If you are searching for a dreamy dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, look no further than this delightful Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe. This luscious pie combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries and bananas with the smooth, velvety texture of a creamy filling all nestled in a perfectly crispy graham cracker crust. It’s a stunning balance of sweet and tangy, rich and light, making it an absolute showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe promises smiles and satisfied taste buds with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this pie are wonderfully simple, yet crucial for achieving its irresistible taste, texture, and beautiful appearance. Each item brings something special to the table—from the buttery graham cracker crust that adds crunch to the fluffy cream filling that melts in your mouth, plus juicy fruits that brighten every bite.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The crunchy base that gives the pie its classic texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Sugar: Just enough to balance tartness and enhance natural fruit flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients perfectly while adding rich flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth and tangy foundation for the filling.
- Powdered sugar: For a silky sweetness that blends effortlessly into the cream.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting notes to the filling.
- Heavy cream, whipped: Lightens the filling with fluffy texture and indulgence.
- Bananas, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and a creamy, mellow flavor.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Infuse the pie with juicy brightness and stunning color.
- Whipped cream: Perfect for topping and adding extra creaminess.
- Sprinkles (optional): A playful dash of color for festive presentation.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly not only into the bottom but also up the sides of your 9-inch pie dish. This forms a sturdy, buttery shell that will hold all those creamy layers perfectly. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant and set, then let it cool completely before moving forward.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
While the crust cools, whip up the filling by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—the key to a light and fluffy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring everything blends perfectly without deflating the airy whipped cream. This is what gives the filling its cloud-like consistency that pairs so well with fresh fruit.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Lay the sliced bananas and strawberries evenly over the cooled crust as your fresh fruit base. Pour the creamy filling over the fruit layer and spread it out smoothly from edge to edge, making sure every piece of fruit is covered. This layering not only looks gorgeous when sliced but also provides delightful bites of fruit amidst the creamy goodness.
Step 4: Chill and Decorate
To let all those flavors meld and the filling set, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 to 4 hours. When you’re ready to impress your guests or family, decorate the top with generous swirls of whipped cream, extra slices of strawberries and bananas, and a scattering of colorful sprinkles if you like a festive pop. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious and will bring joy before you’ve even taken a bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your masterpiece and serve chilled. Each forkful offers the perfect mix of the crunchy crust, smooth filling, and succulent fruit—a taste that can brighten any day. This Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe truly shines as a spring or summer dessert but is wonderful any time you crave something fresh and creamy.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe, think fresh and inviting. A few extra strawberry slices and banana rounds on top add vibrant color and texture. Whipped cream swirls bring an elegant softness, while fun sprinkles add a whimsical touch perfect for celebrations. These simple garnishes elevate the pie’s appearance and signal the delightful flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with light, complementary sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also highlight the pie’s fruity notes beautifully. For drinks, bubbly lemonade or a fruity iced tea works wonderfully to refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, consider serving this pie in individual clear glass cups layered with crust crumbs, cream, and fruit for a fun twist that’s perfect for parties. You can also arrange whole strawberries and bananas artistically around the serving plate to create a stunning centerpiece. The Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe is versatile enough to inspire your own inventive presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy second helpings without any loss of flavor or creaminess.
Freezing
This particular Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate texture of the fruit and whipped cream. Freezing is not recommended since it can cause the cream to separate and the fruit to become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Because the pie is served cold and features a creamy filling, reheating is unnecessary and would compromise its structure and flavor. Just keep it chilled and enjoy cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries or bananas for this pie?
Fresh fruits are always best for this pie as they provide firm texture and vibrant flavor, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the crust soggy.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free alternative like gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to keep the crust crisp and delicious.
How can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the pie up to the chilling stage the day before your event. Keep it refrigerated and add the whipped cream and fresh fruit garnishes just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a lighter filling, mascarpone cheese makes a fantastic substitute, offering a similar creamy texture with a slightly sweeter and milder flavor.
Can I add other fruits to this pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to give your pie a different twist. Just be mindful of juice content that might affect the crust’s crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that brings sunshine and smiles with every bite. Its blend of fresh fruit, creamy filling, and buttery crust never fails to impress and satisfies cravings for something sweet but not too heavy. I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up this pie and share it with your loved ones—it’s a delicious way to make ordinary days feel a little more special.
Print
Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Banana Cream Pie features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a smooth and fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream mixture layered over fresh bananas and strawberries. Chilled until set and topped with more fresh fruit and whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for a refreshing finish to any meal or a festive 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
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Decoration
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Banana slices
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking the crust.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes to set it, then allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring it is light and airy.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy, creating a smooth filling.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the sliced bananas and strawberries evenly at the bottom of the cooled crust.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cream cheese and whipped cream filling evenly over the fruit layer, covering it completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 3-4 hours to allow it to fully set and chill.
- Decorate: Before serving, garnish the pie with additional swirls of whipped cream, fresh sliced strawberries and bananas, and optionally sprinkle colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Slice the pie and enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- For best results, whip the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid over-whipping, which can cause it to become grainy.
- You can substitute fresh or frozen strawberries, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the pie.
- The pie needs a minimum of 3-4 hours chilling time to set properly, but chilling overnight will produce the best texture.
- To add texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts over the fruit layer before adding the filling as an optional variation.
