A soft, swirled dessert bread that blends babka and banana cream pie
If you love rich bakery-style breads and classic comfort desserts, this Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist is going to feel like it was made just for you. It combines the buttery, braided beauty of traditional babka with the creamy, nostalgic flavor of banana cream pie. The result is a tender loaf with golden swirls, a smooth banana custard filling, and a light vanilla glaze that melts into every bite.
This Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist recipe is perfect when you want something that looks impressive but still feels warm and homemade. It works beautifully as a weekend baking project, a special breakfast treat, or a dessert that truly stands out on the table. Every slice delivers soft bread, gentle sweetness, and that unmistakable banana cream flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
What is Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist?
The Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist is a creative hybrid dessert. On one side, you have babka, a rich yeast bread known for its dramatic twists and swirls. On the other side, you have banana cream pie, famous for its silky custard, mellow banana flavor, and comforting sweetness. When these two come together, the result is something truly special.
Instead of chocolate or cinnamon fillings found in classic babka, this recipe uses a thick banana cream custard. The dough is rolled out, spread with the banana filling, gently twisted, and baked until soft inside with a lightly golden crust. A simple vanilla glaze finishes the loaf and adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.
This Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist is not overly sweet, not heavy, and not complicated. It is balanced, flavorful, and designed to feel bakery-quality while still being achievable at home.
The origin of babka and banana cream inspiration
Babka has its roots in Eastern European Jewish baking traditions. Originally, it was a simple bread made by twisting leftover dough with sweet fillings like cinnamon or jam. Over time, babka evolved into a rich, indulgent loaf, especially popular in bakeries where chocolate babka became a star.
Banana cream pie, on the other hand, comes from classic American dessert culture. It became popular in the early 20th century when bananas became more widely available. The combination of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla became a timeless favorite.
This recipe brings these two traditions together. The structure and technique come from old-world babka baking, while the flavor profile is inspired by the comforting, familiar taste of banana cream pie. This fusion creates a modern recipe that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time.
Ingredients with quantity for Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist
For the dough
You will need 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup warm whole milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs. These ingredients work together to create a soft, elastic dough that rises beautifully and bakes into a tender loaf.
For the banana cream pie filling
For the filling, prepare 2 ripe bananas that are mashed until smooth, ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. This mixture forms the heart of the Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist, delivering creamy texture and natural banana sweetness.
Optional swirl additions
If you want deeper flavor, use 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. These additions enhance the aroma and give the swirls more contrast without overpowering the banana cream.
For the glaze
To finish the loaf, you will need ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. This glaze adds a light sweetness and makes the finished babka look bakery-perfect.
Step-by-step preparation method
Making the dough for Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist
Start by combining warm milk, active dry yeast, and one teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about five to ten minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to work.
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture, then gradually combine everything with the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for eight to ten minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for one to one and a half hours. The dough should double in size, becoming airy and easy to shape. This slow rise is key to achieving a light and tender Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist.
Preparing the banana cream pie filling
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. The filling should be creamy, fragrant, and thick enough to spread without running. Allow it to cool completely before using it in the babka. Cooling is important so the dough remains easy to handle during assembly.
Assembling the Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle approximately twelve by eighteen inches. Spread the cooled banana cream filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. If you are using cinnamon and brown sugar, sprinkle them evenly over the filling.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log lengthwise down the center to expose the layers. Twist the two strands together gently, keeping the cut sides facing upward so the filling remains visible.
Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it, and let it rise again for thirty to forty-five minutes. This second rise helps the Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist bake evenly and develop its signature soft texture.
Baking and glazing the babka
Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C. Bake the babka for thirty-five to forty minutes until the top is golden and the loaf is cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Once baked, remove the babka from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm loaf, letting it settle into the twists and cracks. This final touch completes the Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist both visually and in flavor.
Variations to customize your Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. For extra banana flavor, add thin banana slices over the custard before rolling the dough. For a richer dessert-style babka, swirl in chocolate chips along with the banana cream.
You can also turn this recipe into mini babkas by dividing the dough and baking in a muffin tin. Each portion becomes an individual Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist, perfect for serving guests. Another option is making it ahead by freezing the shaped loaf before the second rise and baking it fresh when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the babka the next day. This makes the process easier and still delivers excellent results.
How do I store Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist?
Store the baked loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Warm slices slightly before serving for the best texture.
Can I use overripe bananas?
Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe. They add natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor to the banana cream filling.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes. While it looks impressive, the steps are straightforward. As long as you follow the instructions carefully, this Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist is very achievable even for home bakers.
Conclusion
The Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist is more than just a recipe. It is a celebration of texture, flavor, and creativity in baking. The soft, pillowy dough paired with creamy banana custard creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. Each slice offers beautiful swirls, balanced sweetness, and a flavor that feels both familiar and exciting.
Whether you bake it for family, friends, or simply for yourself, this recipe stands out as a truly special loaf. It brings together tradition and innovation in a way that feels natural and satisfying. Once you try it, it is likely to become a favorite in your kitchen, one that you return to whenever you want something homemade, impressive, and deeply delicious.
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Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Banana Cream Pie Babka Twist is a creative hybrid dessert. On one side, you have babka, a rich yeast bread known for its dramatic twists and swirls. On the other side, you have banana cream pie, famous for its silky custard, mellow banana flavor, and comforting sweetness. When these two come together, the result is something truly special.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ tsp salt
¾ cup whole milk, warm
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
For the Banana Cream Pie Filling
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional Swirl Additions
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
For the Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Add eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture, then mix into dry ingredients.
Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
2. Make the Banana Cream Filling
In a small saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in butter, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Cool completely.
3. Assemble the Babka
Roll dough into a rectangle (~12×18 inches).
Spread banana cream filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar if desired.
Roll tightly lengthwise into a log.
Slice in half lengthwise and twist the two strands together, keeping the cut side up.
Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes.
4. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake 35–40 minutes, tenting loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.
5. Glaze & Serve
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze.
Drizzle over warm babka and let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the babka with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving. You can also add banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~320 kcal
Keywords: banana cream babka, banana custard babka, banana babka recipe, banana cream bread twist, babka with banana filling
