Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Let me introduce you to a dessert that’s pure comfort and celebration in every bite: the Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie. Creamy, dreamy vanilla custard with a subtle note of bourbon wraps around sweet bananas, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust—then capped with bourbon-laced whipped cream. If you love banana pudding and decadent pies, you’re in for a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make but definitely special enough for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie is that it transforms basic pantry staples into something absolutely decadent. Each ingredient brings something to the party: buttery crunch, rich creaminess, banana sweetness, or a kick of bourbon warmth—so don’t skimp or skip!

• Graham cracker crumbs: The classic crunchy base; you can swap with ginger snaps or vanilla wafers for a fun twist.
• Butter: Melted into the crumbs, butter gives a rich flavor and helps hold the crust together.
• White sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the custard filling for perfect balance.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the custard for that luscious, sliceable texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Milk: Whole or 2% is best for a full-bodied, silky custard; avoid skim for best results.
• Egg yolks: Provide richness, color, and help the custard set up beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Adds cozy, aromatic depth to both the custard and the cream.
• Bourbon: Brings mellow warmth and complexity—don’t worry, it’s subtle and family-friendly after chilling.
• Ripe bananas: Look for just-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and bold banana flavor.
• Heavy cream: Whipped into pillowy clouds for that classic pie topping.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix the finely crushed graham crackers with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into your pie plate—don’t forget to get up the sides! Pop it into the oven for 5 minutes, just until it sets. Let the crust cool completely before moving on, because it needs to be sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

In a saucepan, combine 2/3 cup sugar, flour, and salt. Set the heat to medium, then gradually whisk in the milk. Keep whisking as the mixture heats up and thickens to a gentle simmer—it needs your full attention! Simmer for just a couple of minutes, whisking to avoid lumps, then take it off the heat.

Step 3: Temper and Cook the Eggs

To make sure your custard is smooth and silky, whisk about 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Then, slowly whisk this blend back into the rest of the hot mixture in the saucepan. Return the pan to low heat and cook for just 2 more minutes, always whisking, until the custard thickens. Take it off the stove and immediately whisk in the remaining butter, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of bourbon. This is where the Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie gets its signature flavor! Let the pudding cool all the way—if it thickens more than you’d like, a splash of extra milk will loosen it up perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Layer those sweet, sliced bananas over your cooled graham crust. Pour the cooled, bourbon-spiked custard over the bananas, making sure it covers every inch. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour for everything to set and the flavors to meld together—it’s hard to wait, but so worth it!

Step 5: Whip the Cream

For the perfect Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie topping, start with chilled heavy cream (cold makes it whip up faster and fluffier). If your kitchen’s warm, set your mixing bowl in ice. Beat the cream with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon bourbon until you get soft, beautiful peaks—don’t over-whip! This boozy, cloud-like topping makes every bite sing.

Step 6: Finish and Chill

Spoon or pipe the bourbon whipped cream generously over your chilled pie, then sprinkle with extra cookie crumbs for both crunch and flair. If you want clean slices, stash the finished pie back in the fridge for another 20-30 minutes before serving. Voilà—your Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie awaits!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference—top each slice with extra graham crumbs, a drizzle of caramel, or even a few toasted pecans. Some thin banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon can take this Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie from homey to restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair this pie with a steaming cup of coffee or a little glass of bourbon for the grown-ups! If you’re serving a crowd, a crisp minty fruit salad or a tart berry compote can counterbalance the creamy sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie in individual mason jars for fun picnic parfaits, or cut it into tiny squares and serve on a dessert board with other mini treats. For parties, you can even layer everything in a trifle bowl so folks can scoop their own servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or use a covered pie container to keep the whipped cream fresh and the bananas from browning too much. The flavors continue to mingle, so it might taste even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers (or the whole pie ahead of a special event), skip the whipped cream and wrap the assembled, un-topped pie tightly in both plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep for about 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then whip up the cream fresh before serving—it keeps the texture perfect.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’d like a slightly warmer bite, let a slice sit at room temp for 15 minutes before eating. Heating the pie is not recommended, as the custard and cream can separate or weep.

FAQs

Can I leave out the bourbon?

Absolutely! While the bourbon adds wonderful warmth and a subtle depth, omitting it won’t ruin your pie. Just swap in extra vanilla for a classic banana cream experience.

What’s the best way to keep bananas from turning brown?

Slicing bananas right before assembling helps, as does covering them quickly with custard to minimize air exposure. A light brush with lemon juice can also slow browning without affecting the flavor too much.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Of course! If you’re short on time or want a totally no-bake version of Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie, a pre-made graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust will work just fine—just skip the baking step and proceed with assembling.

Is this pie kid-friendly?

The bourbon flavor is fairly mild, and most of the alcohol dissipates during chilling. However, if you have concerns or are serving small children, you can leave it out or reduce the amount as needed.

How do I get picture-perfect slices?

For clean cuts, chill the pie thoroughly (an extra half hour in the fridge helps). Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe it clean between slices. This keeps the layers neat and gorgeous!

Final Thoughts

Ready to wow your friends and family? This Easy Bourbon Banana Cream Pie brings rich flavor, nostalgic comfort, and just a hint of grown-up flair without any complicated steps. Go ahead—give it a try and see how quickly it disappears at your next gathering!

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