This recipe makes the creamiest, dreamiest Banana Pudding Pie that will have you drooling from the moment you start making it until the very last bite. With a fluffy pudding filling, infused with delicious banana flavor and a homemade, golden brown graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Homemade Banana Pudding Pie
If you’re a fan of banana pudding but looking for a fun new way to enjoy this Southern classic dessert, this easy banana pudding pie recipe is just what you need! It features a crunchy graham cracker crust and a creamy banana, and vanilla pudding filling. It’s topped with ripe bananas, Nilla wafer cookies, and a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that’s both light and delightfully indulgent.
The best part is, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. And because it’s served in pie form, it’s the perfect dessert whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share at a potluck or a simple dessert to enjoy on a lazy afternoon.
If you’re a huge fan of all things banana, be sure to check out this yummy No Bake Banana Split Fluff and this Easy Banana Poke Cake.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: One of the biggest benefits is that the only cooking you have to do is for making the simple crust. You don’t have to spend time cooking or cooling a custard filling.
- Creamy and delicious: The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy crust makes for a delicious and satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
- Perfect for parties: This banana pudding pie is the perfect dessert to bring to a party or potluck because it’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham cracker – you can buy the crumbs already ground or pulse whole graham crackers in a food processor until they form a fine crumb.
- Granulated sugar – gives the crust subtle sweetness
- Ground cinnamon – adds warmth to the cool flavors
- Kosher salt – balances out the flavors in the crust
- Butter – (melted) binds the crumbs together to make the crust.
For the No Bake Banana Pudding Pie Filling
- Instant banana pudding – gives the pie classic banana flavors
- Instant vanilla pudding – this gives the pie a delicious vanilla flavor.
- Half and half – pudding is typically made with whole milk, using half-and-half makes for a richer, thicker pie filling. You can use also use heavy cream for even more richness.
- Cool whip – thawed
- Pure vanilla extract – you can also use banana extract for more banana flavor.
- Optional garnishes – whipped Cream, fresh banana slices, and vanilla wafers,
How to Make This Delicious Banana Pudding Pie Recipe
Step One: Mix Crust Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9” pie pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs or store-bought crumbs.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a medium bowl and stir to combine.
- Next add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step Two: Bake the Crust
- Transfer the graham cracker mixture to the prepared pie pan, pressing it firmly into an even layer
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step Three: Mix the Pudding Mixes
- Add the vanilla and banana instant pudding mix and half-and-half to a large bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer (or the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment) for 2 minutes.
Step Four: Add the Whipped Cream
- Next add the cool whip and vanilla extract. Gently fold the cool whip into the pudding mixture.
- Spread the creamy pudding filling on top of the crust.
Step Five: Chill, Garnish and Serve
- Place the pie in the fridge until it has fully set.
- Garnish the top of the pie with sliced banana and vanilla wafer cookies. Slice and enjoy.
- (Optional) To decorate your homemade pie, you can always top it with fresh whipped topping or a homemade toasted meringue.
Classic Banana Pudding Pie Variations
- Shortcut crust: Thought the crust recipe is super simple, you can always use store-bought graham cracker crust.
- Chocolate chips: Add in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings to the pudding.
- Nilla wafer crust: You can substitute Nilla wafers for the graham crackers for the crust for a sweeter option.
- Peanut butter: Banana and peanut butter go hand in hand, Mix in a spoonful of peanut butter to the pudding mixture for nutty addition.
- Caramel sauce: For extra decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the pie.
- Coconut flakes: For a tropical twist, use toasted shredded coconut on top of the pie.
- Whipped cream: We used cool whip but you can always make homemade whipped cream.
- Chocolate graham cracker crust: You can use chocolate graham cracker crumbs to make the crust
- Pretzels: Crushed pretzels instead of graham crackers will give the pie a sweet and salty combination of flavors.
- Nutella: Swirl in some Nutella to the pudding mixture for a deliciously nutty and chocolatey pie filling.
How Long Does This Pie Need to Set Before Serving?
This instant banana pudding pie needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, but it’s best to let it set overnight to ensure that it’s fully set, and the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Make sure it’s covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container.
How Long Does Banana Pudding Pie Last in the Fridge?
As long as it’s kept covered, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Keep in mind, if you have garnished it with fresh bananas, they will begin to turn brown after the first day.
More Easy Desserts
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Apple Dump Cake
- Cherry Cheesecake
- Blueberry Heaven on Earth Cake
- Peanut Butter Pie
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Dessert
Banana Pudding Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
For the Pie:
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding 1 box
- 3.4 ounces instant banana pudding 1 box
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- whipped cream
- sliced banana optional, for garnish
- 8 Nilla Wafers optional, for garnish
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9” pie pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a medium bowl and stir to combine.
- Next add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Transfer the graham cracker mixture to the prepared pie dish and press it into an even, compact, ¼” thick layer on the bottom and sides.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
For the Pie:
- Add the vanilla pudding, banana pudding, and half-and half to a large bowl. Beat with a handheld mixer (or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment) for 2 minutes.
- Next add the whipped topping and vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding.
- Spread the filling into the cooled crust. Place the pie in the fridge for 4 hours, or until firm and fully set.
- Garnish with sliced banana and nilla wafers. Slice and enjoy.
Nutrition
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