The filling is a real pastry cream, so the milk and eggs matter more than anything. Cook the custard until it bubbles and thickens fully, or the starch stays raw and the pie runs when you cut it.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook20 min
Makes1 nine-inch pie
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1nine-inch pie
Flour
Makes the bottom pie crust that holds the soft filling.
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
Blind-bake the crustBake the weighted crust at 375F for 20 min, remove weights, and bake 8 min more until fully dry and golden.
Cook the custardWhisk sugar and cornstarch into the milk, heat to a simmer, temper in the yolks, and cook stirring until it bubbles and coats a spoon thickly.
FinishOff the heat whisk in the butter and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
LayerSlice bananas over the crust, pour the warm custard on top, and press plastic to the surface to stop a skin forming.
Chill and topRefrigerate 4 hours until set, then spread whipped cream over the top before serving.
Can you make Banana Cream Pie in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Banana Cream Pie? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Banana Cream Pie ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Banana Cream Pie gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Banana Cream Pie vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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