Banana Cream Pie is a classic American dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and comforting. It features a buttery, flaky pie crust, a rich banana-flavored custard filling, and a light, airy whipped cream topping. This dessert perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the smooth richness of custard, making it a timeless favorite.

The combination of textures — crisp crust, creamy filling, and fluffy whipped cream — creates a delightful eating experience. Often garnished with banana slices or chocolate shavings, this pie is both delicious and visually appealing, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any special occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting yet elegant. The banana custard is luscious, smooth, and full of flavor, while the whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast.

The crust provides a firm base that supports the creamy filling without getting soggy. Every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors — sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty from the crust.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic flavor combination: Bananas and cream are a timeless pairing.
• Textural contrast: Crisp crust, smooth custard, and fluffy whipped cream.
• Crowd favorite: Perfect for family and friends.
• Elegant presentation: Ideal for holidays and celebrations.
• Versatile: Can be made ahead and chilled, saving time for entertaining.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes for custard + 10 minutes for crust baking
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: ~350 kcal per slice
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Banana Custard Filling

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice water until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges.
6. Prick bottom with a fork, line with parchment, fill with pie weights or beans, and bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

Step 2: Make the Banana Custard Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens and bubbles.
4. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks, then return to saucepan.
5. Cook 1–2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
7. Let custard cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Slice 1–2 bananas and layer them on the bottom of the cooled crust.
2. Pour custard over the bananas.
3. Chill pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours until set.

Step 4: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie.
3. Garnish with additional banana slices or chocolate shavings if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method (Summary)

1. Make and bake pie crust; cool completely.
2. Prepare banana custard and cook until thick.
3. Layer banana slices in crust, pour custard over, and chill.
4. Whip cream and spread over pie; garnish.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled for clean slices.
• Optionally, add chocolate shavings or caramel drizzle.
• Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushy filling.
• Chill pie long enough for custard to set for clean slices.
• Avoid overmixing whipped cream to prevent it from becoming grainy.
• Layer bananas just before adding custard to prevent browning.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little lemon juice on banana slices.

Variations

1. Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the custard.
2. Caramel Banana Cream Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the custard before topping with whipped cream.
3. Nutty Banana Cream Pie: Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the whipped cream topping.
4. Mini Pies: Make individual servings in tart pans.
5. Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust for dietary needs.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Pie can be frozen without whipped cream for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Whipped Cream: Best added fresh; do not freeze with whipped cream topping.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie pan
• Rolling pin
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula

FAQ

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
A: Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.

Q: Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble pie and chill; add whipped cream topping just before serving.

Q: How do I prevent bananas from browning?
A: Toss sliced bananas with a little lemon juice before layering in the pie.

Q: Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
A: Substitute coconut milk for milk, vegan butter for butter, and coconut cream for whipped cream.

Q: How thick should the custard be?
A: It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable when warm.

Conclusion

Banana Cream Pie with Whipped Cream Topping is a classic, indulgent dessert that combines creamy custard, sweet bananas, and fluffy whipped cream in a buttery crust. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or special occasions, this pie is a timeless treat that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Its creamy texture and balanced sweetness make it a dessert everyone will love.