Indulge in the luscious, creamy goodness of a **Homemade Banana Cream Pie Shake**, a delightful treat that captures all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite pie without any of the baking effort. Perfect for a scorching summer afternoon, a cozy family movie night, or simply as a well-deserved sweet escape, this shake is a game-changer. Imagine sipping on a cool, sweet concoction that tastes exactly like a slice of heaven – that’s what awaits you with this incredible recipe.
Effortless Delight: The Ultimate Homemade Banana Cream Pie Shake Recipe
Cooking can be a joy, but it’s even more rewarding when you find a recipe that brings the whole family together. Our easy banana cream pie shake recipe is not only quick to assemble but also promises minimal cleanup, making it an ideal activity for kids and adults alike. Forget about complex preparations, turning on the stove, or heating up the oven. This recipe requires just one essential tool: a blender. Simply toss all the ingredients in, press start, and watch the magic unfold into a creamy, dreamy dessert everyone will adore.
Why This Banana Cream Pie Shake Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
- Nostalgic Flavor, No Fuss: Get all the beloved taste of classic banana cream pie in a convenient, drinkable form, saving you hours of baking and chilling time.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps and no cooking required, you can whip up this delightful treat in under 10 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: It’s a fantastic recipe to make with children, offering a safe and engaging cooking experience that results in a delicious reward.
- Versatile Indulgence: Perfect for any occasion – a refreshing poolside drink, a comforting movie night snack, or a unique breakfast boost with a protein twist.
- Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas provide ample sweetness, allowing you to control added sugars and even sneak in healthy alternatives without compromising on flavor.
Beyond Dessert: The Versatility of Banana Cream Pie Shakes
The beauty of a banana cream pie shake extends far beyond its role as a simple dessert. Bananas, nature’s candy, offer incredible natural sweetness, meaning this recipe doesn’t require excessive added sugar to satisfy your cravings. This makes it a smart choice for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat with a healthier edge. Of course, if you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, feel free to enhance it with more sugary goodness. Alternatively, you can easily swap ingredients for healthier alternatives – your kids will be none the wiser!
Consider transforming this shake into a power-packed breakfast. By substituting vanilla extract with vanilla protein powder, you instantly create a nourishing and delicious protein shake that kickstarts your day with energy and flavor. It’s a wonderfully adaptable recipe that caters to various dietary needs and preferences, proving that a delicious treat can also be functional.
Once your children experience the joy of making this shake, they’ll be eager to recreate it again and again. It truly stands out as the best banana cream pie milkshake recipe, promising smiles and satisfied tummies every time.
If you’re a true banana enthusiast, you absolutely must explore these other fantastic banana-centric recipes: the guilt-free Peanut Butter Banana Nice Cream, the fruity and vibrant Strawberry Banana Cream Pie, and of course, the tropical twist of this Coconut Banana Cream Pie!
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Banana Cream Pie Shake
Crafting the perfect banana cream pie shake starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic, comforting flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
Bananas: The star of our show! Opt for slightly ripe bananas – those with a few brown spots are ideal. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more intense the banana flavor will be in your shake, reducing the need for additional sweeteners. You can use fresh or frozen; frozen bananas lend an extra thick, creamy texture, almost like soft-serve ice cream.
Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt: This provides the creamy base and a subtle tangy sweetness. Vanilla bean frozen yogurt is preferred for its rich vanilla flavor and refreshing quality, but you can also freeze your favorite regular yogurt for a similar effect. For a richer, sweeter shake, vanilla ice cream makes an excellent substitute.
Nutmeg: Just a dash of nutmeg adds a warm, cozy, and subtly spicy note that beautifully complements the banana and vanilla, echoing the spice often found in traditional baked goods. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in rounding out the flavor.
Vanilla: Whether you choose vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, this ingredient enhances the overall depth of flavor. Vanilla is a classic pairing with banana and contributes significantly to the “cream pie” essence.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is where the “pie crust” magic happens! Graham cracker crumbs add a delightful texture and an unmistakable flavor reminiscent of a classic pie crust. It brings a subtle crunch and a sweet, buttery note that makes the shake taste just like a slice of banana cream pie. You can use store-bought crumbs or crush whole graham crackers at home.
Whipped Cream: What’s a pie-inspired shake without a generous dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top? It adds an extra layer of creaminess and indulgence, completing the dessert experience.
How to Make the Best Banana Cream Pie Milkshake
Creating this delightful banana cream pie milkshake is incredibly simple. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly creamy and flavorful treat:
- **Blend Until Smooth:** In a sturdy blender, combine the frozen yogurt, sliced banana, a dash of nutmeg, and vanilla extract or paste. Blend on high speed until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no banana chunks remaining for the best texture. If the shake is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk (dairy or plant-based) to reach your desired consistency.
- **Fold in Graham Cracker Crumbs:** Once the shake is smooth, add the roughly chopped graham cracker cookies. Pulse the blender a few times or gently fold them in with a spoon. This ensures you retain delightful pockets of crunchy graham cracker in every sip, mimicking the pie crust. Avoid over-blending at this stage to keep the texture interesting.
**Optional Glass Rim:** For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, prepare your serving glasses. Dip the rim of each glass into a shallow dish of honey or corn syrup, then gently press the sticky rim into a plate of crushed graham crackers. This creates a beautiful and tasty garnish that enhances the “pie” experience.
- **Pour and Garnish:** Carefully pour the blended banana cream pie shake into your prepared glasses.
Top each shake generously with a swirl of whipped cream and a final dusting of crushed graham crackers or a small cookie for an inviting finish. Serve immediately and savor every delicious sip!
