Banana Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like pure comfort with every bite, thanks to its silky pudding filling and buttery vanilla wafer crust.
A creamy mix of instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and fresh banana slices creates that classic flavor we all love, with just the right balance of richness and lightness.
The Banana Cream Pie comes together quickly, chills beautifully, and always makes an impression. You can keep it simple or dress it up pretty with a few pretty whipped cream swirls.
Recipe Highlights
- Banana Cream Pie requires no baking
- Buttery vanilla wafer crust adds nostalgic flavor
- Easy filling made with instant pudding and whipped topping
- Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or anytime desserts
- Can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
VANILLA WAFERS – I use crushed Nilla wafers for the crust because they add that familiar, sweet vanilla flavor with a crumbly texture that holds up beautifully once chilled.
BUTTER – I use melted unsalted butter to bind the crust and help it set firmly without overwhelming the flavor of the wafers.
PUDDING MIX – This shortcut gives the filling a smooth, stable texture. Make sure to use instant vanilla pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, for the best results.
MILK – I use whole milk for a rich, creamy base that blends easily with the pudding mix.
VANILLA – Just a splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and complements the banana without overpowering the filling.
WHIPPED TOPPING – I use thawed whipped topping to lighten the pudding, making it fluffy and easy to spread. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
BANANAS – Slice ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture. Too ripe, and they’ll turn mushy; too green, and they won’t taste sweet enough.
STABILIZED WHIPPED CREAM – For decorating, I use heavy cream whipped with pudding mix and powdered sugar. It holds its shape well and pipes beautifully.
How To Make Banana Cream Pie
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Combine crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter and press into a pie dish.
- Whisk pudding mix with milk for 2 minutes and refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Slice bananas while pudding sets.
- Fold whipped topping into pudding.
- Spread half into the crust, layer with bananas, then top with remaining pudding.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours. Add toppings and serve cold.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A pie container or loosely tented foil works well.
FREEZE – This pie doesn’t freeze well once assembled. The texture of the bananas and pudding tends to change after thawing.
REHEAT – This is a chilled dessert, so it should be served cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving if it’s very firm.
MAKE AHEAD – You can make the crust and filling a day in advance. Hold off on toppings until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
More No-Bake Pie Recipe Ideas
Serving Suggestions
STABILIZED WHIPPED CREAM – Pipe it onto the pie just before serving for a classic finish that holds its shape and adds a creamy, decorative layer.
CRUSHED VANILLA WAFERS – A light sprinkle over the top gives extra crunch and reinforces the flavor of the crust. It also hides any imperfections in the filling.
TOASTED COCONUT – Adds a light, nutty contrast that plays beautifully with the banana flavor. Sprinkle lightly so it complements without taking over.
CARAMEL SAUCE OR DULCE DE LECHE – Drizzle just before serving for an extra layer of richness. A little goes a long way, and it gives the pie a bakery-style finish.
Recipe Success Tips
USE INSTANT PUDDING – Be sure to grab instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve kind. Instant pudding thickens without heat, which is key for a no-bake pie like this.
🍰 SLICE BANANAS JUST BEFORE ASSEMBLING – Slice your bananas right before layering them into the pie so they stay fresh and don’t darken while you prep.
CHILL FOR AT LEAST 4 HOURS – Give the pie plenty of time to set in the fridge. It needs those hours to firm up so the filling slices cleanly and holds together.
🍋 TOSS DECORATIVE BANANAS IN LEMON JUICE – A quick toss in lemon juice keeps the banana slices on top from browning too quickly. Just pat them dry before placing them on the pie.
WAIT TO ADD WHIPPED CREAM – Add your whipped cream swirls or piped toppings after the pie is fully chilled. It helps them keep their shape and makes the pie look freshly finished.
Expert Tip – If you’re swapping in stabilized whipped cream for the whipped topping, mix it up first and chill it for 15 minutes before folding it into the pudding. This extra step helps it blend smoothly and stay firm without deflating the filling.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use Banana Pudding Instead Of Vanilla?
Yes, banana pudding works well and will give the pie an extra banana flavor. It’s a great option if you want a deeper banana taste throughout the filling.
What Type Of Bananas Should I Use?
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. They should have a few brown specks but not be too soft or mushy.
Can I Make Banana Cream Pie Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this pie is a great make-ahead dessert. Just wait to add any decorative toppings until right before serving.
What Can I Use Instead Of Nilla Wafers?
You can use graham crackers or shortbread cookies. Just pulse them into crumbs and use the same amount of butter.
How Do I Keep The Bananas From Browning?
For the banana layer inside the pie, the pudding helps preserve them. For bananas on top, toss slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pie.
Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 60 vanilla wafers processed into crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter unsalted, melted
For the Filling
- 1 3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 1-2 large bananas sliced
Optional – for decorating with Stabilized Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the crust to the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes until smooth. Refrigerate the mixture for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken. While the pudding sets, slice the bananas into even rounds.
- Once the pudding has thickened, gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Pour half of the pudding mixture into the prepared crust and smooth it into an even layer. Arrange a single layer of banana slices over the pudding. Spoon the remaining pudding mixture on top, spreading it out to cover the bananas. Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Before serving, add your desired toppings such as extra whipped cream, banana slices, or crushed wafers. Serve the pie chilled.
Optional – for decorating with Stabilized Whipped Cream
- Beat heavy whipping cream, instant pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form and the mixture holds it self. Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe onto pie, and decorate banana slices, and more wafers.
Notes
- Chill Time may vary and is not included in the total time. But I recommend to chill the Banana Cream Pie for at least 4 hours.
- 60 nilla wafers is about 7.8 ounces
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.