If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s truly dreamy, irresistible, and destined to become a family favorite, look no further than Banana Cream Pie Bliss. This pie is the perfect blend of a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of fresh bananas, silky vanilla custard, and clouds of luscious whipped cream. Every bite delivers a creamy, nostalgic comfort that makes you want to savor it slowly and share it with loved ones around the table. Get ready to discover why Banana Cream Pie Bliss is the treat you’ll crave all year long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for Banana Cream Pie Bliss is refreshingly simple, letting each ingredient shine its brightest. Every component, from the humble banana to the decadent topping, has a special role in crafting the pie’s classic flavors, dreamy texture, and inviting look.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These are the foundation for our pie, giving a sweet, slightly crunchy base that balances all the creamy goodness on top.
- Granulated sugar (for both crust and filling): Provides sweet depth in the crust and a smooth sweetness in the filling, never overpowering the bananas.
- Unsalted butter: Rich melted butter binds the crust together and adds a delicious richness to both crust and filling.
- Cornstarch: The secret to silky custard! Cornstarch thickens the filling for that signature creamy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into focus and stops the pie from being too sweet.
- Whole milk: Whole milk adds a full-bodied, creamy base for the custard—substitute with 2% if needed, but whole is best for maximum bliss.
- Egg yolks: These enrich the filling and help set it to that perfect, sliceable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds everything out, lending warmth and a comforting aroma throughout.
- Ripe bananas: The heart of Banana Cream Pie Bliss—choose bananas just ripe with a few brown speckles for the sweetest flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: Topping your pie with freshly whipped cream takes it from delicious to unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar: Adds light sweetness to the whipped cream and dissolves easily for a smooth, pillowy finish.
- Extra banana slices for garnish (optional): Fresh slices add extra visual appeal and an extra pop of banana flavor on top.
How to Make Banana Cream Pie Bliss
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until it turns golden and sets. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely—this is key for crispness!
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling
Now comes the dreamy filling! In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking to avoid any lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles—about 5 to 7 minutes. Steady stirring ensures a silky, lump-free custard and prevents burning.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, quickly whisk your egg yolks. To avoid scrambling them, you’ll need to temper the yolks: Slowly pour a bit of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking steadily, then pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Afterward, remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully melted and blended in. The filling should be smooth, thick, and impossibly creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Let the custard cool for about 10 to 15 minutes—just so it’s not piping hot. Then, arrange a layer of banana slices over your cooled crust. Pour the warm custard over the bananas, gently smoothing the top with a spatula. This careful layering turns every slice into a showstopper! Transfer the pie to your refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait.
Step 5: Whip and Top with Cream
Right before you’re ready to serve, grab your heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip everything together until soft peaks form, then spread or pipe the cream generously over the chilled pie. Garnish with extra banana slices if you want to show off—and to make it extra inviting. Now, dig in and enjoy your Banana Cream Pie Bliss!
How to Serve Banana Cream Pie Bliss
Garnishes
Dress up your pie with a fluffy blanket of freshly whipped cream and a fan of sliced bananas across the top. For an extra crunch and a bit of color, sprinkle over some toasted coconut or crushed vanilla wafers. These touches don’t just make Banana Cream Pie Bliss look festive, they add exciting flavors and textures in every bite.
Side Dishes
While Banana Cream Pie Bliss is a true superstar all on its own, you can pair it with a hot cup of coffee, cold milk, or even a sparkling glass of champagne to make dessert feel like an extra special celebration. For a summery backyard party, serve alongside a platter of fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic wedge! Try serving individual Banana Cream Pie Bliss parfaits in small jars or glasses—perfect for parties or picnics. Or, use a cookie cutter to make mini pie rounds for a buffet. Layer extra bananas and custard in between for surprise layers and let your artistic flair shine with piped whipped cream designs or chocolate curls.
BANANA CREAM PIE BLISS: Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Banana Cream Pie Bliss tasting fresh, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. The bananas may brown slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezing
While you can freeze the un-topped pie (crust and custard filling), bananas don’t always thaw perfectly, and the whipped cream may separate. If you need to freeze, wrap the pie tightly without the whipped cream and place in the freezer for up to 1 month. Add fresh whipped cream and banana slices just before serving for best results.
Reheating
Banana Cream Pie Bliss is best served chilled, not reheated. If you’ve stored the pie in the refrigerator, simply remove it about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off, allowing the flavors to bloom. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before garnishing and serving.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Cream Pie Bliss ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and custard up to a day in advance. Just wait to whip the cream and add the bananas and topping until close to serving to keep everything fresh, vibrant, and picture-perfect.
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
A little lemon juice lightly brushed over the sliced bananas before layering can help slow browning. Chilling the pie quickly and serving soon after topping will also keep the bananas looking their best in your Banana Cream Pie Bliss.
Can I use a different type Dessert
Definitely! While graham cracker is a crowd-pleaser, a classic pastry crust or even a vanilla wafer crust can bring a delightful twist to the pie and make Banana Cream Pie Bliss uniquely yours.
Is it possible to make Banana Cream Pie Bliss dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, unsweetened coconut or almond milk for the custard, and a coconut whipped topping. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a luscious, creamy pie and all the bliss!
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to the pie?
If you’re feeling creative, you can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard, layer in chocolate shavings, or sprinkle the pie with toasted chopped nuts for extra flair. The recipe welcomes your signature tweaks while still delivering plenty of Banana Cream Pie Bliss.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about making and sharing Banana Cream Pie Bliss—it’s a slice of comfort, nostalgia, and pure joy. If you’re looking for a dessert that dazzles with taste and brings people together, this is it. I truly hope you’ll give it a try, enjoy every creamy forkful, and make it a mainstay in your dessert rotation!
Print
Banana Cream Pie Bliss Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of this Banana Cream Pie Bliss. A luscious banana custard filling nestled in a golden graham cracker crust, topped with billowy whipped cream, makes this no-bake pie a slice of heaven.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the filling:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- extra banana slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake until set. Let cool.
- Make the filling: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually add milk and cook until thickened. Temper egg yolks, then combine with the milk mixture. Cook until thickened. Add butter and vanilla.
- Assemble the pie: Layer banana slices on the crust, pour custard filling over them, and chill for at least 4 hours.
- Prepare the topping and serve: Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie and garnish with banana slices.
Notes
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted coconut or crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped cream.
- Best served the same day the topping is added to prevent banana browning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
