Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie

Name: Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: Cooking spray or oil for pie pan; 1 ½ cups (6 oz / 165 g) graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free or regular); ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt; 4 tablespoons melted dairy-free butter or regular butter; 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (heaping ⅓ cup); ⅓ cup (46 g) powdered sugar; ⅓ cup (42 g) cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (optional); 2 (13.5-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk; 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla paste; 2 ½ medium ripe yellow bananas, cut into ½-inch thick slices; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (for whipped cream); 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract (for whipped cream); Regular Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream; Chocolate shavings; Flaky sea salt (optional)

By:

dani

Published:

October 9, 2025

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This Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free) is a real treat that brings back memories of special family gatherings. Imagine a creamy filling that melts in your mouth, fresh banana slices, and a crunchy graham cracker crust that sings with flavor. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience crafted for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so no one has to miss out on this heavenly pie!

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this pie is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect addition to any occasion. Whipping it up might just become a new favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on this delightful journey to creating the Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie (Gluten-Free)!

Why This Recipe Works

This Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free) melds the traditional flavors of classic banana cream pie with modern dietary preferences. By using coconut milk for creaminess and naturally sweet bananas, the pie maintains its lusciousness without compromising on flavor. The graham cracker crust, enhanced with melted dairy-free butter, provides a satisfying crunch that pairs excellently with the creamy filling. The thoughtful balance of flavors and textures really shines through in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free)

Imagine enjoying more than just dessert—this pie offers a nostalgic experience. The creamy vanilla custard, fresh banana slices, and rich dark chocolate create a symphony of flavors that will take you back to happy events. Despite its rich taste, its simple preparation makes this pie accessible for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just exploring your culinary skills, you’ll find joy in making this pie. Plus, being gluten-free means that everyone can savor a slice without any worries.

Ingredients

Cooking spray or oil for pie pan
1 ½ cups (6 oz / 165 g) graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free or regular)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
4 tablespoons melted dairy-free butter or regular butter
2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (heaping ⅓ cup)
⅓ cup (46 g) powdered sugar
⅓ cup (42 g) cornstarch
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
⅛ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
2 (13.5-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla paste
2 ½ medium ripe yellow bananas, cut into ½-inch thick slices
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract (for whipped cream)
Regular Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream
Chocolate shavings
Flaky sea salt (optional)

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie pan by greasing it with cooking spray or oil. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until it’s well combined and damp. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the base. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8 minutes to get that perfect crust. After baking, sprinkle chopped chocolate evenly over the crust and return it to the oven for an additional minute to melt the chocolate completely. Once melted, use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly across the bottom. Allow the crust to cool completely or refrigerate for a quick chill.

Create the Vanilla Coconut Custard

In a medium pot (off-heat), whisk together the powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, and turmeric (if using). Now, add the full-fat coconut milk and whisk until everything is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Slice the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds, then add both the seeds and pods to the pot for that rich flavor. Arrange banana slices evenly in a single layer over the prepared graham cracker crust, creating a beautiful base.

Now, place the pot on medium heat, stirring often until the mixture thickens and begins to boil, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat, discard the vanilla pods, and gently pour the custard over the arranged bananas. Cover the pie with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming as it cools. This custard needs at least 6 hours in the fridge; overnight is even better.

Add the Topping and Chill

When you’re ready to serve, prepare the whipped cream. Spread the whipped cream over the custard in swirls; don’t worry about it being perfect! Add extra flair by sprinkling with chocolate shavings. Now, refrigerate the pie for an additional 30-60 minutes to let the whipped cream set beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy your creation, remember to slice the pie using a damp paper towel on your knife between cuts. For an interesting twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt on each slice for an elevated taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of almond milk. It’s also delightful alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy. Your guests will absolutely rave about this combination.

Tips for Success

Choose bananas that are ripe; they’ll ensure the dish is sweet and flavorful.
Chill the ingredients and tools for the whipped cream to achieve the best results.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of powdered sugar in the custard based on your preference.

Variations

To maintain a completely gluten-free dessert, swap regular graham crackers for gluten-free ones.
Get creative by adding different fruits—try strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
If you desire a different flavor profile, consider using almond or soy milk instead of coconut milk.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just cover it well in the fridge.

Is it possible to make this pie without bananas?
Although bananas are central to this recipe, you could experiment by replacing them with another fruit like diced peaches, though the flavor will differ.

Can I freeze the pie?
Freezing banana cream pie isn’t ideal since it can alter the texture of the bananas and custard.

What other toppings can I use?
Beyond whipped cream and chocolate shavings, consider topping it with crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel for added flavor.

Is this vegan banana cream pie nut-free?
Yes, it can be nut-free as long as you use dairy-free butter and ensure your chocolate is without nuts.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Ultimate Vegan Banana Cream Pie (Gluten-Free) at your next gathering or as a sweet treat to brighten any day. Each bite celebrates nostalgia while accommodating modern dietary needs, so everyone can join in the joy of this creamy, delicious dessert!