If you’re craving a nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of comfort and indulgence, this Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless treat featuring a buttery crust, luscious homemade custard, and layers of fresh banana slices, all crowned with fluffy whipped cream. Every bite brings a perfect balance of creamy sweetness, subtle vanilla, and fresh fruitiness that will transport you back to cozy family gatherings or grandma’s kitchen. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this pie right is all about quality ingredients that work together to create that silky custard texture, fresh banana flavor, and satisfying crust. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe a standout dessert you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: The buttery and crisp base that holds all the creamy goodness together.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): The magic thickening agent that gives your custard that enviable silky, spoonable texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Whole milk (3 cups): Adds richness and depth to the custard, making it creamy and satisfying.
Large egg yolks (4): Essential for thickening the custard and adding that velvety richness.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Enriches the custard with a smooth, buttery finish.
Vanilla extract (1 ½ tsp): Brings a warm aroma that pairs wonderfully with the bananas.
Ripe bananas (3): Fresh and sweet, their mellow flavor is the star of this pie.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped into clouds of decadence to top your pie.
Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream delicately without graininess.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp): For that extra hint of vanilla in the whipped cream topping.
Optional garnishes: Banana slices or toasted coconut add fancy flair and texture on top.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

First, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually stream in the milk while whisking until the mixture is perfectly smooth — no lumps allowed! Cook this over medium heat, stirring constantly so it thickens evenly and starts bubbling to signal it’s ready.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

To avoid scrambled eggs in your custard, whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking continually to gently warm them up. Then pour this tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring nonstop for a couple more minutes until it thickens to creamy perfection.

Step 3: Finish the Custard

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract right away. This step rounds out the custard’s flavor and adds that silky, luscious mouthfeel. Allow the custard to cool slightly before assembling the pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Arrange the banana slices evenly across the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. This fruity layer is the heart of the pie and makes every bite a delightful mix of creamy and fresh. Pour the cooled custard over the bananas and spread it out gently so every inch is covered.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Cover the pie with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the custard—this prevents a skin from forming while chilling. Pop the pie into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 4 hours until beautifully firm and ready to eat.

Step 6: Whip and Top the Pie

Right before serving, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This fluffy topping is what makes the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe feel indulgent and special. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Add some fresh banana slices or toasted coconut flakes on top to give your pie an inviting look and a bit of extra texture. Then slice it up and prepare for compliments galore!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A few extra banana slices on top make the pie look fresh and inviting, while toasted coconut adds a subtle crunch and tropical flair. You could also sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist that pairs beautifully with the custard.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to complement the fruity sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party, consider serving the pie in individual glass jars or mini graham cracker crusts for bite-sized versions of the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe. Layer the bananas, custard, and whipped cream for eye-catching parfaits everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate any leftovers. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days since the bananas can start to brown and the crust may lose its crispness. Keep it chilled to maintain the custard’s creamy texture.

Freezing

This pie doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh bananas and whipped cream topping, which can become watery or grainy after thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this pie is served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. However, letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing makes serving easier and enhances the flavor without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! A homemade crust adds an extra layer of love and can be customized with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon. Just make sure it’s baked and cooled completely before adding the filling.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are fully ripe with a few brown spots for the best natural sweetness and softness that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

You can use all-purpose flour as a thickener, but keep in mind the custard may not be quite as smooth or glossy. Cornstarch remains the top choice for that silky texture.

Can I make the whipped cream topping ahead of time?

It’s best to whip the cream right before serving to keep it light and fluffy. If you prepare it too early, it may lose volume and become watery.

What if I don’t have whole milk?

Whole milk gives the richest custard, but 2% milk can work in a pinch. Avoid skim milk as it won’t provide enough creaminess for the perfect Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe is a deliciously nostalgic dessert that will brighten any table and warm any heart. Its perfect balance of creamy custard, fresh bananas, and whipped cream keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I encourage you to whip up this classic pie soon; it’s a joyful experience from start to finish and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

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4.4 from 87 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie features a luscious homemade custard layered over ripe bananas in a crisp pre-baked pie crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and optional garnishes like banana slices or toasted coconut. Perfectly set after chilling, this classic Southern dessert enchants with creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Base and Custard

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, sliced

Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

Banana slices
Toasted coconut

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Instructions

Mix dry ingredients and milk: In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in whole milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Cook custard base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and scorching, until it thickens and begins to bubble gently.
Temper egg yolks: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to raise their temperature without curdling.
Combine yolks and custard: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk custard, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the custard is thickened and smooth.
Finish custard and cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Let the custard cool slightly before assembling the pie.
Prepare pie crust with bananas: Arrange sliced ripe bananas evenly on the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust to create a banana layer.
Fill crust with custard: Pour the cooled custard over the banana slices, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth surface.
Cover custard: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming while chilling.
Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the custard is fully set and firm.
Make whipped cream topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
Top the pie: Spread or pipe the freshly whipped cream evenly over the chilled custard layer.
Add optional garnishes: Decorate the pie with extra banana slices or toasted coconut for added flavor and visual appeal if desired.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie into portions and serve chilled for a classic, creamy banana dessert experience.

Notes

Using a pre-baked pie crust saves time and ensures a crisp base that won’t get soggy under the custard.
Be sure to stir constantly when cooking custard to avoid lumps or burning on the bottom of the pan.
Tempering the egg yolks is critical to prevent them from scrambling when added to the hot milk mixture.
Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface stops a skin from forming, resulting in a smooth texture.
Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours allows the custard to fully set for clean slices and the best flavor.
For a dairy-free twist, substitute coconut milk and dairy-free butter alternatives, and whip coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American