Banana cream pie—a quintessential American dessert that melds the creamy richness of custard with the delightful sweetness of fresh bananas and a flaky crust—has garnered a devoted following. While its presence is celebrated at various establishments, few cities embrace this indulgent treat like New York. The pies range from traditional renditions to avant-garde interpretations, presenting a delightful journey of flavors. This list endeavors to navigate through 10 exceptional locales in New York where you can satiate your banana cream pie cravings. Each recommendation includes the essential details to make your culinary excursion seamless and satisfying.
1. Five Leaves
Address: 18 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: (718) 383-5345
Website: fiveleaves.com
Nestled in the heart of Greenpoint, Five Leaves is not just a charming eatery; it’s a paradigm of innovative cuisine. Their banana cream pie dazzles with layers of velvety custard enveloping tender banana slices, all housed within a beautifully baked crust. Expect a slight twist with hints of nutmeg that redefine the classic flavor profile.
2. Magnolia Bakery
Address: 401 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 462-2572
Website: magnoliabakery.com
Famed for its quintessential American desserts, Magnolia Bakery’s banana cream pie is a crowd favorite. The nostalgia-inducing combination of fresh bananas and creamy filling is topped with an airy meringue that provides a visually stunning contrast. Each slice feels like a warm embrace of comfort.
3. Milk Bar
Address: 251 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (646) 214-1010
Website: milkbarstore.com
At Milk Bar, the banana cream pie embodies a whimsical twist. Chris Cracchiolo’s interpretation features a unique oat crust and is replete with banana “cereal,” ensuring every bite surprises the taste buds. This avant-garde approach challenges conventional dessert expectations while still honoring the essence of classic flavors.
4. The Pie Lady & Her Sons
Address: 331 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 780-9993
Website: pieladyandhersons.com
A charming establishment known for handmade desserts, The Pie Lady & Her Sons serves a banana cream pie that is crafted meticulously. With a buttery crust and a custard that melds perfectly with the fruit, it’s a locale that emphasizes quality ingredients while cherishing time-honored baking techniques.
5. Balthazar Bakery
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-1414
Website: balthazarny.com
Balthazar Bakery brings a French flair to the classic banana cream pie. Its pastry chefs incorporate rich vanilla bean custard that adds depth to the flavor. Topped with a luminous layer of whipped cream, this rendition is visually arresting and promises to transport you to a Parisian bistro with each decadent bite.
6. Sweet Lady Jane
Address: 398 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 575-6260
Website: sweetladyjane.com
Sweet Lady Jane specializes in artisan pies, with their banana cream pie standing as a beacon of quality and taste. Combining layers of fresh bananas, house-made vanilla custard, and a graham cracker crust, it’s a multi-textured experience that is both summery and refreshing, perfect for indulgence.
7. Junior’s Restaurant
Address: 386 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Contact: (718) 840-2000
Website: juniorschwartz.com
Junior’s is often heralded for its cheesecakes, but their banana cream pie is equally remarkable. Packed with ripe bananas and a thick layer of traditional cream topping, this slice of pie is a testament to classic New York-style desserts that echo familiarity and comfort in each bite.
8. Blue Sky Bakery
Address: 131 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 623-4536
Website: blueskybakery.com
Blue Sky Bakery takes pride in promoting sustainable practices while excellent flavor leads the way. Their banana cream pie is organic and uses locally sourced bananas, fostering not only a delicious experience but also a responsibility toward environmental stewardship. Each slice here is guilt-free indulgence.
9. The Little Pie Company
Address: 424 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Contact: (212) 736-4780
Website: littlepiecompany.com
The Little Pie Company offers a slice of home-baked nostalgia with their banana cream pie. Renowned for its wholesomeness, it features a light crust and creamy filling reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen. This pie invites nostalgia, making it a perfect treat for reminiscing while enjoying a slice.
10. Pies ‘n’ Thighs
Address: 166 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 388-5030
Website: piesnthighs.com
Famed for its southern comfort food, Pies ‘n’ Thighs also boasts an exceptional banana cream pie that redefines comfort. With its unwaveringly smooth filling and expertly textured crust, this pie is a manifestation of the culinary charm that brings together diverse influences from the southern United States to New York City.
In the vast culinary landscape of New York, banana cream pie serves as not just a simple dessert, but rather a symbol of creativity and tradition interwoven. Each establishment highlighted offers its unique interpretation, promising not only to satiate your cravings but to invigorate your taste buds in ways you may not have imagined. Embark on this sweet journey, and explore these neighborhood gems that dedicate themselves to perfecting the art of banana cream pie. Each bite may just shift your perspective on this classic dessert, revealing flavors you have never before experienced.
