Description

This Best Banana Cream Pie Recipe is a luscious, creamy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, rich homemade banana custard, and topped with whipped cream and fresh bananas. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and optional banana extract for extra flavor, this classic pie is chilled to silky perfection and beautifully garnished with toasted coconut or chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or a baked 9-inch pastry crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

Banana Custard Filling:

3 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
5 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla + 1 teaspoon banana extract, optional)
3–4 ripe but firm bananas
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (to keep bananas from browning)

Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toasted coconut or chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

Make the crust. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie plate, extending up the sides. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Allow to cool completely. If using a pastry crust, blind-bake and cool before proceeding.
Prep the bananas. Slice 1–2 bananas and toss lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set these aside for the bottom layer of the pie. Keep the remaining bananas for topping.
Whisk dry ingredients. In a medium saucepan (off heat), whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt thoroughly to break up any lumps, ensuring a smooth custard texture.
Temper with milk and egg yolks. Gradually add the milk to the dry mixture while whisking constantly until fully combined with no dry spots. Then whisk in the egg yolks until they are fully incorporated.
Cook the custard. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly as the mixture warms and thickens, approximately 6–8 minutes. Once the custard bubbles and holds lines from the whisk, continue cooking for 1 additional minute to eliminate any starchy taste.
Finish custard. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract (or a combination of vanilla and banana extract) until the custard is glossy. For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl.
Layer the pie. Arrange a single layer of the lemon-treated banana slices on the cooled crust. Pour half of the warm custard over them. Add another thin layer of banana slices, then pour the remaining custard on top. Smooth the surface and cover the pie with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill to set. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until the custard is fully set and the pie slices cleanly.
Whip the cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to soft peaks. Spread or pipe the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie. Garnish with fresh banana slices and, if desired, toasted coconut or chocolate shavings just before serving.
Slice and serve. Use a sharp, thin knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry to slice the pie cleanly. Serve chilled and enjoy your creamy homemade banana cream pie.

Notes

To prevent banana slices from browning, toss them with fresh lemon juice immediately after slicing.
If you prefer a stronger banana flavor in the custard, substitute half of the vanilla extract with banana extract as suggested.
Blind-bake a pastry crust to avoid sogginess if not using graham cracker crumbs.
Press plastic wrap directly on the custard surface while chilling to prevent a skin from forming.
Use ripe but firm bananas to maintain structure and avoid mushy layers.
For cleaner pie slices, warm your knife before cutting and wipe it between slices.
Optional toppings such as toasted coconut or chocolate shavings add texture and visual appeal.