This old-fashioned homemade banana cream pie is the BEST! Made with real bananas, silky vanilla custard, and topped with whipped cream - all in a flaky, buttery pie crust. No pudding mix, just pure comfort!

Best Banana Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie has been one of my favorites since my grandma first served me hers homemade. This nostalgic, light and fluffy Banana Cream Pie recipe with is loaded with fresh bananas and silky, creamy vanilla custard filling, then topped with piles of fluffy homemade whipped cream —all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It's a tried-and-true recipe that delivers old-fashioned flavor with simple, from-scratch ingredients.
The end result of this homemade old-fashioned banana cream pie is beyond words. This is truly the best banana cream pie recipe for any occasion—from holidays to Sunday dinner. With a rich homemade filling, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream, it's comfort food at its finest.
Why This is the BEST Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Fresh ingredients – No artificial flavors or boxed pudding mixes.
- Rich, creamy filling – A homemade custard that’s smooth and indulgent.
- Classic flavor – Layers of real bananas, creamy vanilla filling, and whipped topping all nestled in a flaky crust.
- The crust - A good crust makes or breaks a pie. And believe me, this buttery, flaky, foolproof crust is a winner.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Graham cracker crust: For a sweet, crunchy twist. You can also use vanilla wafers, like this Banana Cream Cheesecake.
- Chocolate shavings or drizzle: Add a rich contrast to the banana custard.
- Coconut flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a tropical touch.
- Instant Pudding: A package of instant vanilla pudding can be used in a pinch. (Although, I cannot recommend this rich, creamy - AND EASY - homemade custard enough).

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Cream Pie
- Prevent browning: To keep your bananas from turning brown, you can brush them with a little lemon juice before layering. Also be sure to spread your custard all the way to the edges to seal the bananas in and prevent less oxidation.
- Chill time matters: Don’t rush the chilling process! The pie needs time to fully set to slice cleanly.
- Use ripe (but not overripe) bananas: You want bananas that are sweet and spot-free for the best texture.
- Storage: Keep the pie refrigerated and covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It’s best eaten within 2–3 days, but can last up to 5.
- Freezer: It’s not recommended, as the custard and bananas may become watery after thawing.
More Pie Recipes You'll Love
- No Bake Banana Cream Cheesecake - A creamy, no-bake twist on banana cream pie with layers of banana, fluffy cheesecake filling, and graham crust.
- French Silk Pie - Silky, rich chocolate filling in a buttery crust topped with whipped cream—this classic French Silk Pie is decadent, smooth, and absolutely irresistible.
- S'mores Pie - All the flavors of a campfire s’more in a pie! Graham cracker crust, fudgy chocolate filling, and a gooey toasted marshmallow topping make this one unforgettable.
- Coconut Cream Pie - Made with a creamy coconut custard filling, flaky crust, and homemade whipped topping, this Coconut Cream Pie is a dreamy, tropical-inspired classic.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie - Sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb baked in a golden, flaky crust—this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is a perfectly balanced, fruit-filled spring and summer favorite.
Best Banana Cream Pie Video

Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust baked in a 9-inch pie plate
- 3 ripe bananas sliced
Custard Filling
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Banana slices for decoration
Instructions
- Follow directions for making and baking pie crust here. Then set aside to allow to cool completely.
- In a medium mixing bowl, quickly whisk together half-and-half and egg yolks.
- Add sugar and cornstarch to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Place saucepan with sugar mixture over medium heat. Begin slowly adding egg yolk mixture, continuously whisking to combine.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Allow to boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. Immediately stir in butter and vanilla.
- Place plastic wrap directly on custard mixture and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Slice bananas and arrange slices into the cooled pie shell.
- Spread custard on top of banana slices (it’s ok if it is still slightly warm).
- Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the custard; again, to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.
Finish your pie
- To a large mixing bowl, add whipped cream topping ingredients. Whip on high until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top of the pie. Top with additional banana slices, if desired.
Notes
- Easy No Fail Pie Crust Recipe - this easy pie crust recipe comes out perfect Every. Time. It's my grandma's recipe, and it's never failed me yet!
- Rolling Out Pie Crust Tutorial - If rolling out your own homemade pie crust makes you nervous, stop right now! This easy step-by-step tutorial will tell you exactly what to do for a perfect pie crust!
- Pretty Ways to Finish Pie Crust Edges - There are so many ways to finish pie crust once you're done rolling it out to make a truly special pie. Try some of these easy and fun ones this year!
- Must Have Pie Making Supplies - If you love pies, you need these tools so you can make them all the time at home!
Nutrition
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in April 2018. It has been updated with new pictures, tips, and video, and republished in April 2025.
Never Miss a Thing!
Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!
Miz Helen says
We love Banana Cream Pie, this looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon!
Miz Helen