Cream pies are a delightful dessert that combines a flaky crust with smooth, velvety fillings. From classic favorites like banana cream and chocolate cream to unique options such as butterscotch and raspberry, these pies offer something for every palate.
Whether you’re craving the tropical flavors of coconut cream pie or the citrusy tang of lemon meringue, this collection features the most delicious cream pie recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends.
1. French Silk Pie
French Silk Pie is a classic dessert featuring a silky smooth chocolate mousse filling in a flaky pie crust. This rich treat uses eggs, cream, chocolate, sugar, and butter.
You’ll find the texture wonderfully creamy and decadent. The filling has an airy consistency that melts in your mouth with each bite.
Top each slice with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings for the best presentation. The contrast between the light topping and dense chocolate filling creates a perfect balance.
This pie requires no baking after you prepare the crust, making it a convenient option for special occasions.
2. Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pie features a luscious, creamy coconut filling nestled in a crispy pie crust. Clouds of whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes sit on top.
The filling is rich with coconut flavor but not overly sweet. Use coconut milk and flaked coconut to ensure a robust taste throughout each bite.
Making this pie at home is easier than you might think. Most recipes use pudding as a base for the filling, creating that perfectly smooth texture everyone loves.
Chill your coconut cream pie thoroughly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the filling to set properly.
3. Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie is a classic dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a silky smooth filling. This indulgent treat sits in a flaky pie crust and is often topped with whipped cream.
Cook chocolate with sweetened condensed milk until thick and fudgy to make the filling. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Use quality chocolate for the best results. Dark or semi-sweet varieties provide a deeper flavor, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter pie.
Let your pie chill thoroughly before serving. This helps the filling set properly and enhances the creamy texture.
4. Banana Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie is a classic dessert that combines sweet bananas with creamy custard in a flaky crust. Use fresh bananas and homemade vanilla custard for the best flavor.
For a quick version, instant pudding works well too. Layer sliced bananas with the custard for maximum banana flavor.
Some recipes feature special crusts like peanut butter cookie or graham cracker that complement the banana flavor. Top your pie with whipped cream, chocolate curls, or toasted coconut for an impressive finish.
This pie makes a perfect summer dessert when you want something cool and creamy.
5. Eggnog Pie
Eggnog Pie is a festive no-bake dessert that captures the classic holiday flavor. This creamy treat features a smooth eggnog filling in a graham cracker crust.
Blend real eggnog with ingredients like cream cheese or cookie butter for a rich texture. Most recipes require no baking, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
Top your eggnog pie with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for the finishing touch. Prepare this pie a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop overnight in the refrigerator.
6. Banoffee Pie
Banoffee pie is a British dessert with a perfect blend of flavors. It combines a buttery biscuit or graham cracker crust with gooey dulce de leche (toffee), fresh banana slices, and whipped cream.
This no-bake treat is surprisingly easy to make but looks impressive. The name “banoffee” comes from combining “banana” and “toffee,” the main flavor components.
Elevate your banoffee pie with variations like coffee-flavored whipped cream or a chocolate mousse layer. Some recipes also include chopped nuts or chocolate shavings as a garnish.
Serve this crowd-pleasing dessert at dinner parties or special occasions.
7. Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter pie is a creamy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. The rich peanut butter flavor blends with cream cheese for an irresistible filling.
Most recipes feature a graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust that complements the smooth filling. You don’t need to turn on your oven for this pie.
For extra decadence, try a version with a chocolate layer or chocolate drizzle on top. Some recipes recommend freezing the pie for a refreshing summer treat.
This crowd-pleaser combines familiar flavors that both kids and adults enjoy. Keep this easy dessert in mind for your next potluck or family gathering.
8. Key Lime Cream Pie
Key Lime Cream Pie offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This refreshing dessert features a creamy, fluffy filling that’s light and airy.
Most recipes use sweetened condensed milk as the base, combined with fresh lime juice and zest for that distinctive citrus punch. Greek yogurt can add extra creaminess while keeping the texture light.
The pie typically sits on a graham cracker crust, sometimes with a hint of salt to enhance the flavor contrast. You can make this as a no-bake option for hot summer days.
Top with whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
9. Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
Cherry Cream Cheese Pie combines rich cream cheese with sweet cherries for a delightful dessert. This pie often requires minimal baking or can be completely no-bake.
Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, then mix in sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla to make the filling. Some recipes use whipped cream or whipped topping instead of condensed milk for a lighter texture.
