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Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe

4.6 from 241 reviews

This Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie features a rich, creamy custard filling layered over fresh banana slices nestled in a homemade flaky pie crust. Topped with homemade whipped cream and garnished with sliced bananas, this classic dessert combines smooth textures and comforting flavors for a truly timeless treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Filling

  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup corn starch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Pie Crust

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • 3 tablespoons milk (whole or low-fat)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar

Toppings

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 3 bananas (not overripe) – 2 for the pie, 1 for garnish
  • Graham cracker or Nilla Wafer crumbs (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a saucepan, mix together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly stir in the whole milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Continue boiling for 60-90 seconds, then reduce heat to low.
  2. Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate glass bowl, beat the egg yolks slightly. Pour 1 cup of the hot milk mixture slowly into the beaten eggs, stirring constantly with a fork to temper them.
  3. Combine and Cook Custard: Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the saucepan. Boil and stir constantly for another 60-90 seconds to cook the eggs fully, then remove the pan from heat.
  4. Finish Custard: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface to prevent a skin from forming, then chill in the refrigerator until cooled to room temperature.
  5. Make Pie Crust Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oil.
  6. Add Liquid and Knead: Mix the milk and lemon juice or vinegar together, then stir into the flour mixture until the dough gathers. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
  7. Roll and Bake Crust: Roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough, pressing it into the pan. Poke holes using a fork across the bottom to prevent bubbling, and crimp edges. Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
  8. Slice Bananas: Thinly slice two bananas for the pie filling, keeping the third for garnish.
  9. Layer Bananas and Custard: Spread the sliced bananas evenly in a single layer over the cooled crust, then pour the cooled custard on top, smoothing it evenly.
  10. Make Whipped Cream Topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
  11. Assemble and Chill: Spread the whipped cream over the custard layer. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour to set before serving.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, add extra banana slices on top and, if desired, sprinkle graham cracker or Nilla Wafer crumbs for added texture and decoration.

Notes

  • Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft to avoid mushy texture.
  • Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the custard helps prevent a skin from forming.
  • Pre-baking the pie crust prevents sogginess once the custard is added.
  • If desired, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra flavor.
  • Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: Banana Cream Pie, Old Fashioned Pie, Homemade Custard, Classic American Dessert, Banana Dessert, Cream Pie