If you’re searching for true comfort in a slice, look no further than Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie. This timeless dessert layers up dreamy custard, sweet bananas, and an irresistible topping of fluffy whipped cream, all nestled into a tender, buttery pie crust. Every bite is pure nostalgia—a throwback to grandma’s kitchen, family gatherings, and the simple joy of something homemade. The creamy filling, layered with perfectly ripe bananas, is rich but balanced, while that cloud of whipped cream and a golden crust make each forkful melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! These familiar staples come together to create something magical. Each is essential: the crust offers structure, the custard sings with vanilla and creaminess, and the bananas infuse pure sunshine into every bite. Gather these up, and you’re halfway to pie heaven.

Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, cooled: The canvas for your masterpiece—choose homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s completely cooled before filling.
Whole milk (3 cups): Provides that rich, creamy base you expect in a dreamy custard pie.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Brings balanced sweetness, letting the banana flavor shine through.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Key for thickening the custard into that luscious, satisfying texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance and balance the flavors.
Egg yolks, large, lightly beaten (4): The foundation of a true custard—egg yolks are what make it so rich and silky.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds opulence and a subtle, glossy finish to the filling.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A must for warmth, depth, and that classic pie flavor.
Ripe bananas, sliced (3–4): The stars of the show—choose bananas that are golden with just a few freckles for best flavor and texture.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): For the ultimate fresh whipped topping, nothing beats real, cold cream.
Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds gentle sweetness to the whipped cream without grittiness.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the whipped cream a little extra magic and aroma.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

Start by whisking together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan—this ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined before adding the milk. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking, guaranteeing a silky-smooth mixture that thickens evenly. Set the pan over medium heat and keep whisking: after about 6 to 8 minutes, the mixture will become thick and begin to bubble, the telltale sign your custard is on its way.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks

Now, let’s turn that lovely milk mixture into true custard! Take about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture and slowly whisk it into your beaten egg yolks. This crucial step, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling by gently warming them. Pour this egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook for another 2 minutes until luxuriously thick.

Step 3: Add Butter and Vanilla

Once your custard is thick, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract; these finishing touches add shine and an inviting aroma. Let the custard cool off just enough so it doesn’t steam up your pie crust or bananas but is still spreadable for layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

With your cooled pie crust at the ready, arrange a single, generous layer of banana slices on the bottom. Pour in half the custard, spreading evenly to cover the bananas. Add another layer of banana slices, then spread the remaining custard over top. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the custard to keep a skin from forming, and chill the pie for at least 4 hours—or overnight, if you like to plan ahead!

Step 5: Whip and Top with Cream

Right before serving, whip up the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This cloud-like topping is the crown of your Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie. Spread the whipped cream gently over the chilled custard and unleash your pie’s full beauty with a swirl or two.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Garnishes

A classic Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie loves a final flourish. Try fanning out extra fresh banana slices on top—do this just before serving to keep them bright, or lightly toss them in lemon juice to slow browning. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce is also pure delight.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate old-school treat. If you want to lean into the banana theme, serve the pie alongside fruit salad or even a berry compote for a little tart contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Miniature pies or parfait glasses transform the pie into adorable, single-serve desserts—great for parties or picnics! For a retro touch, serve slices on vintage plates with a mint sprig or chocolate shavings for a playful, elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep the bananas fresh and the crust crisp, but you can stretch it to 2 days. After that, the bananas may brown, and the bottom might get a touch soggy—but even then, it’s still delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze the plain custard or the baked crust, a fully assembled banana cream pie doesn’t freeze well because the bananas and custard can separate and go mushy when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the crust and custard separately, then assemble with fresh bananas and whipped cream after thawing.

Reheating

Good news for pie lovers: Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie is best served chilled. No reheating needed! In fact, the cooler the better—with delightfully cool custard, fresh bananas, and just-whipped cream, every bite is refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! A quality store-bought pie crust makes this recipe even more approachable, and, once filled, it’ll taste homemade after soaking up some of that delicious custard flavor.

What kind of bananas are best for Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie?

Look for ripe, yellow bananas with just a few brown speckles. They’ll be sweet and flavorful yet firm enough to slice nicely without turning mushy.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

The layers of custard help keep the bananas protected from air, but you can also brush the banana slices lightly with lemon juice before layering, especially for any you use on top as garnish.

Can I make the pie a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, making your Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add the whipped cream topping and any fresh garnishes right before serving for best results.

Is there a way to boost banana flavor in the custard?

Definitely! For a more pronounced banana taste, stir in about 1/2 teaspoon of banana extract to the custard before you remove it from the heat. It’s a small touch with big flavor payoff.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to pull up a chair, share a slice, and savor the love baked into every forkful of this Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie. Make it for your next family gathering, backyard cookout, or simply as a well-deserved treat—you’ll taste sunshine and smiles in every bite!

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a classic Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie. This rich and creamy dessert features layers of ripe bananas, silky custard, and a billowy whipped cream topping, all nestled in a flaky pre-baked pie crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Custard:

3 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pie:

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, cooled
3–4 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk. Cook until thickened. Temper egg yolks, then combine with custard. Stir in butter and vanilla. Cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie: Layer banana slices over the pie crust. Pour custard over bananas. Repeat layering. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Make the Whipped Cream Topping: Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie.