American
👍 Beginner Friendly
1h 5measy
AmericanDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThis timeless Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie brings together everything you love about traditional American desserts. The recipe starts with a buttery, flaky pie crust that provides the perfect foundation for layers of rich vanilla custard made from scratch. Fresh banana slices are nestled into the custard, adding natural sweetness and that iconic banana cream flavor. The pie is topped with clouds of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of vanilla wafer crumbs for a delightful textural contrast. Each slice delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and buttery flavors that have made this dessert a beloved staple at diners, potlucks, and family gatherings for generations. Whether served at a Sunday dinner or special celebration, this banana cream pie never fails to impress and satisfy.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out pie dough and fit into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping edges.
Line crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake 10 more minutes until golden. Cool completely.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, flour, salt, and egg yolks until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until butter melts completely. Let custard cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Slice bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange half the banana slices in the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
Pour half the custard over the bananas, spreading evenly. Add remaining banana slices, then top with remaining custard.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set.
Before serving, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie.
Garnish with additional banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
4.0 (44)
A luscious homemade banana cream pie with silky vanilla custard, fresh banana slices, and billowy whipped cream in a flaky golden crust. This classic American dessert is pure comfort in every bite.
medium
55 min
8 servings
Ingredients
0 of 10 checked
Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
- 8 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Custard Filling
- 2 1/2 cups milk, whole milk preferred
- 4 pieces eggs, yolks only
- 1/3 cups flour, for thickening
- 2 teaspoons vanilla-extract
Filling
- 4 pieces banana, sliced into rounds
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy-cream, cold
Various
- 3 tablespoons honey, or sugar
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the best flavor, use bananas that are ripe but still firm—they should be yellow with minimal brown spots.
•Overripe bananas will become mushy in the pie.
•To prevent bananas from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice before layering.
•For an extra-rich custard, substitute half-and-half for half of the milk.
•The pie can be made a day ahead, but add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the best texture.
•For a decorative touch, toast some coconut flakes and sprinkle on top.
•If you prefer a no-bake version, use a graham cracker crust and instant vanilla pudding mixed according to package directions.
•Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator.
