This Banana Cream Pie Recipe has a three-ingredient graham cracker crust followed by an easy made-from-scratch vanilla pudding loaded with fresh bananas and topped with homemade whipped cream. The result is pure heaven and a banana lover’s dream come true with natural banana flavor and no pudding mix.
Best Banana Cream Pie
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this easy banana cream pie recipe. This pie will satisfy your sweet cravings with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh bananas. My husband and daughter are huge banana fans, and this is one of our favorite cream pies. I mean, it’s off-the-charts crazy good! If you like this recipe, try homemade banana pudding, chocolate chip banana bread, banana cake, and banana nut bread.
Banana Cream Pie Ingredients
How to make Banana Cream Pie
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press them into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for about 7 minutes. Let it cool on a wire rack. Then, in a medium saucepan, whisk the milk, cream, sugar, salt, and cornstarch over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is simmering and slightly thickened. Remove 1 cup of the hot mixture and whisk it into the egg yolk mixture in a slow stream. Now in a very slow stream, whisk the egg mixture into the saucepan, cooking until bubbling and thickened, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla and butter.
Cool for 15 minutes, whisking several times so a skin does not form. While the pudding is cooling, place sliced bananas in the bottom and up the sides of the graham cracker crust. Pour the cooled pudding into the crust and cover it with plastic wrap. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the cream onto the pie. Finally, top with banana slices and graham cracker crumbs. For best results, serve promptly.
Recipe Tips
- Crush your graham crackers with a rolling pin or a mini food processor.
- Are you always in a hurry? Pick up a pre-baked graham cracker crust.
- This pie is also delicious with traditional pie dough. Line the pie crust with aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights, rice, beans, or sugar. Bake for about 15 minutes. Or try a chocolate graham cracker crust.
- Cookie crusts made from vanilla wafers, vanilla Oreos, shortbread, or pecan sandies cookies also taste delicious.
- To keep the banana slices at their optimum, bake the crust the night before, then make the pudding in the morning. Add the banana slices and pudding to the crust. Now refrigerate until close to serving or at least 4 hours. Then top with the whipped cream, more banana slices, and graham cracker crumbs, and serve.
- To keep the vanilla pudding texture smooth and creamy, whisk almost continuously.
- Even though the bananas in your pie may turn slightly brown, the pie will still be incredibly delicious.
How to freeze Banana Cream Pie
The whipped topping is best added to the dessert right before serving. Follow the directions up to the point of pouring the custard into the pie crust. Then, place it on a level surface in the freezer and flash freeze. Once frozen, wrap it with several layers of plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw for several hours in the refrigerator, prepare, and top with the whipped cream and fresh banana slices. For best results, serve promptly.
Storage
The whipped cream topping should be made and added right before serving or up to 24 hours in advance if making stabilized whipped cream.
Store the dessert in the refrigerator up until serving and all leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Delicious Pies
Homemade Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/3 cup sugar
Filling
- 2 bananas sliced
- 1 1/4 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Whipped Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- bananas for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch pie dish and bake in the oven for 7 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, layer the bottom and sides with banana slices.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbling. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks together. Remove 1/2 cup of the hot mixture, and in a slow stream, whisk it into the egg yolk mixture. In a very slow stream, whisk the egg mixture into the saucepan, cooking until bubbling. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. It should be fairly thick and leave a whisk trail as you drag the whisk through it. It would also pile slightly when poured, as in the picture of the pudding being added to the pie crust.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla and butter. Cool for 15 minutes whisking several times so a skin does not form. Pour the pudding into the crust over the bananas. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Chill bowl and beaters in the freezer for 20 minutes. Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to the bowl. Beat on low until the mixture starts to increase in volume. Turn to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled pie. Garnish with banana slices and reserved graham cracker crumbs.
Notes
- Are you always in a hurry? Pick up a pre-baked graham cracker crust.
- This pie is also delicious with a traditional pastry crust. Line the pie crust with aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights, rice, beans, or sugar. Bake for about 15 minutes. Or try a chocolate graham cracker crust.
- To keep the banana slices at their optimum, bake the crust the night before, then make the pudding in the morning. Add the banana slices and pudding to the crust. Now refrigerate until close to serving or at least 4 hours. Then top with the whipped cream, more banana slices, and graham cracker crumbs, and serve.
- To keep the vanilla pudding texture smooth and creamy, whisk almost continuously.
- Even though the bananas in your pie may turn slightly brown, the pie will still be incredibly delicious.
- The whipped cream topping should be made and added right before serving or up to 24 hours in advance if making stabilized whipped cream.
- Store the dessert up until serving and all leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Tisha Taylor
To keep your banana slices from turning brown spritz lightly with lemon juice just after cutting
Kendra
One of my favorite desserts. This cream pie was so delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
dana
This is SO unbelievably tasty! I love cream pies and am a bit of a sucker for banana. Never made it before this, so I was a little nervous, but wowza. So easy! Thanks so much 🙂
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Dana!
Jersey Girl Cooks
This banana cream pie is terrific! And the more whipped cream the better!
