The classic banana cream pie recipe features a flaky pie crust filled with bananas and homemade custard topped with whipped cream. It is everything you would want it to be. This is a must make pie.
This yummy homemade banana pie is exactly what you’d expect it to be. And that is what makes it so special. The creamy custard, banana slices and pillowy whipped cream come together to make the perfect dessert.
It’s just like grandma might have made. Make it for a party or make one for yourself, I won’t tell anyone!
In a time when it feels like we could all use a big hug, I am drawn to making old fashioned classics. Things that remind us of the good old days in grandma’s kitchen.
Luckily my grandma’s kitchen is still a place I like to visit. Though the current circumstances are keeping me away for their protection.
So for right now comfort is coming in the form of a pie. I for one am one am ready to dig into an extra slice of creamy goodness.
Making the pie
The pie is actually pretty easy to put together. Start by blind baking your pie crust.
You can use store bought or make your favorite pastry recipe. MiMi’s extra flaky pie crust is a great recipe or switch it up an make a chocolate pie crust.
The custard comes together pretty easily as well. Because you want it to hold it’s shape when you cut a slice, it uses eggs, cornstarch and flour to thicken it.
You start by cooking the milk, flour and sugar together until it starts to bubble. That is how the flour thickens liquid, so you need a little bubbling action.
Email Me The Link
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!
Then use some of that hot liquid to temper the eggs. It may sound complicated, but it is a way to keep the eggs from scrambling when you add them to the hot liquid.
After whipping some of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, slowly drizzle them back into the saucepan with the remaining liquid. Keep whisking the mixture as you add the egg mixture to ensure a smooth final custard.
That’s really all it takes! Pour the warm custard over banana slices in the crust and let it all chill.
The banana flavor will start to seep into the custard and the magic happens! Top with whipped cream and you are ready to go.
The pie is made in advance, so it is perfect for guests. You do, however, want to wait until you are ready to serve it to add any fresh banana slice garnish to avoid browning.
Carlee’s Tips and Tricks
To ensure your custard isn’t soupy, make sure you get it fully cooked before you remove it from the heat. It should have the consistency of pudding before you take it off the heat.
It will firm up a bit once chilled, but you want it to be fully cooked and thickened before you remove it from the heat. Don’t let it make you nervous, it is easier than it sounds!
The custard pie can be refrigerated for three to four days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap and well chilled to keep it tasty.
While this old fashioned pie is absolutely fabulous, if you are looking for a quick and easy banana cream pie I have you covered there too! My easy no-bake banana cream pie uses a graham cracker crust and instant pudding to make a quick and easy dessert.
Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
Pie
- 1 pie crust pastry
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2¼ cups whole milk cold
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 bananas
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- additional banana for garnish
Instructions
- Roll out 1 pie crust pastry and place in pie dish. Crimp edges and dock the bottom by piercing it with a fork a few times. Line with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dry beans. Bake at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes or according to your pastry directions. Remove weights and set aside to cool.
- In a large sauce pan, whisk together the ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup all purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add about ¼ cup of milk and whisk until incorporated. Add remaining 2¼ cups whole milk cups of milk and stir to combine.
- Turn heat to medium, stir frequently until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Meanwhile, lightly beat the 2 large eggs in a medium glass bowl.
- Once the milk mixture is starting to thicken, slowly ladle some into the bowl with the eggs while stirring. Continue to stir and add hot milk mixture into the eggs until you’ve added about a cup.
- Slowly drizzle the egg mixture back into the saucepan while whisking. Drop heat to low and cook until the mixture is thick. It should have a rich pudding texture before you remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoons vanilla extract.1 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 Tablespoon butter
- Slice 2 bananas and spread over the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Pour the custard over the banana slices. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.2 bananas
- Whip the 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until it holds a stiff peak. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie. Chill until ready to serve.1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Garnish with additional banana slices just before serving if desired.
Email Me The Link
I’ll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!
Did you try this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!
Get social!
Recipes in your inbox
This sounds sooo good! And, I can't even guess when the last time I had a banana pie was, but it has been years!
Then it is time to change that!
Sweet friend, this is comfort food pie at its finest! I will definitely be making this, so many recipes are getting made these days! Hope you guys are hanging in there OK and big virtual hug’s!
It is definitely comfort food at its best!
It worked really well. Putting it in a nice glass makes the comfort food seem a little fancy!
It worked really well. Putting it in a nice glass makes the comfort food seem a little fancy!
Thank you so much!!
This is seriously yummy. Great idea.