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National Banana Cream Pie Day

Food · March 2

A day for banana cream pie, the chilled dessert of sliced bananas, vanilla custard and whipped cream in a flaky or crumb crust.

National Banana Cream Pie Day falls on Tuesday, March 2, 2027. That is 126 days away.

Banana cream pie is built in layers. A baked crust goes on the bottom, sliced bananas come next, then a thick vanilla custard, and whipped cream goes on top. It is served cold, and the best slices hold their shape just long enough to reach the plate.

The crust is where cooks disagree. Some use a classic flaky pastry shell, baked empty before filling. Others press in crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with butter, which gives a sweeter, crumbly base. Both work. The custard is usually made on the stovetop from milk, sugar, egg yolks and cornstarch, cooked until it thickens and bubbles, then cooled before it meets the bananas.

Bananas are the tricky part. Once cut, they start to brown, so the pie is best eaten within a day or so of making it. Some bakers tuck the slices fully under the custard to keep air away from them. Ripe bananas with a few freckles give the most flavor without turning mushy.

Most people mark the day with a slice, either from a diner or bakery case or from their own refrigerator. Homemade versions need a few hours to chill and set, so starting in the morning helps. Leftovers belong in the fridge, covered, since a cream pie should not sit out at room temperature for long.

A well-set slice shows clean stripes of crust, fruit, custard and cream along its cut side.

Ways to celebrate

• Bake a banana cream pie with a vanilla wafer crust.
• Order a slice at a local diner or bakery.
• Compare a pastry crust and a graham cracker crust side by side.
• Share a slice with a neighbor or coworker.
• Try piping the whipped cream for a tidy finish.

Dates

All national days on March 2

Also on March 2

• Read Across America Day
• Old Stuff Day
• National Sportsmanship Day

Categories: Food days