Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe
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.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slice Bananas: Thinly slice two bananas for the pie filling, keeping the third for garnish.
- 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.
- Make Whipped Cream Topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the whipped cream over the custard layer. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour to set before serving.
- 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