5 Easy Banana Pie Recipes with Store-Bought Crust

Are you craving something sweet, creamy, and packed full of flavor? Bananas, often a staple in our fruit bowls, can be turned into delightful desserts with the convenience of a store-bought pie crust. This blog post will explore five easy banana pie recipes that you can make at home, even if you're short on time or baking expertise.

Classic Banana Cream Pie

Let’s start with a classic that everyone loves:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
  • 3 large bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups of milk
  • ²⁄₃ cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cornstarch
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• Steps:
  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Beat the egg yolks in a small bowl, and then whisk in a small amount of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Gradually add this back into the saucepan. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat; add butter and vanilla. Stir until butter is melted. Let it cool slightly.
  4. Arrange sliced bananas over the baked pie crust. Pour the custard filling over the bananas. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  5. Just before serving, whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie and serve.

🍌 Note: Ensure the pie crust is well-baked to prevent a soggy base.

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

If you adore chocolate, this variation will be your new favorite:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: Chocolate shavings for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Place chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream just to a boil. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.
  3. Add vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture.
  4. Layer bananas at the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the chocolate ganache over the bananas. Chill until set, about 2 hours.
  5. Top with whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings before serving.

🍫 Note: Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor.

Banana Coconut Cream Pie

Imagine the tropical twist of coconut with bananas:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cornstarch
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
  • 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
  • Whipped cream for topping
• Steps:
  1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat, and stir in ¹⁄₂ cup of the toasted coconut. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. Layer bananas in the pie crust. Pour the coconut cream over the bananas. Refrigerate until firm.
  4. Top with whipped cream and the remaining toasted coconut before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Pie

Combine the classic duo of peanut butter and bananas:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
• Steps:
  1. Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold into the peanut butter mixture.
  3. Layer bananas in the pie crust. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the bananas. Chill until set, about 3 hours.
  4. Serve chilled, optionally with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch.

🍽️ Note: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending.

Vegan No-Bake Banana Pie

For those seeking a no-bake, vegan option:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 vegan pie crust, pre-made
  • 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 package (12 oz) silken tofu
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut cream
  • ¹⁄₃ cup maple syrup
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¹⁄₄ cup vegan chocolate chips
• Steps:
  1. Blend silken tofu, coconut cream, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Melt the vegan chocolate chips and mix into the tofu mixture.
  3. Layer bananas at the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the chocolate mixture over the bananas. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours.
  4. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of grated vegan chocolate.

After diving into these delectable banana pie recipes, it's clear that with a pre-made pie crust, crafting a mouth-watering dessert can be quick and straightforward. From the indulgent chocolate varieties to the creamy coconut and peanut butter fusion, there's something to satisfy every taste. Whether you opt for a classic approach or want to try something more unique like the vegan no-bake version, bananas prove to be a versatile and delicious choice for desserts.

Can I use fresh bananas instead of sliced?

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Yes, fresh bananas work wonderfully, but slicing them ensures even distribution in your pie.

How long will the banana pies last in the fridge?

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These pies can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to consume them within 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Can I make these pies gluten-free?

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Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.