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Banana Cream Pie Shakes
Got questions about banana cream pie, milkshakes, or this specific recipe? We’ve got you covered!
What is banana cream pie made of? Banana Cream Pie is a beloved American dessert featuring a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Typically, it consists of a flaky homemade pie crust (or sometimes a graham cracker crust with melted butter), layers of freshly sliced bananas, a rich and creamy vanilla custard or pudding filling, and a generous topping of fresh whipped cream. Custard is often thicker and richer than standard pudding, giving the pie a luxurious mouthfeel.
What is a banana milkshake made of? A classic milkshake usually combines some form of ice cream and milk. A banana milkshake specifically uses bananas, ice cream (often vanilla), and milk. The beauty of milkshakes lies in their adaptability! You can easily customize them with various add-ins like chocolate for a chocolate banana milkshake, or peanut butter for a creamy, nutty twist. Some recipes might even incorporate banana cream pie flavoring to enhance the taste.
How do you keep banana cream pie from getting watery? To prevent a banana cream pie from becoming watery or runny, the key is to ensure your custard filling is cooked for an ample amount of time until it reaches the correct thickness. A useful tip to check if your custard is ready is to dip the back of a spoon into the mixture, then run your finger down the middle. If the line remains clear and the custard doesn’t immediately flow back together, your filling is perfectly thickened and ready to use.
Is banana cream pie made of pudding? Yes, often! Many banana cream pie recipes utilize a pudding mixture for the filling. The pudding, or custard, needs to be thick enough to hold its shape when sliced, ensuring a clean and appealing presentation. While custard is traditionally richer and made with eggs, a good quality pudding can be an interchangeable and equally delicious option for the creamy filling.
Can I make this shake dairy-free or vegan? Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan. Simply substitute the frozen yogurt with a dairy-free frozen dessert (like almond milk or coconut milk-based vanilla frozen dessert) and use a plant-based whipped cream alternative. Ensure any graham crackers used are also vegan, as some brands contain honey.
What’s the best way to sweeten the shake if I want it sweeter? While ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, if you prefer an even sweeter shake, you can add a touch of honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a natural sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to taste. Add it in small increments while blending and taste test until it’s just right.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
This banana cream pie shake recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for numerous substitutions and creative twists to suit your taste and dietary preferences:
Bananas: Both fresh and frozen bananas work beautifully. If using fresh bananas, consider adding a few ice cubes to the blender for an extra icy, thicker texture, especially on a very hot day. For a more intense banana flavor, use very ripe, spotty bananas.
Frozen Yogurt: Vanilla ice cream is a fantastic substitute for a sweeter, richer shake. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other ice cream flavors like peanut butter, chocolate, or strawberry to add an exciting “pizazz” to your shake. For a healthier, less sweet option, plain Greek yogurt can be used (though it will alter the creaminess slightly).
Nutmeg: If you’re out of nutmeg, cinnamon is a natural and delightful substitute, offering a similar warm, comforting spice profile. A blend of both can also be wonderful.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Unleash your creativity with the “crust” component! Vanilla wafers, Nutter Butters, Oreos, or even granola can all make excellent and delicious alternatives, each adding a unique flavor and texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies.
Milk (if needed): If your shake is too thick and needs a little thinning, add milk sparingly. Whole milk will yield the thickest and creamiest consistency, while nonfat milk can create a lower-fat version. Feel free to use any plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, for a dairy-free option.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Shake
Elevate your banana cream pie shake game with these helpful tips and tricks:
Saving Leftovers: Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them! Pour any remaining shake into an airtight container and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either eat it like a soft-serve ice cream or re-blend it with a splash of milk to bring it back to a drinkable shake consistency.
Utilize Ripe Bananas: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Don’t let them go to waste! You can easily peel and slice ripe bananas, then pop them into the freezer in an airtight bag. There’s no need to thaw them before using them in this shake; in fact, frozen bananas contribute to an even creamier, thicker texture. For detailed instructions, check out our post on How To Freeze Bananas.
Graham Cracker Prep: While you can purchase pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs at most markets, making your own is simple and allows for fresh flavor. Place whole graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or use a muddler in a small bowl. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces for varied texture.
Fun Presentation: For a visually appealing and extra tasty touch, don’t forget to rim your glasses with crushed graham crackers. A little honey or corn syrup on the rim acts as a perfect adhesive. This small detail truly makes the shake feel special and adds to the “pie” experience.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed this shake, you’ll love exploring more of our delightful frozen treats and beverages:
- Copy Cat Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard (pictured above)
- Banana Split Malt
- Purple Cow Smoothie
- Peppermint Milk Shake
- Mint Chip Milk Shake
- Oreo Milk Shake
Banana Cream Pie Shakes: The Full Recipe
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Print Recipe
Banana Cream Pie Shakes
10 mins
10 mins
Equipment
- Ice Cream Scoop with Comfortable Handle
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
Ingredients
- 1 slightly ripe banana
- about 3 cups Vanilla bean frozen yogurt
- dash of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup graham cracker cookies rough chopped
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Blend frozen yogurt, bananas, nutmeg and vanilla together until smooth. Fold in graham cookies.
- Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream and a cookie.
- For fun, crush some extra grahams and rim the glass with cracker crumbs.
Nutrition
Gather up your little ones and transform into the ultimate #1 parent by making these delightful banana cream pie milkshakes together. With this easy and utterly delicious dessert recipe, you’re guaranteed to have happy hearts and even happier tummies!
This recipe was originally posted on February 23, 2015, as a sponsored post on behalf of Hasbro Games. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on July 12, 2023.
My twins, taking a Trivial Pursuit break to enjoy a fun banana cream pie shake in 2015.