And the whipped cream is light and fluffy, with a great vanilla flavor from a whole vanilla bean.

(If you’re free to’t find a bean, substitute one teaspoon vanilla bean paste.)

The filling sets in the fridge so that it slices nicely.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie decorated and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The ripe bananas on top add pops of freshness and look pretty too.

Wait to slice thebananasyou are using for the top until just before serving so they don’t turn brown.

Learn how to make banana pudding pie.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Serve a slice with a glass of milk, bourbon, or chilled banana liqueur for sipping.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pie may change after thawing.

You wont want to eat regular banana pudding ever again."

Southern LIving Banana Pudding Pie browning the butter for the crust

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Tara commented, “Made this for my moms birthday!

It was a big hit!

Very tasty and easy to make.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie stirring together the crust ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

I did add a little coconut milk with the cream and sprinkled some coconut flakes on top.”

Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium.

Bake until golden brown and firm, 10 to 12 minutes.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie pressing the crust into the pie plate

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Remove from oven; let cool on a wire rack while preparing filling.

Whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch in a medium heatproof bowl until smooth.

Using a ladle, slowly drizzle 12 cup steaming milk mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly until combined.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie after baking the crust

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Slowly drizzle egg mixture into remaining warmed milk mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly until combined.

Remove saucepan from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla.

Let pudding stand 15 minutes.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie heating the milk mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Top with pudding; spread into an even layer using a small offset spatula.

Finish pie with banana slices and whipped cream:

Just before serving, remove pie from refrigerator.

Cut remaining banana into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie whisking the hot milk into the eggs

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

PipeVanilla Bean Whipped Creamon pie.

Arrange banana slices as desired, sprinkle pie with crushed vanilla wafers, and serve.

Chill time is also important.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie whisking the egg mixture into the rest of the milk

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

double-check to chill until the pudding is completely set before serving.

Yesthe pudding will thicken as it cools for a sliceable texture.

YesBanana pudding pie should be left out for no more than two hours while serving.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie cooking the pudding mixture until thickened

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie whisking in the butter and vanilla

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie covering the pudding with plastic wrap

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie adding the banana slices to the bottom of the pie crust

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie filling the crust with pudding

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie decorated and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox