World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Name: World's Best Banana Cream Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 4 large egg yolks; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup cornstarch; Pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 20-25 Nutter Butter cookies (for the crust); 16 ounces heavy whipping cream

Published: July 4, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this pie even if you’re a beginner.
Rich Flavor: The combination of bananas, creamy filling, and the unique peanut butter crust creates an irresistible taste.
Versatile Topping Options: Customize your pie with chocolate curls, toasted coconut, or fresh fruit to suit your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual gathering, this dessert fits right in.
Homemade Goodness: Made without any boxed pudding mixes, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Saucepan
Electric mixer (or hand mixer)
9-inch springform pan (or deep dish pie pan)

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: This tool makes crushing cookies quick and easy for your crust.
Electric mixer: Achieves perfect whipped cream with minimal effort, ensuring stiff peaks for the topping.
Saucepan: Essential for cooking your custard-like filling evenly over medium heat.

Ingredients

To create the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie, gather the following ingredients:

For the Filling

2 cups (480g) whole milk (or sub 2%)
4 large egg yolks
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon bourbon or scotch (optional)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into ½ inch pieces
2-3 large ripe bananas, sliced

20-25 nutter butters
¼ cup (57g) melted butter

For the Topping

16 ounces (1 pint) heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

To Garnish

Dark chocolate for chocolate curls

How to Make World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray or melted butter to prepare for your pie crust.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Place nutter butters into a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.
Add in melted butter and process again until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large saucepan, combine egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
In another pot, bring milk to a slight simmer; do not boil.
Gradually whisk in hot milk into the egg mixture while stirring to prevent curdling.
Return mixture to medium heat while whisking constantly until thickened like custard.
Stir in vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and butter until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Layer banana slices over the bottom of the cooled cookie crust.
Pour filling over bananas and smooth out the top.
Cover with plastic wrap touching the filling and refrigerate for 2-4 hours until cold.

Step 5: Make Whipped Cream Topping

In a mixing bowl, beat together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high until stiff peaks form.
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Step 6: Finish Your Pie

Spread whipped cream evenly over chilled filling. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder before serving.

Your slice of heaven awaits! Enjoy serving this delightful World’s Best Banana Cream Pie that promises smiles all around!

How to Serve World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Serving the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie is all about presentation and enhancing its delicious flavors. With its creamy filling and crunchy crust, this pie can be served in various delightful ways to impress your guests.

Classic Presentation

Slice and Serve: Cut into generous slices and serve on a chilled plate to highlight the pie’s smooth texture.
Garnish with Chocolate: Top each slice with dark chocolate curls for an elegant touch.

Tropical Twist

Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical flair that complements the bananas.
Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a colorful contrast.

Whipped Cream Delight

Extra Whipped Cream: Offer additional whipped cream on the side for guests to add as they wish.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Create variations by adding flavors like almond extract or cinnamon to the whipped cream.

How to Perfect World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Perfecting the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out wonderfully every time.

Bold Use of Fresh Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be just spotty enough for sweetness without being overly soft.
Bold Crust Technique: Ensure your cookie crust is packed tightly. This will prevent it from crumbling when you slice the pie.
Bold Temperature Control: Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding bananas, preventing them from browning too quickly.
Bold Whipping Tips: Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream. This helps achieve better volume and stability in your whipped cream topping.
Bold Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different extracts like rum or almond in the filling for unique flavor profiles.
Bold Serving Suggestions: Allow the pie to chill completely before serving for best texture and flavor development.

Best Side Dishes for World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Pairing side dishes with your World’s Best Banana Cream Pie can create a complete dining experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pie.
Minted Peas: The bright flavors of minted peas provide a unique savory element that pairs well with dessert.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the richness of the pie, making it even more indulgent.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, serving a small cup of chocolate mousse will complement the banana flavor beautifully.
Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet balances out the sweetness of the pie, offering a palate cleanser.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an interesting flavor contrast, especially with tangy varieties like goat cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the World’s Best Banana Cream Pie can be a breeze, but a few common pitfalls can ruin your dessert. Here are mistakes to steer clear of:

Not using ripe bananas: Ripe bananas offer the best flavor and sweetness. Avoid using under-ripe fruit as it won’t provide the same delicious taste.
Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the pie crust to cool completely before adding the filling is essential. If not cooled, the filling may become runny or soggy.
Overcooking the custard: Cooking the custard too long can lead to a grainy texture. Pay close attention once it begins to thicken, and remove it from heat immediately when it’s custard-like.
Improper whipped cream consistency: Whipping cream beyond stiff peaks can cause it to turn buttery. Stop mixing as soon as you achieve stiff peaks for the perfect topping.
Not covering while chilling: Covering the pie with plastic wrap that touches the filling prevents a skin from forming on top. Always cover tightly when refrigerating.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Use plastic wrap directly on top of the pie to prevent drying out.

Freezing World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

It’s best to freeze only unassembled components (crust, filling, and whipped cream).
Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating World’s Best Banana Cream Pie

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm pie for about 10-15 minutes until slightly warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power; this keeps the texture intact.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat in a non-stick pan; cover with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make World’s Best Banana Cream Pie without using boxed pudding?

You can create a rich filling from scratch using egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk. This method gives you control over flavors and eliminates processed ingredients.

Can I use different types of cookies for the crust?

Absolutely! While nutter butters deliver great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cookie types like graham crackers or Oreos for unique variations.

How long will my World’s Best Banana Cream Pie stay fresh?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your pie will stay fresh for about 3 days. After that, it’s best enjoyed freshly made.

What toppings can I add to enhance my banana cream pie?

Consider garnishing with chocolate curls, toasted coconut, or even crushed nuts for added flavor and texture. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

The World’s Best Banana Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Its homemade qualities shine through with every bite, offering rich flavors combined with a crunchy peanut butter cookie crust. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite toppings or cookie choices. Enjoy making this sweet treat!

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