Whether you’re getting ready to host a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas party, or a regular Sunday dinner with the family, it’s always a good idea to have a pie prepared beforehand, ready to be served for dessert.
Regardless of what you put into it, any cream pie should retain the mouthwatering explosion of flavor that erupts the very moment you bite through the crust to reach the creamy middle. Our list of delicious cream pie recipes has something for every palate, from the classic banana cream pie, through a coconut cream pie, all the way to large pies with a whipped cream topping.
While apple is the undisputed king of fruit pies, there is no denying that bananas are one of the best fruits to use in pies with a creamy filling. The trick to this one is that instead of blending the bananas together with custard, the recipe calls for slicing them up and layering them interchangeably with the cream. This method gives the pie a unique texture and a nice, refreshing taste that contrasts the sweetness of the pie’s crust and filling.
This homemade banana pie recipe is fairly easy to make, so even if you’re an amateur when it comes to baking, you should handle it just fine!
The main star of this pie (alongside the cream, of course) is the flavorful strawberry glaze that, if done correctly, will be gushing out of the pie with every bite you take. Combined with the texture and refreshing, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries, this perfectly combines fruitiness with the pure, creamy decadence of its heavy cream and cream cheese filling.
You can serve this cream pie in the form of smaller tarts just as easily. All it takes is to adjust the ingredients accordingly.
Are you not too comfortable with using the oven and keep wishing for a cream pie recipe that doesn’t require you to turn it on? We’ve got you covered. This no-bake pie retains the creaminess and texture of other cream pies that require an oven, all the while being super easy and quick to prepare.
For the crust, you’ll need to use graham cracker crust. After blending the crackers together, you have to form them into a round shape and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes, until firm. Afterward, all that’s left to do is layering the ingredients to create an irresistible cream pie.
Perhaps one of the most addictive pies on our list, this Nutella cream pie recipe also doesn’t require you to use an oven. With a scrumptious Oreo cookie crust, Nutella and cream cheese filling, and a generous serving of whipped cream as a topping, a single slice of this decadent cream pie will leave you satisfied.
The best thing about it? It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making this one of our favorite cream pie recipes to use whenever a dessert needs to be whipped up quickly without sacrificing its quality.
This cold, no-bake pie with tons of yummy toppings stacked up on top of each other is a no-brainer choice for anyone who wants to impress their guests without having to spend all day in the kitchen. The pretzel crust adds just the right amount of saltiness to the pie to contrast the almost overwhelming sweetness of vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and strawberry jam, which come together to make up the rest of one of our favorite guilty pleasures.
Flashy cream pies with more razzle-dazzle than you can handle are fantastic, but sometimes you just feel like an old-fashioned slice that takes you on a trip down memory lane to Thanksgiving dinners at your parents’ house. If your mood fits that description, then look no further: this maple cream pie’s list of ingredients isn’t too large, with maple syrup and almonds being responsible for most of its flavor.
This classic pie recipe is perfect for post-dinner quality time with your family, complemented by a cup of coffee.
Now for something a little more out of the ordinary. Combining the classic, unmistakable taste of pumpkin cream pie with a surprise in the form of sesame-heavy tahini mousse, this dessert is a unique twist on an ages-old formula that will surely find a dedicated fanbase among the members of your household.
If you want to save some time (and a whole lot of mess in the kitchen), you can go ahead and skip making tahini out of sesame seeds, and go with a store-bought version instead.
Originating in Indiana, the sugar cream pie is a staple of American desserts. One of the most important things to keep in mind when following this recipe is to not let the sugary layer on top burn too much when baking. You want it to harden and get a bit brown, but if you leave it in the oven for too long, you’ll be running the risk of ruining the entire top layer of your pie!
Just like most chocolate cream pie recipes, this one is fairly simple and easy to follow. It is a no-bake twist on the formula that opts for a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie shell. On top of loads of chocolate, you’re going to need a fair bit of butter for the creamy filling.
The recipe calls for layering a generous amount of whipped cream on top of the pie, but you don’t really need it to make this dessert work. If you choose to skip the whipped cream, make sure to compensate with a bit of extra chocolate sprinkled on top!
For an ultimately satisfying, crunchy, yet soft cream pie that doesn’t pull any punches, we recommend you try out this mouthwatering triple-coconut cream pie recipe. With Vanilla Meringue, cream of coconut, and lime peel, you’ll be able to whip up a dessert that is guaranteed to disappear within minutes of serving it to your family or friends!
In our opinion, its overwhelming dosage of coconut flakes is the main selling point of this cream pie. It serves as a topping for the cream of coconut-based filling and adds a nice crunch to every single bite.
