Banana Pudding Pie Southern Comfort in Every Slice

By Chef BakerOctober 2, 2025

Jump to Recipe

4.00 (4 Ratings)

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Craving Comfort?

Ever feel like you need a hug in dessert form? Honestly, this banana pudding pie is it. It is rich, creamy, and just pure joy.

It's got that classic vanilla custard flavor you crave.

Southern Charm: Banana Pudding Pie Overview

The humble banana pudding pie is a true southern dessert , steeped in tradition. It's a simple recipe but delivers big flavour.

This easy banana pudding pie is a medium difficulty bake, taking about an hour and 45 minutes all in. It yields about 8 servings.

Main Benefits: Happiness in Every Bite

One of the best things about this pie? Besides the taste, of course, is the bananas! They add potassium and fiber! This best banana pudding pie is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings or any time you need a little sweetness in your life.

I love bringing this pie to a BBQ.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Ready to make some magic? Here's what you'll need. We're going to tackle a homemade pie crust , but store-bought works too!

Pie Crust Ingredients

Grab some flour, salt, cold butter, and ice water.

Vanilla Custard Components

You'll need milk, sugar, cornstarch, salt, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract. Don't skimp on the vanilla!

Assembling the Deliciousness

Of course, you need Nilla wafers and ripe bananas. I prefer mine a bit spotty, those are the sweetest! Think of this banana cream pie recipe as a blank canvas to create something incredible.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Banana Pudding Pie Southern Comfort in Every Slice presentation

Alright, y'all! Before we dive into making this incredible banana pudding pie , let's gather our goodies. Trust me, having everything prepped makes life so much easier.

Kinda like knowing where you parked at the Tesco, right? I mean, who wants to be running around like a headless chicken when the baking bug bites?

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Our Pie

Here's what you'll need to create this masterpiece, this classic southern dessert .

Pie Crust:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups (150g) . Get the good stuff!
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Just a pinch!
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) , cold and cubed. Important!
- Ice water: 1/4 cup (60ml) , plus more if needed. Super cold water here.
Vanilla Custard:
- Whole milk: 3 cups (720ml) . Makes it super creamy.
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) . Sweetness, baby!
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g) . This is our thickening agent.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Balances the sweet.
- Large egg yolks: 4 . These give it richness.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) . Adds shine and flavor.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons (10ml) . The magic touch!
Assembly Time!
- Nilla Wafers : 1 (12-ounce) box . The nilla wafers are the best.
- Bananas: 3-4 medium , sliced. Not too ripe, okay?

Quality check: For the butter, opt for a European style butter. It makes all the difference!

Seasoning Notes: A Dash of Southern Charm

Vanilla is your main flavor here. Use a high-quality extract for the best taste in this vanilla custard . A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the custard can add a warm, cozy depth.

Also, lemon juice helps keep your banana pudding pie with perfect color!

Flavor Enhancers: A splash of rum extract can elevate the custard flavor!

Substitution tip: If you don’t have vanilla extract, a bit of almond extract works in a pinch!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make this easy banana pudding pie .

Essential Tools:
- 9 inch pie plate. Glass or ceramic is ideal.
- Rolling pin. For rolling out that homemade pie crust!
- Mixing bowls. Gotta mix, right?
- Saucepan. To make the custard.
- Whisk. To avoid lumps.
Household Hacks:
- Don't have a rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works!
- No pie weights? Dried beans or rice do the trick!

This banana cream pie recipe is pretty straightforward. Getting the right ingredients and the right equipment is half the battle, I promise! Now, let's get to the good stuff baking!

Cooking Up a Classic: Let's Make Banana Pudding Pie

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? I am so excited to share my version of the southern dessert : banana pudding pie .

This ain't just any dessert; it's a slice of sunshine, a hug from grandma, all wrapped up in a homemade pie crust (or store-bought if you're short on time - no judgement here!).

Think creamy vanilla custard , layers of sweet bananas, and those addictive Nilla Wafers . Honestly, what's not to love? So, grab your apron, and let's get baking! I know you can do it!.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Secret Weapon for Banana Pudding Pie

Before we dive in, let's talk prep. "Mise en place" is just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together.

" Slice those 3-4 medium bananas. Cold ingredients are essential. It makes the crust more delicious. And measure out 3 cups of whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar , 1/4 cup cornstarch.

