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Banana Cream Pie

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

This banana cream pie features a smooth and creamy homemade filling, layered with fresh bananas and nestled in a vanilla wafer crust for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dessert is topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, offering a light and airy finish. Each bite bursts with banana essence, achieved through a delicate combination of ingredients and techniques like dipping banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. With simple steps and no pre-made mixes, this pie is a true showstopper for any event or gathering. Chill for several hours to enhance the banana flavor and achieve a sliceable texture. A must-try dessert that's as delightful as it is nostalgic!

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Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:43:33 GMT
A slice of banana cream pie on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of banana cream pie on a white plate. | zestplate.com

This silky banana cream pie has become my most requested dessert for special occasions. The combination of creamy vanilla pudding infused with sweet bananas, all nestled in a crisp vanilla wafer crust creates an irresistible treat that feels both nostalgic and impressive.

When I first made this pie for my family, they couldn't believe it wasn't from a bakery. The homemade whipped cream elevates it beyond any store-bought version, making it perfect for celebrations when you want something that feels special but doesn't require professional baking skills.

Ingredients

  • Vanilla wafer cookies: Create the perfect crust with their subtle sweetness and complementary flavor to bananas
  • Brown sugar: Adds depth to the crust with its molasses notes
  • Cornstarch: Acts as the key thickening agent for the silky filling texture
  • Egg yolks: Provide richness and help create that perfect custard consistency
  • Heavy cream: Creates luxurious texture that store-bought pudding mixes simply cannot match
  • Fresh bananas: Are the star ingredient best selected when yellow with minimal brown spots
  • Lemon juice: Works as a natural preservative to keep banana slices looking fresh

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Perfect Crust:
Process vanilla wafers into fine crumbs, mix with brown sugar and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into your pie plate using a measuring cup for even compression. Bake for precisely 13 minutes at 350°F until set but not overly browned.
Make the Silky Filling:
Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in a heavy saucepan before adding egg yolks and dairy. This order prevents lumps. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon about 10 minutes total cooking time.
Build the Layers:
Pour half the cooled filling into your crust, arrange banana slices that have been dipped in lemon juice and patted dry, then top with remaining filling. This layering technique ensures banana flavor infuses throughout while maintaining distinct textures.
Finish with Whipped Cream:
Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This homemade topping makes all the difference with its pure, clean flavor that complements the rich filling without overwhelming it.

I discovered the lemon juice trick after years of serving browned bananas in my desserts. What surprised me most was how the banana flavor intensifies throughout the filling after just a few hours in the refrigerator, despite using only two bananas. My grandmother always said patience is the secret ingredient in cream pies, and she was absolutely right.

Storage Tips

This pie will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when properly covered. The vanilla wafer crust may soften slightly over time, but many people prefer this texture. For the freshest presentation, consider adding the whipped cream topping just before serving if you're making the pie more than a day ahead.

Perfect Slicing Technique

For picture-perfect slices that showcase the beautiful banana layer, place the finished pie in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each slice. This extra step makes all the difference when presenting this showstopper at your table.

A slice of pie with whipped cream on top. Pin it
A slice of pie with whipped cream on top. | zestplate.com

Banana Selection Matters

The ripeness of your bananas significantly impacts the flavor profile of this pie. Choose bananas that are yellow with just a few small brown spots for the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor without overwhelming mushiness. Underripe bananas will lack flavor while overripe ones can become too soft in the filling.

A slice of banana cream pie on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of banana cream pie on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Dip banana slices in lemon or lime juice and gently pat them dry before layering them in the pie. This creates an acidic barrier that slows browning without altering the taste.

→ Can I use a different crust for this pie?

Yes! While the recipe suggests a vanilla wafer crust for optimal flavor, graham cracker crust or a classic pie crust will work just as well. Make sure to blind-bake and cool before filling.

→ Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but store-bought whipped cream can be used as a quick alternative.

→ What can I do if the filling seems lumpy?

If you notice lumps in the filling, pour it through a fine mesh strainer before letting it cool. This step ensures a smooth and silky texture.

→ How long should the pie chill before serving?

Allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours to set the filling and allow flavors to develop. For best results, refrigerate overnight.

→ Can I prepare the pie ahead of time?

Yes! The pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add whipped cream just before serving for maximum freshness.

Banana Cream Pie

Smooth banana cream with a fluffy whipped cream topping on a sweet vanilla wafer crust.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pie)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 65 vanilla wafer cookies
02 3 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed
03 7 tablespoons salted butter, melted

→ Banana Cream Pie Filling

04 ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
05 ¼ cup cornstarch
06 ½ teaspoon salt
07 5 large egg yolks
08 1 ½ cups (355 ml) milk
09 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
10 3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
11 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
12 2 bananas
13 ¼ cup lemon or lime juice

→ Homemade Whipped Cream

14 ¾ cup (175 ml) heavy cream, very cold
15 ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
16 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place vanilla wafer cookies into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Add brown sugar and pulse to combine. Mix with melted butter in a bowl until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into a 9½-inch pie plate, spreading evenly across the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Bake for 13 minutes and allow to cool completely.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt until combined. Add egg yolks, milk, and heavy cream, stirring until fully mixed. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, continue whisking for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in butter (one tablespoon at a time) and vanilla extract until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl, cover with plastic wrap that touches the surface, and let cool for 20 minutes.

Step 03

Pour half of the cooled filling into the prepared crust and spread evenly. Slice bananas thinly, dip each slice in lemon or lime juice, and pat dry. Lay the banana slices evenly over the first filling layer. Top with the remaining filling and smooth the surface with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours.

Step 04

Chill a metal bowl and beaters for 10 minutes. Combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in the chilled bowl. Whip with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 05

Dollop or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie. Optional: Refrigerate the pie for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure cleaner cuts. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Dip banana slices in acidic lemon or lime juice to prevent browning before layering.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
  • 9½-inch pie plate
  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Electric mixer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, heavy cream)
  • Contains eggs
  • May contain gluten (depending on vanilla wafer cookies)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 796
  • Total Fat: 52 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
  • Protein: 7 g