Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
There is nothing quite as delightful as a slice of creamy, fruity bliss, and that is exactly what this Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe delivers. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust cradling a luscious blend of cream cheese and whipped cream, layered over fresh bananas and strawberries that burst with flavor in every bite. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of texture and taste that instantly brightens up any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon treat or the star of your dessert table, this recipe promises to become one of your favorite go-to sweets that’s both simple and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this pie is refreshingly straightforward yet essential to its incredible outcome. Each item is selected to bring a perfect harmony of creaminess, sweetness, and freshness that makes this dessert unforgettable. From the crumbly crust to the smooth filling and fresh fruit, every element plays its part beautifully.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These give a sweet, slightly nutty base with a satisfying crunch for your crust.
- Sugar: Needed to balance the tartness and add the right touch of sweetness to the crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: Provides tang and creaminess that form the luscious body of the pie filling.
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the cream cheese to sweeten it without grinding grains.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the creamy filling, elevating the flavors.
- Heavy cream, whipped: Lightens and adds airy texture for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Bananas, sliced: Offer natural sweetness and a tender texture that pairs wonderfully with the other fruits.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Add bright, juicy bursts of tangy flavor along with a vibrant color.
- Whipped cream: For decorating and adding extra lusciousness on top.
- Sprinkles (optional): Bring a fun, festive look for special occasions or when you want to delight the eyes as well as the palate.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a firm crust that holds all the delicious filling that’s coming next. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely so it firms up just right.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps — this forms the rich foundation of your pie. Separately, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form — meaning the cream holds its shape well and is fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining them carefully to keep it light and airy, which is what makes the pie feel like a cloud of indulgence.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Start by layering the fresh banana and strawberry slices evenly on the bottom of the cooled crust. These fruits not only add a pop of freshness but also provide a juicy contrast to the creamy topping. Carefully spread the cream mixture over the fruit, ensuring the entire surface is covered with that luscious filling.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Pop the pie into your refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until it’s fully set. This chilling step is crucial because it lets all the flavors meld together while the filling firms up, making it easier to slice and enjoy flawless layers of texture and taste.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, adorn your pie with beautiful swirls of whipped cream, additional slices of fresh strawberries and bananas, and if you like, a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles to add a cheerful, inviting finish. Slice it up carefully and prepare to wow your guests with every bite of this creamy, fruity masterpiece.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries and bananas are the obvious garnishes that naturally complement this pie, but adding fluffs of whipped cream turns it into a visual and textural treat. If you want to make it more festive, sprinkles or a light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can be charming additions that add a little extra sparkle.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. For a lighter touch, a side of fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the fruity freshness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress with presentation, try serving individual portions in clear glass cups to showcase the beautiful layers of graham crust, fruit, and creamy filling. Alternatively, topping each slice with edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder adds sophistication and charm to this homey dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pie travels well to the fridge! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 2 to 3 days. The crust might soften slightly but the cream filling will stay heavenly smooth.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month by wrapping it carefully in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, though the texture of the fresh fruit may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled cream pie, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for the best creamy texture and fresh flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal because they offer firmness and bright flavor, but if you use frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture making the crust soggy.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work wonderfully and add their own subtle flavor.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream cheese and heavy cream for coconut-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream alternatives to keep the dessert creamy while accommodating dietary needs.
How long should I chill the pie before serving?
Setting the pie for at least 3 to 4 hours is best to ensure the filling firms properly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Is this Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! It serves about 8 generous slices and can easily be doubled if you’re hosting a larger gathering.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a fresh, creamy, and delicious dessert to the table. It’s an all-time favorite because it’s effortless to make, wildly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try the next time you want to sweeten your day with something truly special!
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Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Banana Cream Pie combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, fluffy filling and fresh fruit layers. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it makes a refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped
Fruit
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Banana slices
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the prepared crust for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely to ensure a firm base for the pie.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the sliced bananas and strawberries evenly at the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Spread the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the fruit, covering it completely.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 3-4 hours or until fully set, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.
- Decorate: Before serving, top the pie with fresh whipped cream swirls, additional sliced strawberries and bananas, and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles for a festive, appealing presentation.
- Serve: Slice the pie and enjoy this refreshing, creamy dessert that perfectly balances fruitiness and sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to easily blend into a smooth filling.
- Use stiffly whipped cream to maintain a light and airy texture in the filling.
- You can prepare the pie a day ahead; chilling overnight enhances the flavors.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