The Bottom Line
There is nothing better than a hearty slice of cream pie to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you want to enjoy the pie on your own after a long day of work or serve it to your family and friends at a gathering, the ten recipes we’ve listed above contain desserts suitable for a total rookie in the kitchen, as well as those that require a bit more expertise and finesse.
Regardless of your skill level and food preferences, we highly recommend you check out other recipes that we’ve gathered at The Kitchen Community. New lists are released on a regular basis, so be sure to check back with us often for even more ideas for any meal of the day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal crust for a cream pie?
The ideal crust for a cream pie is a buttery and flaky pie crust known as the “shortcrust pastry.” This crust is made by combining flour, cold butter, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. For a richer and more delicate texture, you may opt for a graham cracker or cookie crust. Remember to pre-bake the crust for a firm base.
How do I make a perfect banana cream pie?
To make a perfect banana cream pie, start with a pre-baked crust. Prepare the pie filling by heating milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Then, whisk in egg yolks and cook until it thickens. Stir in butter and vanilla essence before layering thinly sliced bananas over the pie crust. Pour the custard over the bananas and chill the pie for at least 4 hours. Top it with whipped cream before serving.
What are the key components of a coconut cream pie?
The key components of a coconut cream pie are the crust, coconut-infused custard, and whipped cream topping. Start with a pre-baked crust. For the custard, heat milk with sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks, then add in shredded coconut and unsweetened coconut milk for that tropical flavor. Let it cool and pour the custard over the crust. Chill the pie and top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes before serving.
What makes Boston cream pie stand out?
Boston cream pie is unique because it is technically a cake, not a pie. It consists of two layers of sponge cake filled with a thick layer of custard or pastry cream. The cake is then topped with a glossy chocolate ganache to form a delicious dessert. The combination of cake and cream layers with a rich chocolate topping sets Boston cream pie apart from other cream pies.
How can I create a delicious vanilla cream pie?
For a delicious vanilla cream pie, focus on creating a rich and creamy vanilla filling. Start with a pre-baked crust. Prepare the filling by heating milk, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until it thickens. Whisk in egg yolks, followed by butter and a good quality vanilla extract. Pour the custard into the cooled crust and let it chill in the refrigerator. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate or a sprinkle of vanilla sugar before serving.
What are some essential tips for making the perfect whipped cream pie?
For the perfect whipped cream pie, follow these tips:
Always use cold heavy cream straight from the refrigerator.
Add sugar and vanilla extract to the cream for extra flavor.
Use an electric mixer or a whisk to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
Fold in any additional ingredients (like berries or chocolate) gently to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
Spoon the whipped cream onto a pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
Chill the pie to set the whipped cream and keep it stable.
Serve the pie cold and garnish with toppings of your choice.
Raspberry Cream Pie + 10 More Great Cream Pie Recipes
This lovely pie is the perfect way to end a summer meal on the porch, but because it’s as easy as it is impressive, it will also make a beautiful addition to your holiday table.Cream pies are beloved because they come together quickly and don’t require an oven. That means you can avoid heating up the kitchen in the summer, or save time and oven space during hectic holiday meal prep.The rich creamy layer of this pie pairs perfectly with the sweet tangy raspberry topping, and the graham cracker crust gives it a delightfully crunchy texture. Raspberry Cream Pie takes less than an hour to prepare and will set up overnight in the freezer.
Place the crackers into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. This should yield about a cup and a half. Add more graham crackers if needed.
Pour the melted butter into the crumbs and stir to mix evenly.
Pour the crumbs into a 9 inch pie plate. Gently press them with your fingertips, evenly covering the bottom and sides of the dish.
Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
To make the cream layer:
Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer, and beat until smooth - about 3 minutes.
Pour in the lemon juice and vanilla and mix until just combined.
Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated. Set aside.
Place a new clean bowl on your stand mixture, pour in the cream and beat until soft peaks begin to form.
In small batches, fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture.
Pour into the graham cracker crust, and smooth the top until it is even and flat.
Return to the refrigerator while you make the raspberry layer.
To make the raspberry layer:
Whisk together the water and cornstarch in a pan over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar and raspberries, and mix well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring regularly, and cook until thickened. (2-3 minutes at boiling)
Pour the berry mixture into a bowl and place into the refrigerator to cool.
When the raspberry mixture is cool to the touch, spread it evenly over the cream layer.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap, and allow to set in the freezer for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Notes
Grahams - For added texture, crush the crackers by hand, rather than in the food processor. Just place them in a quart-sized resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out the air and seal. Then gently pound them with a rolling pin or kitchen mallet.
Serving - Set the pie out for just a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier. You can make extra whipped cream and reserve a few berries to make your presentation a little sweeter.
Raspberries fresh or frozen - For this dessert, frozen berries will work just as beautifully as fresh berries.
Nutrition
Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 56g
Keyword cream pie recipes, raspberry cream pie recipe
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