Pour the cream cheese mixture into a graham cracker crust and chill until set. Top with cherry pie filling before serving.
This pie works well for holidays or summer gatherings. Prepare it ahead of time for a stress-free dessert option.
10. Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato Pie
This indulgent pie combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate for a dessert that coffee lovers will adore. The creamy filling features dark chocolate and coffee blended with cream cheese for a smooth texture.
Beat cream cheese until creamy, then gradually mix in melted dark chocolate and coffee. Fold in whipped topping to create a light, airy filling.
Caramel syrup drizzled throughout gives the pie its signature caramel macchiato flavor. A chocolate cookie crust provides the perfect crunchy base.
Top with additional whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for an impressive dessert.
11. Old-Fashioned Cream Pie
This classic cream pie brings back memories of simpler times. Made with basic ingredients, it features a silky smooth filling that’s both rich and comforting.
Combine sugar, flour, whipping cream, and half-and-half for the traditional recipe. Some versions include egg whites beaten to stiff peaks for extra lightness.
Use an unbaked 9-inch pie crust as the base for this dessert. The filling has a custard-like consistency without using eggs in some variations.
When baked properly, you’ll enjoy a creamy, delicious pie that has remained a family favorite for generations. Its simple flavor profile makes it perfect for any occasion.
12. Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon meringue pie combines a tart lemon custard with fluffy sweet meringue on top. The contrast between the tangy filling and sweet topping creates a delightful flavor balance.
Make the filling with lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. This creates a silky, citrusy custard that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Whip the leftover egg whites with sugar until they form stiff, glossy peaks for the meringue topping. When baked, it creates a beautiful cloud-like topping with a lightly toasted exterior.
Use a refrigerated pie crust to save time. This dessert is perfect for spring gatherings or whenever you crave something bright and zesty.
13. Chess Pie
Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its sweet and rich flavor. This custard-based pie features a simple mix of sugar, eggs, and butter.
Cornmeal and vinegar make Chess Pie unique. The cornmeal gives it a slightly gritty texture, while the vinegar balances the sweetness.
The pie bakes to a golden brown with a crackly top and a gooey center. Some versions include chocolate for a more decadent treat.
You can easily make this pie with pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for holidays or Sunday dinner.
14. Possum Pie
Possum Pie is an Arkansas classic that will surprise your taste buds with its hidden layers. No, it doesn’t contain any actual possum!
A pecan shortbread crust adds a nutty foundation. The first layer is a sweet cream cheese filling, followed by a rich chocolate pudding layer.
Whipped cream covers the top, hiding all the goodness beneath—hence the name “possum” pie, as it’s “playing possum” with its contents.
You’ll only discover the delicious layers once you cut into it. This no-bake option is perfect for summer gatherings.
15. No-Bake Eggnog Pie
This creamy, festive dessert captures the flavor of eggnog in a delicious pie that doesn’t need baking. The smooth filling combines real eggnog with ingredients like cookie butter and whipped cream.
The mixture sits in a simple graham cracker crust, creating the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Serve it frozen like ice cream or softened as a cream pie.
It’s quick to make and perfect for holiday gatherings when your oven is busy with other dishes. The rich eggnog spices give it that classic winter flavor.
Your guests will appreciate this slice of holiday cheer that comes together in just minutes.
16. Vanilla Custard Cream Pie
Vanilla Custard Cream Pie combines a flaky butter crust with a silky custard filling. This classic dessert delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients you likely have at home.
Blend eggs, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla to create a smooth, sweet custard. When baked properly, it sets to a perfect consistency—firm enough to slice but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Top your pie with a cloud of fresh whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch. Chill the pie thoroughly before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set completely.
17. Oreo Crust Chocolate Cream Pie
Oreo Crust Chocolate Cream Pie combines a buttery cookie base with rich chocolate filling. Crush about 25 Oreos into crumbs, then mix them with melted butter and a pinch of salt to make the crust.
The star of this dessert is the silky-smooth chocolate pudding filling. Make this thick and creamy chocolate layer from scratch and spread it over the crunchy Oreo foundation.
Top your pie with fresh whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch. Add simple chocolate curls as garnish for extra chocolate flavor.
This dessert is easy to make and looks impressive. Chocolate lovers will enjoy this decadent treat.
18. Pumpkin Cream Pie
Pumpkin cream pie offers a lighter, fluffier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie. The smooth, creamy filling blends pumpkin puree with pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice.
