12 Creamy Banana Cream Pie Recipes

ByChef Sage

I still remember the first time I tasted banana cream pie at my grandma’s house during family gatherings in the 80s. The silky, custardy filling piled high with fresh banana slices and fluffy whipped cream on a buttery graham cracker crust was pure magic—it was the dessert everyone fought over. That nostalgic flavor has stuck with me, evoking warmth and comfort on rainy days.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen, tweaking the classic recipe to create healthier, quicker, or more indulgent versions. With bananas being so versatile and packed with potassium, these pies are not just delicious but also a smart way to satisfy sweet cravings without guilt. In today’s busy world, where we crave easy desserts that feel homemade, banana cream pie variations are a game-changer—perfect for potlucks, weeknight treats, or impressing guests.

Classic Banana Cream Pie

This timeless recipe features a homemade vanilla custard filling that’s creamy and rich, layered with ripe bananas in a flaky pie crust. Ingredients: 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, 3 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 4 egg yolks, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 ripe bananas, 1 cup whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and yolks in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened (10 mins). Stir in butter and vanilla. 2. Slice 2 bananas into crust, pour custard over, chill 4 hours. Top with sliced banana and whipped cream.
It’s beginner-friendly, uses pantry staples, and delivers that perfect creamy texture for ultimate comfort.
A high-resolution photo of a slice of classic banana cream pie with layers of custard and bananas visible, topped with whipped cream, under soft lighting.

No-Bake Banana Cream Pie

Skip the oven with this chill-ahead delight using instant pudding for a foolproof, speedy version. Ingredients: 1 graham cracker crust, 2 pkgs instant banana pudding mix, 2 cups cold milk, 2 ripe bananas, 2 cups whipped topping.
Steps: 1. Beat pudding mix and milk for 2 mins, fold in 1 cup whipped topping. 2. Layer sliced bananas in crust, add pudding, top with remaining topping. Chill 3 hours.
Ideal for hot days or last-minute desserts—effortless, no cooking required, and just as indulgent.
A high-resolution photo of a no-bake banana cream pie with glossy whipped topping and banana slices peeking through, under soft lighting.

Vegan Banana Cream Pie

A plant-based twist using coconut milk for ultra-creamy results without dairy. Ingredients: Vegan graham crust, 2 cans coconut milk, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 3 bananas, coconut whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Simmer coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar until thick (8 mins), add vanilla. 2. Layer bananas in crust, pour filling, chill overnight, top with whipped coconut cream.
Dairy-free and heart-healthy with natural fats from coconut—perfect for vegans craving classics.
A high-resolution photo of vegan banana cream pie sliced open showing creamy coconut filling and bananas, under soft lighting.

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

Decadent layers of chocolate ganache under banana custard for a chocolate-lover’s dream. Ingredients: Oreo crust, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup cream, banana custard (as classic), 2 bananas, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Melt chocolate with cream, pour into crust, chill 30 mins. 2. Add banana slices and custard, chill fully, top with whipped cream.
Boosts antioxidants from chocolate and bananas—rich yet balanced for special occasions.
A high-resolution photo of chocolate banana cream pie with fudgy chocolate layer beneath creamy custard, under soft lighting.

Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie

Swirl creamy peanut butter into the filling for a PB&J-inspired treat that’s irresistibly nutty. Ingredients: Graham crust, banana custard base, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 bananas, chopped peanuts, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Blend peanut butter into warm custard. 2. Layer bananas in crust, add PB custard, chill, garnish with peanuts and cream.
Protein-packed from peanuts, satisfyingly filling—great for snacky desserts.
A high-resolution photo of peanut butter banana cream pie topped with chopped peanuts and banana wheels, under soft lighting.

Coconut Banana Cream Pie

Infuse tropical vibes with toasted coconut and cream of coconut in the filling. Ingredients: Coconut cookie crust, 1 can cream of coconut, 2 cups milk, cornstarch mix (as classic), 3 bananas, toasted coconut flakes.
Steps: 1. Cook custard with cream of coconut. 2. Assemble with bananas, chill, sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
Adds exotic flavor and fiber—light yet luxurious for summer parties.
A high-resolution photo of coconut banana cream pie with golden toasted coconut topping and creamy layers, under soft lighting.

Gluten-Free Banana Cream Pie

Almond flour crust keeps it crumbly and delicious without gluten. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups almond flour, 1/4 cup butter, sugar (for crust), classic custard, 3 bananas, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Mix and press almond crust, bake 10 mins. 2. Fill with bananas and custard post-chill.
Safe for gluten sensitivities, nutty flavor elevates the pie—nutrient-dense alternative.
A high-resolution photo of gluten-free banana cream pie with golden almond crust and smooth filling, under soft lighting.

Keto Banana Cream Pie

Low-carb hack using banana extract and cauliflower for “banana” essence without the sugar spike. Ingredients: Almond flour crust, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup erythritol, 1 tsp banana extract, xanthan gum thickener, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Whip cream with sweeteners and extract until thick. 2. Pour into baked crust, chill, top with cream.
Keto-friendly with under 5g net carbs per slice—guilt-free indulgence.
A high-resolution photo of keto banana cream pie with thick whipped layers, under soft lighting.

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie

Fresh strawberries mingle with bananas for a fruity, pink-hued upgrade. Ingredients: Graham crust, custard base, 2 bananas, 1 cup sliced strawberries, strawberry jam swirl, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Mix jam into custard. 2. Layer fruits, add custard, chill, dollop cream.
Vitamin C boost from berries—refreshing twist on the original.
A high-resolution photo of strawberry banana cream pie with pink custard and berry slices, under soft lighting.

Caramel Banana Cream Pie

Drizzle with salted caramel for gooey, sweet-salty perfection. Ingredients: Graham crust, banana custard, 1/2 cup caramel sauce, 3 bananas, sea salt, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Drizzle caramel in crust, add bananas and custard. 2. Chill, top with salted caramel and cream.
Irresistible flavor contrast—elevates to gourmet without extra effort.
A high-resolution photo of caramel banana cream pie oozing with golden caramel, under soft lighting.

Nutella Banana Cream Pie

Hazelnut spread folded in for a Nutella-banana dream that’s fudgy and fun. Ingredients: Chocolate crust, custard base, 1/2 cup Nutella, 3 bananas, hazelnuts, whipped cream.
Steps: 1. Warm and stir Nutella into custard. 2. Assemble layers, chill, garnish with nuts.
Decadent treat with healthy fats—crowd-pleaser for kids and adults.
A high-resolution photo of Nutella banana cream pie with chocolatey swirls and banana chunks, under soft lighting.

Boozy Banana Cream Pie

Rum or bourbon infuses adult sophistication into the creamy filling. Ingredients: Graham crust, custard base, 1/4 cup dark rum, 3 bananas, whipped cream, cinnamon dust.
Steps: 1. Add rum to cooked custard. 2. Layer with bananas, chill fully, top with spiked cream.
Sophisticated twist for dinner parties—relaxes with subtle warmth.
A high-resolution photo of boozy banana cream pie dusted with cinnamon, creamy slice revealed, under soft lighting.

These 12 creamy banana cream pie recipes offer something for every palate and diet—whether you’re reliving childhood memories or trying a bold twist. Grab some ripe bananas and get baking (or no-baking!) this weekend; your taste buds will thank you!

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