Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Are you looking for an easy and foolproof Banana Cream Pie Recipe?  Look no further than this amazing choice.  A classic but easy recipe will wow your guests while coming together in just minutes!

One of my favourite things about this banana cream pie recipe is how easy it is to throw together. I always have a couple of ready-made graham cracker crusts, cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and (unless the kids went crazy) bananas.  If you keep these on hand like I do, you'll be able to whip this up in no time at all!

An overhead view of a whole banana cream pie topped with dollops of whipped cream and banana slices.

This recipe is known by several names, each highlighting its appealing simplicity and taste. Whether it's called Banana Cream Pie, No-Bake Banana Pie, or Banana Pudding Pie, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.

The recipe also offers a variety of options for customization. You can choose to make it with a graham cracker crust or opt for a Nilla Wafer base. As for assembling the bananas and pudding, there are several methods: you can layer them, place the bananas directly on the crust followed by the pudding, or even mix the bananas into the pudding for a different experience.

My personal favourite is to start with a graham cracker crust, add a layer of bananas, and then top it off with the pudding mixture, creating a delightful balance of flavours and textures.

Looking for something a little more tropical? Try this easy no-bake Pineapple Pie! Or you can go classic with this No Bake Vanilla Pudding Pie.

Banana Cream Pie with Pudding

Bananas, a box of pudding mix, a tub of cool whip, and a premade graham cracker pie crust.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Pie Crust: Store-bought graham cracker crust is the easiest way to make this in a hurry, but I do share alternatives further down.
Banana Cream Pudding: I normally use a box of instant banana cream pudding mix for this, but you can use cook-and-serve pudding mix or whip up your favourite homemade recipe.
Milk: If you are using homemade banana pudding, omit the milk & follow your own recipe. If using instant pudding mix, I recommend cow's milk for the proper setting. Or you could use Cook & Serve pudding with plant-based milk.
Cool Whip: You'll need to thaw a tub of Cool Whip for this recipe. While I adore homemade whipped cream, it doesn't provide the same texture & is best used to decorate the top of your chilled pie.
Bananas: You'll want to use ripe but not overripe bananas for this recipe.

How to Make Banana Pudding Pie

A graham cracker crust with slices of banana lining the bottom.

To create your Banana Cream Pie, start by slicing two bananas. Lay these slices evenly across the bottom of your ready-made graham cracker pie crust, creating a full layer of banana.

A wire whisk in  pudding.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 and 3/4 cups of milk with the 3.4 oz box of Banana Cream Pudding mix. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes thick, which should take about 2 minutes. Achieving the right consistency is key for the pie's structure and creaminess.

A red spatula folding cool whip into pudding.

Once the pudding mixture has thickened, gently fold in 2/3 of the 8 oz Cool Whip. Folding, rather than stirring, helps maintain the light, airy texture of the whipped topping. This step integrates the smooth creaminess of the Cool Whip with the rich flavour of the banana pudding.

A red spatula smoothing the top of a banana cream pie.

Carefully pour this combined mixture into your pie crust, over the layer of sliced bananas. Spread it out evenly to ensure a uniform layer. Then, place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. Chilling helps the pie set, which is crucial for achieving the right texture and firmness.

After the pie has chilled, take the last banana and slice it. Remove the pie from the refrigerator and evenly spread the remaining whipped topping over the surface of the pie.

Finally, garnish the top of your pie with the freshly sliced banana. These not only add a decorative touch but also a burst of fresh banana flavour with each slice served. Now your Banana Cream Pie is ready to be enjoyed – a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavours in every slice.

Serving

Serving your Banana Cream Pie just right can make it even more special. First, it's a good idea to keep your pie in the fridge until you're almost ready to serve.

When you're ready to cut the pie, a sharp, thin knife or a special pie server works best to get neat slices. If you want to add a bit of extra yumminess, you could drizzle some caramel sauce over it. You could also sprinkle graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs on top for more texture.

A slice of banana cream pie on a plate.

Storage

This Banana Cream Pie can certainly be made in advance, which is one of its great conveniences. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, retaining its flavour and texture. This makes it perfect for preparing a day before events like holiday gatherings or summer parties, allowing you more time to focus on other preparations or simply to relax and enjoy.

Just ensure that the pie is covered and stored in the refrigerator. Preparing it ahead of time not only eases your workload on the day of the event but also allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, resulting in a delightful dessert that's ready to impress your guests.

Have leftovers? Just make sure to keep covered and consume within 4 days of preparing!

Freezer Friendly?

This Banana Cream Pie is freezer-friendly and can be a delightful treat, especially during the warmer months. When frozen, the pie takes on an ice cream pie-like texture, making it a unique and refreshing dessert option.

Before slicing, it's a good idea to let the pie sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This slight thawing makes it easier to cut through the pie without too much effort.

Serving it frozen adds a fun twist to the dessert, perfect for those hot summer days when a cool, sweet treat is most appreciated.

A slice of banana pudding pie on a plate.

Pro Tips

Want those perfect, clean slices? Getting clean slices when serving your Banana Cream Pie is all about the right technique and a bit of preparation. Here are some tips to help you achieve those picture-perfect slices:

  • Chill the Pie Well: Make sure your pie is thoroughly chilled before you attempt to slice it. A well-chilled pie holds its shape better, making slicing easier.
  • Use a Sharp, Thin Knife: A sharp, thin-bladed knife is ideal for slicing cream pies. The sharper the knife, the cleaner the cut.
  • Dip the Knife in Hot Water: Before slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry. This warms the blade slightly, allowing it to glide through the pie more smoothly.
  • Clean the Knife Between Slices: After each cut, wipe the knife clean or dip it again in hot water. This prevents buildup on the blade and ensures each slice is as clean as the first.
  • Cut with Care: Gently saw the knife through the pie, being cautious not to press down too hard, which can cause the layers to compress or the crust to crumble.
  • Serve Immediately After Slicing: Once sliced, serve the pieces immediately to maintain their shape and prevent the filling from oozing out.

Can I make my own graham cracker crust?

Certainly! You can make your own crust for the Banana Cream Pie, and it's a great way to add a personal touch. A homemade graham cracker crust is a classic choice, easily made with crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a bit of sugar. For an interesting twist, you can also opt for a Nilla Wafer crust, which pairs beautifully with the banana flavour.

Both options are simple to prepare and bake, offering a deliciously crisp and flavorful base that elevates the overall taste of your pie. Whether you choose graham crackers or Nilla Wafers, making your own crust is a satisfying step towards a truly homemade dessert.

Banana Creme Pie

Banana Cream Pie Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Author Savanah

Ingredients

  • Ready Made Graham Cracker Pie Crust
  • 1 box Banana Cream Pudding 3.4 oz
  • 1 3/4 cup Milk
  • 8 oz Cool Whip
  • 3 Bananas

Instructions

  • Slice 2 bananas and layer in the bottom of the crust.
  • Combine milk and pudding mix and whisk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
  • Fold in 2/3 of whipped topping.
  • Transfer to pie crust and chill for at least one hour.
  • Slice last banana.
  • Top with remain whipped topping and garnish with banana slices.
Share on Facebook Pin Recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @mwmodernmomma or tag #MWModernMommaRecipes
Whole banana cream pie with text overlay describing recipe.

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *