If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly balances fresh fruit flavors with creamy decadence, this Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a delightful yet simple treat that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with layers of juicy banana and strawberry slices, all wrapped up in a luscious whipped cream and cream cheese filling. Whether it’s a warm summer afternoon or a special gathering, this pie brings a vibrant pop of color and taste to your table, inviting everyone to dig in with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward staples that come together to create the magic of this pie. Each one is carefully selected to ensure the pie has the perfect texture, sweetness, and freshness you crave from a classic strawberry banana cream dessert.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: This gives the crust a crisp, buttery base that holds all the fillings together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust mixture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melts into the graham crackers, producing a rich and flavorful crust.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth, tangy foundation for the creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any graininess, keeping it silky smooth.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped: Whipped to stiff peaks, it makes the filling light and fluffy.
- 2 bananas, sliced: These mellow bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture that complements the other fruits.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: The star fruit in this recipe, they bring color, juiciness, and a fresh tartness.
- Whipped cream: For topping, to add a luscious, airy finish.
- Fresh strawberries and banana slices: For decorating the pie with vibrant, fresh fruit.
- Sprinkles (optional): A fun, colorful touch that makes this pie even more festive and inviting.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Stir these together until the mixture looks like wet sand, which is perfect for pressing firmly into your pie dish. Transfer this mixture to a 9-inch pie dish and press it evenly on the bottom and up the sides. Bake the crust for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Once done, let it cool completely – this step is important so it sets firm before you add your creamy layers.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the crust cools, it’s time to whip up the luscious filling. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is completely smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream stands tall when you lift the whisk out—a sign of perfect fluffiness. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula, combining them carefully to keep the filling light and airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Now for the fun part. Layer your banana and strawberry slices evenly over the cooled crust. This ensure every bite has a fresh pop of fruit. Next, spread the fluffy filling on top, smoothing it out to cover the fruit completely. This creamy layer encases the fruit, offering a dreamy texture contrast that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Put your pie in the fridge to chill for at least 3 to 4 hours, or even better overnight. This resting time allows the crust to firm up further and the filling to set perfectly, making slicing easy and keeping everything beautifully intact.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, top the pie with swirls of whipped cream and scatter more fresh banana and strawberry slices beautifully on top. Add sprinkles if you want a splash of color and a little extra fun. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy one of the most refreshing desserts you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh fruit slices not only look stunning but provide a juicy contrast to the creamy filling. A few dollops of freshly whipped cream on each slice add that extra touch of indulgence, and if you want to go playful, a sprinkle of colorful confetti sprinkles makes the pie irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs delightfully with a light green salad for a summertime meal or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra creamy dessert experience. Fresh mint leaves on the side can also bring a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pie on a decorative cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. Try slicing it into smaller tartlets using mini pie crusts for individual servings perfect for parties. You can also layer the filling and fruit in clear dessert glasses for a stunning parfait-style presentation that shows off all the vibrant ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, making it a great option to prepare in advance or enjoy the next day.
Freezing
This pie is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the texture of the fresh fruit and cream filling can suffer. If you must freeze it, cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since this pie is served chilled, reheating is not necessary. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly if it feels too firm from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry banana cream pie recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe to maintain texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy crust.
Is it possible to make this pie vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and use a vegan butter for the crust. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
How long does this pie need to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 3 to 4 hours is necessary for the filling to set properly, but overnight chilling is even better for a firm, sliceable pie.
Can I prepare parts of this pie in advance?
Definitely! You can make the crust and filling ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the pie the day you plan to serve it for the freshest fruit presentation.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs work well as substitutes, providing a similar texture and slightly different but delightful flavor for the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe is one of those wonderful desserts that feels both special and effortlessly approachable. The combination of creamy filling, fresh fruit, and crunchy crust makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. I hope you take the time to try it soon, because each slice is a little piece of joy that’s perfect for sharing — or savoring all by yourself!
Print
Strawberry Banana Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy Strawberry Banana Cream Pie featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese and whipped cream filling, and layers of fresh bananas and strawberries. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive finish.
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 Layer
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Decoration
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Banana slices
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is fully blended.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to create the crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set and aromatic. Remove and let it cool completely to ensure the filling doesn’t melt.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light, airy texture.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to keep the mixture fluffy and well combined without deflating the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the sliced bananas and strawberries evenly at the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Spread the cream filling evenly over the fruit layer, making sure it completely covers the fruit to seal it in.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 3-4 hours so the filling sets properly, allowing flavors to meld and the pie to firm up for easy slicing.
- Decorate: Before serving, add decorative swirls of whipped cream on top, along with additional sliced strawberries and bananas. Optionally, sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the top for a festive presentation.
- Serve: Slice the pie and enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert that balances sweet and fresh flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Graham cracker crust can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with whipped topping, noting textural differences.
- Keep the pie refrigerated until serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
