My banana cream pie is the king of Easter pie recipes with a velvety custard, freshly sliced bananas, a crunchy cookie crust, and a mountain of fluffy whipped cream!
For any spread of Easter dessert recipes, you want treats that are luxurious in flavor and texture. Which is why banana cream pie is an obvious choice! This diner classic is pure All-American goodness that’ll be a new must-have for your Easter recipes book.
I love serving this pie with other favorites like Atlantic beach pie, million dollar pie, and tart blackberry pie.
Every mouth will be happy!
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What I Love About This Recipe
When you pull out a pie mounded with whipped cream, who could possibly say no? Every party gets better and every guest is happy!
- The fresh, mouthwatering banana flavor
- Creaminess to the MAX!
- The ultimate decadent dessert
- Party must-have
How To Make Banana Cream Pie Recipe
If you’ve wanted to venture into pie making, my banana cream pie recipe is a great place to start!
Start by preheating your oven. In a mixing bowl, combine your vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and butter, then press the mixture into a pie pan. Bake until golden, and cool.
While your pie is cooling, combine your sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Whisk in egg yolks, milk, and cream. Gently boil and whisk until it thickens. Remove from heat and add the vanilla, butter, and brandy. Put your filling in a bowl to chill for about thirty minutes.
Layer cooled filling on the cooled crust with sliced bananas. Cover and chill.
Meanwhile, make your whipped cream, and spread over your chilled pie just before serving.
Banana Pie Recipe Notes
Nervous about making custard for the first time? Not sure whether you really need to chill your pie so much or not? Read on for all of my tricks!
Best Banana Cream Pie Recipe Ingredient Notes
The ingredients are common, but the final result is heavenly!
Crust:
A lot of pies use homemade flaky pastry crust — but I love how easy crumb crust is to prepare! No rolling or floured counter mess. Plus, it tastes like cookies, so double win! I use vanilla wafers but is also absolutely delicious with either a rolled pastry crust or a graham cracker crumb crust as well.
Another alternative for the crust, that I occasionally make, is a crumb crust made with half Nilla wafers and half graham crackers. I follow the recipe I’ve given you below and but instead of using all Nilla wafers, I use 1 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers with 1 1/4 cup crushed Nilla wafers.
One thing that may go without saying for most people, but I, of course, had to find out the hard way, is all Nilla Wafers are not created equal. My favorite are the ones made by Nabisco (I’m not being paid or compensated to say this).
If you’re short on time, or just want a quicker version of this recipe, you can simplify things by using a store-bought graham cracker crust or a boxed pastry crust.
Custard:
You must cook your custard to 212 degrees, which is just around the boiling stage. The egg yolks have a starch-digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase. In order for a successful gelling of starch, it has to be cooked at that temperature, or your custard will be nothing but liquid.
- Transfering: After the custard has been prepared on the stovetop, it needs to cool down a bit. So, the first thing you do is pour the filling into a shallow bowl. Cook’s Illustrated suggests using a second pie plate instead of a bowl. I love this idea. It’s obviously the perfect size. It’s shallow depth and fairly wide diameter help the filling cool more rapidly than a smaller standard mixing bowl would allow.
- Cover: It’s important that you press your plastic wrap directly to the surface of your custard so a skin doesn’t form while it cools. If a skin forms, you’ll either have to strain the filling or endure lumps in your finished pie. Yuck!
- Cooling: Don’t assemble the custard and bananas while the custard is hot or the pie can have a heavier, denser overall texture. You want every element to stay separate until you eat it!
Bananas:
This recipe is best made with firm, just-ripe bananas. They hold up in the pie better than very ripe bananas and they keep their nice bright color longer.
- Many recipes suggest refrigerating the pie overnight after the layers of custard and banana have been assembled in the crust. I like the idea of the custard setting up in the fridge overnight, but I don’t like how the bananas look after doing so. There’s just no way I know of to keep them looking fresh and just sliced.
- Some recipes suggest brushing the sliced bananas with citrus juice. I think that’s a great idea for some recipes, but personally, I don’t like the taste it adds to this custard.
- Another suggestion is to make sure the sliced bananas are completely covered with the second layer of custard. This eliminates air coming into direct contact with the bananas. If you go this route, I suggest you also gently press on the top of the second layer of custard with a spatula to make sure the custard gets down into all the little crevices between the pieces of banana.
- Another trick to help fill any of those small voids and settle the filling into them is to place a dish towel on your countertop and gently tap the pie plate down a few times on the towel.
Topping:
I like a nice thick layer of whipped cream on this pie, so I start with 2 cups of heavy cream.
- To make the best whipped cream I can, I like to put my metal mixing bowl and the beaters from my mixer in the freezer 10-15 minutes before I make the whipped cream. I keep the heavy cream in the fridge until I’m ready to pour it in the mixing bowl.
