
Freeze: Banana cream pie can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the pie in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled.
Note that the texture of the pie may be slightly different after freezing and thawing.
With the recipe and storage tips, you can easily make and enjoy your own homemade banana cream pie. So go ahead and indulge in a slice of this deliciously decadent dessert – you won’t regret it!
Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 3 ripe bananas sliced
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the pie crust according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
- Layer the sliced bananas evenly in the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg yolks.
- Gradually pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the sugar mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard over the sliced bananas in the pie crust.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.
- Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and sliced bananas if desired.