Trust me, you'll thank me later. Pro tip: keep your butter and ice water ice cold for the pie crust! I made that mistake once, and let's just say it wasn't pretty.

step-by-step: Easy Banana Pudding Pie Magic

Alright, here's the lowdown on how to make this banana pudding pie recipe :

First, bake your pie crust at 375° F ( 190° C) until golden brown about 35 minutes total. Let it cool completely! I like to make mine the day before.
Next, whisk together 3 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar , 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Add 4 large egg yolks and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
Take away from the heat and mix in 2 tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Strain the custard, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Now for the fun part! Spread a little custard on the bottom of your baked pie crust.
Arrange a layer of Nilla Wafers and then a layer of banana slices. Repeat these layers ending with the vanilla custard.
Chill that beauty for at least 30 minutes before serving. Boom! Best banana pudding pie ever .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Banana Pudding Pie Game

Want to go from "good" to "OMG amazing"? Here are a few secrets:

Don't overcook your custard. Keep it on medium heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling. I'm speaking from personal experience here nobody wants scrambled egg custard.
To stop your banana slices from browning, brush them with a bit of lemon juice. Nobody wants brown bananas on top.
Make this bad boy ahead of time. The flavors meld together as it chills, making it even more delicious. It's also a great way to make your life easier if you're having guests over.

Seriously, this classic southern dessert is a total crowd pleaser. Whether you're looking for an easy banana pudding pie or just want to impress your friends with your baking skills, this recipe is a winner.

Enjoy! You earned it.

Recipe Notes for the Best Banana Pudding Pie Ever

Alright, y'all! Before you dive headfirst into this amazing banana pudding pie , let's chat about a few things. Trust me, these notes are like lil' cheat codes for classic Southern desserts that will help you nail this recipe.

Honestly, making a banana pudding pie can be a little bit of an art, but it's totally achievable with a little know how.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Make it Pretty!

Okay, so banana cream pie recipe is already delicious, but presentation is key! Think about it: first impressions matter . For a real Southern touch, top each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla Wafers .

And if you're feelin' fancy, a few extra banana slices on top never hurt. For sides, honestly? Nothing beats a tall glass of sweet tea or maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Oh my gosh, are you hungry now, too?

Storage Tips: Keep That Pie Fresh!

This easy banana pudding pie is best served fresh, but leftovers happen! To keep your best banana pudding pie tasting its best, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge.

It'll happily hang out there for up to three days. Freezing isn't recommended, as the custard can get a bit weird.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Want to mix things up? I totally get it! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Nilla Wafers and a gluten-free homemade pie crust or store-bought works too! Alternatively, you can swap out the banana slices for other fruits that are in season think fresh berries in the summer or caramelised apples in the fall.

It’s a great way to make this southern dessert even more special.

Nutrition Basics: The Goodness Inside

Okay, let's be real, this banana pudding pie is a treat, not a health food. But bananas do offer some potassium, and the milk in the vanilla custard provides a bit of calcium.

Each serving has roughly 450 calories, so enjoy it in moderation! I mean, life is too short to skip dessert, right?

So there you have it! Your ultimate guide to banana pudding pie success! Now go forth, bake, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite. You got this!

Delicious Banana Pudding Pie Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought crust for this banana pudding pie?

Absolutely! Making a homemade pie crust can be a bit of a faff, so feel free to use a good quality store-bought crust to save time. Just make sure to blind bake it according to the package instructions before adding the filling.

Think of it as cutting a corner without sacrificing too much deliciousness a proper "bake off" hack!

My bananas always turn brown in banana pudding pie, how can I prevent that?

Nobody wants a sad, brown banana in their pie! The trick is to brush the banana slices with a little lemon juice. The acidity in the lemon juice slows down oxidation, keeping your bananas looking fresh and appetizing. You can also add the banana slices as close to serving time as possible.

How long will this banana pudding pie last in the fridge?

Banana pudding pie is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Because of the fresh bananas and custard, it can get a bit soggy after that. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors nobody wants a pie that tastes like last night's leftovers!

Can I make a chocolate version of this banana pudding pie?

You bet! A chocolate banana pudding pie sounds like something Willy Wonka himself would dream up! Simply add about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the custard mixture while you're cooking it. This will give it a lovely chocolatey depth that complements the bananas perfectly.

You could even use chocolate Nilla Wafers for an extra boost of chocolatey goodness!

Is there a way to make this banana pudding pie healthier?

While banana pudding pie is definitely a treat, you can make some lighter swaps! Try using skim milk instead of whole milk in the custard, and consider a reduced fat butter substitute. You could also cut back slightly on the sugar.

Keep in mind that even with these changes, it's still a dessert, but a few small tweaks can make it a little less of a splurge.

Can I use something other than Nilla Wafers in this banana pudding pie?

Of course! While Nilla Wafers are the classic choice, you can definitely experiment. Graham crackers or digestive biscuits (like McVitie's) work well and add a slightly different texture and flavor.

If you're after a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free vanilla wafers available, or you could use gluten-free shortbread cookies. Get creative and make it your own!