Sandra Flegg
Such a delicious banana cream pie. My new favorite pie recipe. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
Melanie W
Can you use nilla wafers for the crust instead of graham crackers?
Beth Pierce
Yes use 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers, 5 tablespoons melted butter, and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar.
Steve
Great filling… I used Lady fingers dipped in bourbon for the crust and used almond extract instead of vanilla in the whipped cream
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Steve! I love your ideas! Yummy!
Yeah LIfestyle
This looks absolutely lush! We are having some friends and family come over the weekend so will give this a go as I have some bananas at hand
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Marysa
I have never made a cream pie. This sounds like a nice combination of flavors. And a nice option for a cold pie to make in the summer.
Risa Lopez
I love bananas and this banana cream pie is scrumptious. My whole family enjoyed it! Thanks for the recipe.
Tammy
One of my favorite desserts for summer. There is something so refreshing about banana cream pie. This is so yummy and easy to make!
Talya Stone
I’ve never tried this before but it looks so good and I have a whole bunch of uneaten bananas that this would be perfect for – thanks for the inspiration!
Carolyn
So delicious. It turned out great for Father’s Day dessert!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Carolyn! So happy that you liked it!
Loril Bosworth
This banana cream pie does look easy to make! I love that it contains vanilla pudding!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Loril! Enjoy!
Sue
I don’t see vanilla pudding in the recipe.
Help Sue
It’s homemade “vanilla pudding” haha
Janis
I haven’t had Banana Cream Pie in ages. Your recipe looks so good and I can’t wait to try making it.
Beth
I haven’t had banana cream pie in years! But now I’m craving it. I’ll make this as soon as I can.
Catalina
Mmmm…. This pie was simply amazing! My family gobbled it up or I would have another big slice this morning!
Richelle Milar
That looks absolutely delicious and tasty! I would really love to try this recipe!
briannemanzb
This was absolutely delicious. My daughters gave it a 10 out of 10 ratings!
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So happy that she liked it!
Forever My Little Moon
I have actually never had a banana cream pie, would love to try it!
Tasheena
This was really yummy, I never knew that making banana cream pie was this easy. Thanks for the great recipe!
Amber Myers
This looks so incredible. I haven’t had banana cream pie in ages. I need to make it soon!
Sarah
Slurry your cornstarch in the 1/4 cup hot milk before adding to the sauce pan to avoid cornstarch lumps
Christine
I made this pie this morning for my son, who is about to return to school after spring break. He loves custard and this recipe is just delicious. I will be making this again for my family and for Easter this year. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Christine! So happy that you and your family like the pie!
Lenora
Can I replace vanilla for banana
Beth Pierce
Not sure what you are asking me. Please give me more details.
Daniel
Should the butter be melted when you whisk it into the mixture?
Beth Pierce
No
Kate
If I wanted to make 2 pies could I just double the recipe? I have 2 banana cream pie lovers in my family who are requesting it for their birthdays this weekend. Thanks so much!
Beth Pierce
I think I would make the pudding portion in 2 separate batches just to be safe and make sure that it thickens.
Shelby K
Love this pie recipe! My husband asks me to make it at least every other week (AT MINIMUM)!! This recipe is a blessing and a curse. HA!
Beth Pierce
LOL! So glad that you and your husband like it. Happy Monday to you!
Sally
I haven’t have banana cream pie in years. I’m going to have to have some soon.
Bethel
I love anything with banana. Also you make it look so easy to make!
Marysa
I have never made a cream pie before. This sounds delicious and also easy enough to make.
Janeane M Davis
This looks and sounds like a great recipe. I would like to try it for my family.
Tasheena
I can’t remember the last time I had banana cream pie, looking forward to giving this a try.
Terri Steffes
Ooo! My favorite! I love this version. I cannot wait to make it, now I have a craving.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
Oh wow, I’ve not had this in ages but we love it. Need to give your version a go. Thanks for this x
Alita Pacio
This homemade banana cream pie is phenomenal. You’ll go bananas for it!!
Rose Ann Sales
This is such a really amazing recipe! I would love to try this! IT look so yummy and tasty!
Richelle Milar
wow! That looks absolutely delicious! This looks like a really amazing recipe! I love it!
Samantha
Love Banana Cream Pie! Going to have to have to try this soon!
Lavanda Michelle
My eldest daughter loves banana cream pie so much. She comes over at least 4 times a month just to come to make it for her and her dad who also loves it. Thanks for sharing, I bet it’s delicious!
Sarah Bailey
Now I don’t often use banana’s in pudding – but it is something I should really try! I do like sound of this.
Tara Pittman
My husband would enjoy this pie. I will have to make it for the holidays.
Amber Myers
I love this pie but I’ve never tried to make it before. I should! This looks so scrumptious.
Mandee
Oh my gosh, that looks so yummy! I didn’t realize it was that easy to make. I’ll definitely be trying this! Thanks!
Tammy
My hubby would dive in head first in that pie. He loves banana anything. This looks so good. I will have to make it for him.
