There is something truly comforting and timeless about an Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe that makes it a beloved dessert for generations. Imagine a luscious custard filling, rich with vanilla and buttery goodness, perfectly complemented by fresh, ripe bananas nestled in a crisp, pre-baked pie crust. Topped with a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream, this pie brings warm nostalgia and a smile to every bite. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or just craving a sweet escape, this recipe is a delightful way to celebrate simple ingredients and classic flavors with a touch of homemade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a vital role in creating the creamy texture and balanced sweetness that make the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe so irresistible.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the crisp, buttery base for your pie and saves time by skipping raw crust baking.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Acts as the thickening agent to give the custard its luscious, pudding-like consistency.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the custard by balancing sweetness and deepening taste.
- Whole milk (2 1/2 cups): Adds richness and creaminess, essential for a smooth custard.
- Egg yolks (4 large): Contribute to the custard’s silky texture and provide natural thickening power.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the custard with a velvety mouthfeel and subtle buttery taste.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons for custard, 1/2 teaspoon for whipped cream): Infuses the filling and topping with warm, aromatic notes.
- Ripe bananas (3, sliced): Deliver fresh natural sweetness and the star flavor of this classic pie.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to soft peaks to crown the pie with a light, airy finish.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess, ensuring smoothness.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the custard filling
Start by whisking together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan to evenly distribute these key ingredients. Gradually add the whole milk while whisking, preventing lumps for a smooth mixture. Cooking this over medium heat, stir constantly to avoid burning and ensure thickening. The mixture will bubble and turn luscious after 6 to 8 minutes, signaling that your base is ready for the next step.
Step 2: Temper the egg yolks for richness
Tempering the egg yolks is essential to avoid scrambling and to achieve that dreamy custard texture. Beat the yolks lightly in a bowl, then slowly drizzle about half a cup of the hot milk mixture in while whisking vigorously. This gradual heat introduction gently warms the yolks. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir until the custard thickens further and develops a glossy sheen, the hallmark of perfection. Remove from heat, and immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract to round out the flavor and silky mouthfeel. Let the custard cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the pie with bananas and custard
Lay the sliced bananas evenly across the bottom of your pre-baked pie shell. This fresh layer of banana imparts sweetness and texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich custard. Gently pour the slightly cooled custard over the bananas, smoothing with a spatula for an even finish. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the custard’s surface. This little trick keeps your pie flawless and creamy. Then refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours so it can fully set and chill.
Step 4: Make the whipped cream topping
When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The light sweetness and soft texture make the perfect cloud-like topping for your pie. Spread or pipe the whipped cream beautifully over the chilled custard.
Step 5: Optional garnishing for extra delight
If you want to add a little extra flair, garnish your pie with additional banana slices or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafer cookies. These touches add texture and a boost of banana flavor, making the presentation even more inviting.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate your pie with a few delicate banana slices or crumbled cookies on top of the whipped cream to give a pretty, inviting look that also hints at the delicious layers beneath. These small garnishes add a touch of elegance and a burst of texture.
Side Dishes
This Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to make the indulgence even more special. Light, fresh fruit salads or a crisp green salad work well to balance the richness of the pie during a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pie in individual glass dessert cups layered with extra bananas and custard for a deconstructed touch. Or, create mini tart versions for a party by using small pre-made tart shells. Either way, the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe always shines with its creamy layers and classic appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your leftover pie in the refrigerator tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil. This will keep the custard creamy and the bananas from browning too quickly. Leftover pie is best eaten within 24 to 36 hours to enjoy the freshest flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freezing custard pies is tricky, you can freeze the pie crust and the custard base separately if needed. However, the fresh sliced bananas and whipped cream do not freeze well, so it’s best to prepare and assemble the pie fresh for optimal results.
Reheating
Banana cream pie is traditionally served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Let the pie sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it has been in the fridge, to allow flavors to fully bloom.
FAQs
Can I make the custard ahead of time for the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard a day in advance, just cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to avoid skin formation, and refrigerate until ready to use. This can make assembly easier on the day you want to serve the pie.
What is the best type of bananas to use in this banana cream pie?
Ripe but firm bananas are ideal. They should be sweet and fragrant but not overly soft or brown, so they hold up nicely between the pie crust and custard without turning mushy.
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Definitely! A homemade crust adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, but a good quality store-bought pre-baked crust works perfectly and saves time without compromising taste.
Why is it necessary to temper the egg yolks in the custard?
Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling by gradually raising their temperature before mixing with the hot custard base. This step ensures a silky smooth and rich custard that sets beautifully.
How can I prevent the custard from forming a skin while chilling?
Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard as it cools is the best method to prevent a tough skin from forming, keeping the custard creamy and smooth when you serve the pie.
Final Thoughts
You simply cannot go wrong with this Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe. It is a true classic that combines the comforting flavors of home with a smooth, luscious consistency that feels special and utterly satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite at your table, bringing smiles and warm memories with every slice.
Print
Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie features a creamy custard filling layered over fresh banana slices in a flaky pre-baked pie crust. Topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream, this classic American dessert is rich, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the filling:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For assembly and topping:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the custard filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper, then pour this mixture back into the saucepan. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard is thick and glossy.
- Add butter and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the pie: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the warm custard over the bananas, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until fully chilled and set.
- Prepare the whipped cream topping: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Top and serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Optionally, garnish with extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers for added texture and presentation. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra banana flavor, layer additional banana slices on top of the custard before adding the whipped cream topping.
- Best enjoyed within 24 to 36 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
