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Is there anything as lovely as a homemade pie? We think not. While pumpkin pie and apple pie are best in the fall, banana cream pie is just the treat for special occasions all year long. It's layered with dreamy vanilla pastry cream and slices of banana, all topped with clouds of whipped cream. This version calls for our favorite basic pie dough, but of course you can use store-bought dough if you prefer.
Here are a few tips for ultimate success:
No runny pie here
Many banana cream pies can become runny, but with a properly made pastry cream (made with whole milk for adequate creaminess), that won't be a problem here. Make sure all the components are cooled completely, and give the pie its time to chill in the refrigerator—it helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Not too thin!
Don’t roll the pie dough too thin to ensure it can hold the weight of the luscious pastry cream and bananas when slicing.
Preventing brown bananas
You'll layer some of the bananas in the pie, which prevents the fruit from browning, and top the cream with the rest, so slice the bananas as you go.
Make it ahead
If you'd like to make this pie ahead of time—or if you're storing leftovers—simply cover it in storage wrap and place in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap the entire pie in storage wrap if you'd like to freeze it where it'll keep for around two months.
For more banana desserts, check out our classic banana pudding and banana chocolate chip cookies.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
- 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 1 hr
- Total Time:
- 5 hrs
Ingredients
All-purpose flour, for surface
- 1
batch basic pie dough
- 4
large egg yolks
- 1 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
- 2 c.
(475 ml.) whole milk
- 1/2 c.
(100 g.) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp.
cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt
- 3 tbsp.
unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 5
to 6 medium bananas (about 2 lb. total), divided
- 1 c.
(235 ml.) heavy whipping cream
Toasted coconut chips, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Step 1On a lightly floured surface, roll pie dough to a 12" circle (between 1/4" and 1/8" thick). Drape over a 9" pie dish and gently press to fit (don’t stretch), then trim, leaving a 1/2" overhang. Fold edges under to slightly extend beyond edge of dish. Crimp edge as desired. Prick bottom of dough all over with a fork. Refrigerate until dough is firm, about 30 minutes.
- Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks and vanilla until well combined.
- Step 3In a large saucepan, whisk milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often, and cook, stirring often, until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4Gradually whisk 1/2 cup milk mixture into eggs until well combined. Gradually whisk egg mixture into remaining milk mixture in saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Step 5In a large bowl, prepare an ice bath. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in butter until melted. Transfer to another large bowl or measuring cup and cover with plastic wrap, pressing onto surface to prevent a skin from forming. Place in ice bath until slightly cooled, about 15 minutes. Remove from ice bath and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
- Step 6Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°. Line chilled dough with parchment, leaving a 1" overhang. Fill with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake crust until edges are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Lift parchment to remove pie weights. Continue to bake crust until deeply golden, 12 to 15 minutes more. Place pan on a wire rack and let cool completely.
- Step 7Slice 2 to 3 bananas on a bias into 1/4"-thick slices. Arrange slices on bottom of crust, slightly overlapping, until bottom of crust is covered.
- Step 8Gently spread pastry cream over bananas. Press plastic wrap onto surface of pastry cream (this prevents a skin from forming on surface). Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.
- Step 9Before serving, whip cream to soft peaks. Dollop whipped cream on top of pie, leaving a 1" border. Slice remaining bananas on a bias into 1/4"-thick slices and arrange on top of whipped cream. Top with coconut chips, if using. Slice into wedges.

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