Make this dessert ahead of time, as it needs at least 4 hours in the freezer to set properly. Some recipes use a gingersnap crust for a spicy contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling.
Top your pie with maple whipped cream for an extra special touch. This pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice flavors.
Many versions add a layer of cream cheese mousse between the pumpkin filling and whipped topping. This creates a delightful triple-layer effect.
19. Tomato Cream Pie
Tomato Cream Pie brings together savory and creamy elements for a unique twist on traditional cream pies. This version features fresh garden tomatoes as the main ingredient.
Layer juicy, ripe sliced tomatoes and sprinkle them with fresh basil. Hold the layers together with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and shredded cheese for a luscious texture.
For a gourmet variation, use a bechamel sauce base. Add thinly sliced bologna or mortadella for extra flavor.
Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and Parmesan cheese for a distinctive savory pie.
20. Pecan Cream Pie
Pecan Cream Pie offers a twist on the traditional pecan pie recipe. Instead of a syrupy filling, this version features a creamy, luxurious texture that complements the crunchy pecans.
Combine cream cheese, maple syrup, and whipped cream to create the signature silky filling. Many recipes require no baking for the filling, making this an easy dessert you can prepare in under 10 minutes.
The buttery, flaky crust forms the perfect foundation for the nutty, sweet flavors. Top with pecan halves for an elegant presentation to impress your guests.
21. Strawberry Cream Pie
Strawberry Cream Pie combines fresh berries with a creamy filling for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The base typically features a buttery graham cracker crust that contrasts with the smooth filling.
Blend cream cheese and whipped cream to create a mousse-like filling that’s light yet satisfying. Fresh strawberries shine in this pie, either mixed into the filling or beautifully arranged on top.
Some versions add a jammy strawberry topping for extra fruit flavor. Drizzle chocolate over the strawberries for an elegant finishing touch.
This no-bake dessert is ideal for summer gatherings when strawberries are at their peak.
Essential Ingredients For Cream Pies
A perfect cream pie starts with quality ingredients that create a smooth, luscious texture and balanced flavor. The right crust provides structure, while the creamy filling delivers the signature silky consistency.
Choosing The Right Crust
The foundation of any great cream pie begins with the crust. Traditional graham cracker crusts offer a sweet, slightly crunchy base that pairs beautifully with creamy fillings.
For a classic approach, use a standard pastry crust made with butter for flakiness. Pre-bake your crust (blind baking) to prevent sogginess.
Line your crust with parchment and pie weights, then bake at 375°F until golden. For chocolate cream pies, use an Oreo cookie crust.
Nut crusts made from finely ground pecans or almonds work wonderfully with coconut or banana fillings. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch for the right balance of structure and texture.
Best Cream Fillings And Flavor Combinations
The star of any cream pie is its silky filling. Start with quality dairy—heavy whipping cream (at least 36% fat) ensures the richest texture.
Half-and-half creates a lighter but still velvety consistency. Basic cream fillings typically contain egg yolks for richness and thickening, sugar for sweetness, flour or cornstarch as thickeners, and vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
Popular flavor combinations include chocolate cream with espresso powder, banana slices with vanilla pastry cream, coconut cream with a hint of rum extract, and lemon curd layered with whipped cream.
Cook your filling until it thickly coats the back of a spoon. Cool completely before pouring into your prepared crust to prevent condensation.
Tips For Perfecting Cream Pie Recipes
Creating the perfect cream pie requires attention to detail in both preparation and storage. Use these simple techniques to achieve silky-smooth fillings and a picture-perfect presentation.
Achieving The Ideal Texture
Cook custards and cream fillings over medium-low heat. High heat can cause curdling or lumps in your filling.
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent scorching. Use a reliable instant-read thermometer to check custards.
Most cream fillings should reach 170-175°F for proper thickening while remaining creamy. Strain your filling through a fine-mesh sieve before cooling to remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg.
Cool fillings completely before adding them to your crust. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface while cooling to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping cream. This helps you achieve stiffer peaks and better stability.
Storing And Serving Suggestions
Refrigerate cream pies promptly after assembly. Chill most cream pies for at least 4 hours before serving to fully set.
Store leftover cream pies covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Most varieties stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Avoid storing cream pies in the freezer. Freezing and thawing custard fillings breaks down their texture, making them watery or grainy.
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean slices. This creates beautiful, presentation-worthy slices.
Serve cream pies slightly chilled but not ice-cold. Remove them from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