- I like a nice thick layer of whipped cream on this pie! I prefer using powdered sugar in my whipped cream so it dissolves easily.
- I generally make my whipped cream in my stand up mixer. I keep the speed on medium, not on high, so I don’t accidentally overbeat the cream. I shoot for peaks that are just stiff. If you go beyond that point, your whipped cream becomes stiff and grainy. If you go any further the milk solids will separate and bits of the fat in the heavy cream will solidify.
Storing Tips
There’s really only one way to store any banana cream pie! What is it? Read on!
Can You Freeze This?
Unfortunately, no. All the cream and dairy in this recipe would not get along with a freezer, causing separation and weird textures. Fridge only for this pie!
Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe Make Ahead Tips
I strongly prefer to serve the pie the same day it’s assembled! It’s best fresh in every way.
How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge?
Leftover banana cream pie can sit in a fridge for up to four days. Keep in mind that your bananas will turn brown, but the flavor will still be yummy!
Recipe Variations
What other kinds of pies can you serve your Easter guests? Here you go!
Can I Add Coconut?
One of my favorite pies is a banana coconut cream pie! The best of all these flavors come together in a tropical dessert. I also love coconut cream pie on its own, and the decadently smooth coconut cream cake!
Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Filling:
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 5 large egg yolks lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) brandy
- 2 bananas firm, but ripe
Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven 350 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and sugar. Add the butter and mix well. Press firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and cool completely before adding filling (about 1 hour).
Make the Filling:
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in egg yolks, Gradually add milk and cream. Cook over medium heat, bringing to a gentle boil, whisking constantly until mixture thickens 8-10 minutes. Continue to gently simmer for 1 minute, lowering heat as necessary, and stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla, butter, and brandy.
- Pour filling into a bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Cool for about 30 minutes or until filling is warm, but no longer hot.
- Pour half of the warm filling into the cooled crust. Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 inch slices and layer on top of the filling. Pour the remainder of the filling over sliced bananas. Place a clean sheet of plastic wrap directly on the top surface of the filling. Refrigerate pie until completely chilled, at least 3 hours.
Make the Topping:
- Whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; continue to whip until peaks are just stiff. Spread whipped cream over topping and shape decoratively into a mound. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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More Easter Dessert Recipes
Still not sure you’ve found the Easter dessert of your dreams? Here are some more winners!
- Blueberry Pie – One of the season’s best berries!
- Raspberry Pie – Just tart enough to be perfect
- Peaches And Cream Pie – A fresh layer of peaches topped with streusel crumb
- Blueberry Buckle – Take blueberries to a new, delicious level
- Strawberry Pie – strawberry lovers dream come true!
Conclusion
Whether you make this banana cream pie recipe for your Easter party or whip it up just to indulge yourself, I think you’ll agree that it’s way too easy to make something so delicious! I’m tempted to make this pie every week. Which is great for my tastebuds but bad for my waistline!
What did your guests think of this pie? Let me know in the comments!
Source: Slightly Adapted From Cook’s Illustrated
Can I make the crust and filling today. Cover it and refrigerate overnight and make the Topping tomorrow?
Hi, Emily. Yes, you can make the crust ahead. Enjoy and let us know how it turns out! 🙂
This is seriously the first and last banana cream pie recipe I will ever use. Also, I often use the pudding/custard recipe portion for trifles, or anytime vanilla pudding is suggested. This recipe is the total bomb! Thank you for sharing ?✌?
Glad you like it, Betty! 😀
This pie was sooo good I wondered if you have a lemon meringue pie recipe as equally as good?
Hi, Gail! I haven’t posted a lemon meringue pie yet but if you love all things lemon, you could give my Atlantic Beach Pie a try! Enjoy!
Excellent pie! I made crust of 1/2 graham cracker, 1/2 Nilla wafers. Made with 2% milk instead of whole milk. Huge pie, so glad I baked in my largest pie plate. I will definitely make again.
That’s great, Gail! I’m so happy to hear you liked it! 😀
Can you make/bake the crust the day before and then complete the pie with filling the next day?
Yes, you can!
Should I refrigerate the pie crust to keep it fresh or wrap it in plastics wrap?
Hi Gail! You can store it in the refrigerator 😀
Can thecustard filling be made 2 days in advance and assembled day of and still be okay?
Hi Heidi. Yes, the custard should be just fine. The issue is that the bananas will definitely brown. If I were doing this ahead of time I think I’d make the custard the 2 days ahead of time and then add sliced fresh bananas to the top of the custard then top with the whipped cream right before I served the pie. I hope that helps <3
Looking forward to making this for my husband’s birthday tomorrow. His Nan always made him banana cream pie and I am hoping to match it! (FYI Typo: Make the Filling #1: “…Cook over medium heat, bringing to a gentle bowl *boil, whisking constantly” Can’t wait to try it!! Hope my custard comes out perfect!