Shauna Nemelka
This pie was easy to make, set up perfectly, and it’s a new family favorite! Delish!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Shauna! So glad that you like it!! I wish I had a piece right now!!
Cassandra
The taste of this banana cream is amazing! Seriously so good. Unfortunately, it didn’t form once in the pie shell, it stayed the same consistency as while it was on the stove. Any tips for my next try? I’m thinking maybe I didn’t leave it to boil long enough.
Beth Pierce
Yes it probably needed boiling a little longer.
katerina @ diethood.com
I love how easy and delicious this is! The perfect dessert!
Krystle
This came out perfect: rich and creamy! My favorite dessert, can’t wait to make it again.
Jac
Oh yum! This looks so good! Saving this recipe for the festive period when my family visits as I know they will love this pie. But will have to make it at least once before then, can’t wait 🙂
Clancy
Was absolutely amazing!!!! Made it for a friend who is very particular about his Banana cream pies and “was out of this world!” Thank you so much for this recipe. I’ll definitely be making it again 😁😁👏👏
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine! Thanks so much Clancy! So glad that you and your friend enjoyed it.
Natalie
That pie looks delicious. So light and flavorful. I bet my family would love it. I’m going to save the recipe and give it a go this weekend.
Shashi
Such a delightfully delicious pie! So easy to make and so darn delicious – we will definitely be making this again!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Oh my goodness that looks amazing! Come to mama!!!
Anaiah
This banana cream pie was delightful and such a breeze to make. The whole family is hooked on it! It’s definitely going to be one of our favorite desserts to enjoy year round.
Cathleen
This is the only kind of pie that I haven’t tried! I have no idea why either! Your recipe makes it look so doable! Bookmarked to make later, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Alex
This sounds DELICIOUS, and perfect for summer since it’s served chilled! The graham cracker crust looks like the perfect pairing for the flavors here too. By the way – love your logo!
gaurav
wow, a very simple an quick recipe, just when you want something in a jiffy
Maike
What a tasty summer dessert! And it turned out perfectly. This is going to be my family’s go-to banana pie recipe.
Annissa
Love all the tips and how informative this recipe is! Looks absolutely delish!
Suzy
This is one of those classic recipes that everyone should make! Turned out perfectly!
Caroline
This looks delicious, love the homemade custard in the filling.
Denay DeGuzman
Crazy in love with this dessert! Ideal for potlucks and backyard parties all season long.
Geri
My first time making banana cream pie. Found this recipe easy to follow. The pie was fluffy and delicious. My family also loved it! Will make again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Geri! I am happy to hear that you and the family liked it!
Marilyn
Hi…can I use whole milk to replace 2% milk?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
wilhelmina
This pie turned out so fluffy and delicious! I am adding this one to my recipe file!
Ginny
My husband especially thanks you for this recipe. I hadn’t made a banana cream pie in so long I forget about them. These layers were so easy to put together and it all turned out delicious.
Jen
I did take your shortcut advice and used a store bought crust but it was still amazing! Definitely going to try and make my own crust for next time.
Eric Steinmeier
Help, it tasted so good but my custard was to watery, what did I do wrong? We still ate it, loved the flavor but need it firmer. I used correct ingredients just not sure what went wrong.
Beth Pierce
I wonder if you needed to cook the pudding just a little bit more to thicken it up.
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
this is really amazing!! My kids was so impressed!
Jamie
My nephew loves this banana cream pie! We have so much fun making it together and it’s always gone quickly. Delicious!
Alexandra
A super easy pie to make, and utterly delicious! My partner has requested I make this again soon 🙂
Elaine
I think I’ve got a big desire to make this banana pie now – it looks too delicious not to! 🙂
Anjali
This pie was super easy to make and turned out great! Banana cream pie is my husband’s absolute favorite pie and this was a hit with him!
Amanda Dixon
This pie turned out wonderfully! The custard was so luscious and creamy, and it came together so easily. Banana cream pie is one of my favorites, so I will absolutely make this again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Amanda! So glad that you liked it!!
Sue
Made this exactly as written and it was gobbled up, not a crumb left, thank you for this recipe, we’ll be making it again and again!
Erika
This pie looks so delicious! I’m putting it on my Easter menu!
Maria
Oh I love banana cream pies! And this recipe looks divine! Will give this a try.
Alisa Infanti
Looks so creamy. I have never had this pie before but looking forward to trying it.
Toni
Oh I loved it! It turned out really good! Thanks for the recipe!
Allyson Zea
Wow this combination is seriously perfect! I love it!
Amanda Livesay
Love this recipe! It’s so easy and so delicious!
Jen
This is one of my absolute favorites! Always requested on my birthday. Love it!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Banana Cream Pie looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Andrea
I also had it come out watery. I made it exactly as the recipe says. Not sure what happened. I have it chilling in the freezer right now. Really disappointed.
Beth Pierce
So sorry to hear that Andrea. The number one reason for cream pies being watery is not cooking the pudding long enough or at a high enough temperature. I am going to be adding some notes to that recipe to try to ensure that it is a success every time.