Banana Cream Pie

Tested to perfection, this Banana Cream Pie is made with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth vanilla custard filling, and layers of fresh bananas for that classic flavor everyone loves! With just 20 minutes of prep time, this easy banana dessert comes together effortlessly, letting the freezer do all the hard work. From the creamy texture to the naturally sweet fruity flavor, every bite is light, rich, and totally irresistible. This is one recipe we’ve made countless times, and it never fails! 

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe 

This homemade banana cream pie has earned its place at every holiday table, birthday celebration, and summer BBQ. Not only is it completely delicious, but it’s also so easy to make that you’ll never go back to the boxed versions again! 

With the chaos of everyday life, we’re all about no-fuss desserts that still feel impressive, and this one checks every box. It’s comforting, classic, and guaranteed to turn out great no matter what level of dessert making you’re at. If you’re looking for the best easy summer dessert that never lets you down, this is the recipe to save!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy banana cream pie recipe is the perfect make-ahead dessert! Just prep it in advance, let it chill, and it’s ready whenever you are, making it a great choice for busy holidays or parties. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• No-Bake Option – We usually bake the pie crust, but also provide a no-bake option that’s just as tasty. Then, the only “cooking” you have to do is simmering the filling.  
• Creamy Filling – Our homemade custard is packed with banana flavor and is irresistibly silky smooth. 
• Homemade Crust – The crust uses just 3 ingredients and is buttery, crisp, and absolutely fail-proof. 
• No Fancy Ingredients – Pantry staples and fresh bananas are all you need.

RELATED: Banana Pudding Lasagna

Ingredients

This homemade banana cream pie recipe might look fancy, but the ingredients are simple. Here’s everything you need: 

Pie Crust

• Graham Crackers – Buy pre-made crumbs, or smash whole graham crackers up. It’s a great way to prevent waste and use up the broken pieces at the bottom of the box! 
• Granulated Sugar
• Unsalted Butter – Make sure it’s melted, and allow it to cool slightly before combining. 

Filling 

• Whole Milk + Heavy Whipping Cream + Granulated Sugar – These form the base of the filling, creating a creamy consistency and rich, sweet taste.  
• Vanilla Extract 
• Cornstarch – This thickens the filling, helping it hold its shape. 
• Salt  
• Egg Yolks – Add a rich flavor and help create a stable, thick filling. 
• Unsalted Butter – Salted butter works, too! Just omit the extra salt. 

Whipped Cream 

• Heavy Whipping Cream – Forms the base of the whipped cream. Evaporated milk or coconut cream can also work. 
• Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar) 
• Vanilla Extract

Assembly 

• Bananas – Use ripe, yellow bananas. They shouldn’t be overripe. Save those for banana bread! 

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

This recipe is so simple to prepare that even little ones can help. All you need is a 9” x 1.5” pie dish, a saucepan, a hand mixer, and a few mixing bowls. Here’s how to make an easy banana cream pie recipe: 

1. Prepare the Crust 

• Mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a large bowl. 
• Add the butter, and mix until well combined.
• Press the crust into a lightly greased pie dish, making sure to spread it evenly along the bottom and sides of the pan. 
• Bake until lightly golden, and set aside to cool. Or, for a no-bake option, chill for at least an hour instead. Just note that it won’t hold together as well when slicing. It will still be tasty, though!

2. Combine the Filling

• Whisk the milk and cream over medium heat in a medium saucepan until it begins to simmer. 
• Turn off the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.  
• Whisk the cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Then, add the egg yolks, and whisk until the mixture is pale and thickened. 
• Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent curdling. 
• Add the mixture back to the pot, and warm it over medium-low heat, whisking often, until it thickens. 
• Remove the pot from the burner, and whisk in the butter. 
• Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. 
• Set aside to cool.

3. Make the Whipped Cream 

• Whisk all the ingredients in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. 
• Scoop 1 cup of the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Chill for later.

4. Assemble the Banana Cream Pie

• Slice 2 bananas into rounds, and arrange them evenly over the pie crust. 
• Pour the custard on top, smoothing it into an even layer. 
• Slice 2 more bananas, and arrange them on top of the custard. 
• Spread the whipped cream on top, and chill. 
• Pipe the reserved whipped cream over the pie, and add more sliced bananas. 

Tips

• Pack the Crust: Use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to press the graham cracker mixture into the pan, creating a cohesive crust that holds its shape once sliced. 
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: For the best results, let your easy banana cream pie chill overnight. However, if that’s not an option, you need at least 4 hours in order for the filling to set properly. 
• Use Ripe Bananas: For the best taste and texture, choose bananas that are still yellow (not brown), and slice them just before serving. 

You’ll Also Love: Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Variations 

Here are a few fun variations for the crust, mix-ins, and toppings to try: 

Crust Variations

• Shortbread Cookie Crust – Swap graham crackers for crushed shortbread cookies for a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Gingersnap Crust – For a spiced twist, use crushed gingersnap cookies to add warmth and depth that’s fun during holidays and colder months.
• Coconut Crust – Mix shredded coconut into your graham cracker crust for a tropical twist that complements the banana perfectly.
• Chocolate Cookie Crust – Swap out graham crackers for crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) for a rich, chocolatey base.
• Vanilla Wafer Crust – Use crushed vanilla wafer cookies for a buttery, slightly sweeter flavor.
• Almond or Pecan Crust – Blend graham crackers with finely chopped almonds or pecans for a nutty twist.
• Use a Traditional Pie Crust – Prep our easy pie crust ahead of time for a flaky, buttery base. 

Possible Mix-ins for the Filling

• Peanut Butter – Stir a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the custard, or swirl it in before chilling for a classic banana and peanut butter combo.
• Chocolate Chips or Shavings – Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling, or layer them between the bananas and custard for a bit of texture and chocolatey goodness. 

Topping Ideas

• Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a sweet-salty finish that takes it over the top.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes – Sprinkle on toasted coconut for extra texture and a beautiful golden finish.
• Candied Nuts – Add chopped candied pecans or walnuts for crunch and a sweet, nutty touch.
• Chocolate Ganache Layer – Pour a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the custard before topping with whipped cream for an elegant upgrade.

How to Store

Store this easy banana cream pie covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the bananas and whipped cream start to break down and become watery. We don’t recommend freezing this recipe, because it becomes soggy and falls apart once thawed!

More Pie Recipes You’ll Love 

• Buttermilk Pie Bars
• Coconut Custard Pie
• Blueberry Crumble Pie
• Lemon Chess Pie
• Chocolate Chess Pie

Did you make this recipe? Rate it below and sign up for our email list to get the BEST dessert and drink recipes delivered straight to your inbox!