Well happy birthday to your hubby! I hope you all enjoy the pie! Thanks for catching the typo!! <3
Kathleen,
So it does not look like you are tempering the eggs as in every other recipe. Is that correct?
Also, I read 180 for custard temperature. Whats your thoughts
Hi Karen. I don’t temper the eggs in this recipe because I’m not adding them to an already hot liquid. 🙂 As for the exact temperature, I generally find base on the amount of time the filling cooks after bubbles (gentle boil) appear, the custard reaches the correct temperature and, to be honest, I don’t use a thermometer to check this recipe. I’ve never had a problem with it using this technique! <3 I hope you give the recipe a try <3 LMK!
Made this recipe without the brandy. My toughest critics said it was the best banana cream pie they’ve ever had. Next time I will add the brandy – none in the house the first time. I look forward to making this pie again – so fun to try new recipes that come out so successful! Thank you.
Hey Dolly, you just made my day! I’m always super happy when we can please the “toughest critics!” Thank you for commenting <3
Hi,
Could you use American or Irish whiskey instead of brandy?
I don’t see why not. If you try it, I’d live to hear how you liked it. Of course, the flavor of the whiskey will be different but I think it would be an interesting flavor combo.
Thank you for the recipe. It was delicious and easy to follow. My custard turned grainy. What happened?
Hi Rose. I’m sorry that happen! When a custard gets “grainy”, generally the culprit is the overheating of the proteins in the eggs. If it ever happens again, a quick way fix the texture and smooth it back out is to give it a buzz with an immersion blender. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Hi! When you put the topping on, do you put plastic wrap on top of that or would it be ok to sit in fridge over night with no cover??
Hey Hailey. Great question. No I don’t put plastic wrap over the pie when the whipped cream is added. It would smash the little decorative peaks. 🙂
Can I make the custard the night before and the whip cream topping the next day?
Hi Jamie. Yes you can but your bananas will brown.
Thankyou! Would the pie be ok to sit
overnight with no whip cream on it and then just put the whip cream on tomorrow when I will be serving it?
Hi Hailey6. Yes absolutely. Place plastic wrap directly on top of the custard so it doesn’t for a skin and you’re good to go!
I don’t have brandy…is there something I can use instead?
Hi Danielle. You can just omit it. 🙂
Made this recipe (a few small variations because I didn’t have all the exact ingredients) It was by far the very best Banana cream pie EVER! Husband Loves it. Thank you very much:)
Hey CariAnn so glad you enjoyed!
I LOVE this pie. I made it for a dinner last week and it was a hit.
I made it today for our thanksgiving dinner, and this time around, I used rum instead of brandy and it is just as good. I couldn’t help but to luck the custard bowl clean!
Thanks for sharing!!
You’re so welcome Kendal 🙂
I made this today because most others I’ve tried are just what you said…too lose and messy. Well, the custard is heavenly but it just never did setup so while it tasted great it was still too loose.
Sorry to hear that Jenni. I can’t imagine how that happened. This is the firmest recipe I’ve tried and it cuts very clean and easy.
I also had the same problem. I let the custard cool for 30 minutes on the counter with wrap over it. But when I tried to put the custard in the crust it was like water. I used heavy cream and whole milk. I simmered it 10 minutes but perhaps I didn’t let it get hot enough?
Hi Joelle. I’m so sorry that happened. It’s such a disappointment! I think you are likely right, the custard needs to be cooked to almost a boil reaching a temperature of almost 212 degrees. The egg yolks have a starch-digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase. In order for a successful gelling of a starch in the recipe, it has to be cooked at that temperature. If it’s not, the left-over enzymes in the eggs, digests all of the nice firm starch gel and your custard is nothing but liquid.
I put the custard in the cooled crust and then made the whipped cream. Was I suppose to put the plastic wrap on a 2nd time and chill for 3 hours before or after I add the whipped topping?
Yes, I chilled the custard in the crust for 3 hours, then add the topping.
Seems like a typo for the quantity of vanilla wafers. Overflowing my pie plate. I believe it should be 1 1/2 cups of wafers. I will continue on with the recipe hoping the rest is accurate.
Hi Deb. NO, it’s not a typo. I used 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Vanilla Wafers. I wanted a nice thick crust. I didn’t have any extra crumbs and it fit very nicely into my pie plate. I’m wondering if the pie plates we’re using have different depths.
As a child my favorite pie was banana cream pie, it seemed I couldn’t get enough of it. I haven’t had it in years but this looks so good, especially with a vanilla wafer crust – who could resist? I think it’s time to make another pie!
Thank you Vicki. I especially love the crust, too! 🙂
WOW! That is one gorgeous pie. Banana pie is one of my hubby’s favorites. He has been having some health problems…I think he deserves this pie. Pinned. Making ASAP! Thanks for a great recipe.
Thank you Mary! I hope you enjoy it!