This No Bake Banana Pudding Pie is a classic Southern-inspired dessert that brings together layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and the comforting crunch of vanilla wafers. With no oven required, it’s a refreshing option for summer gatherings, potlucks, or last-minute desserts when you want something sweet without the fuss.
The chilled layers make this pie irresistibly smooth, with just the right balance of textures. Each bite has the sweetness of bananas, the richness of pudding, and the fluffy lightness of whipped cream. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large ripe bananas, sliced
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1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
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2 cups cold milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tbsp powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Whipped cream (for topping)
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Crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)
Directions:
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Crush vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs, then combine with melted butter. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
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Arrange banana slices evenly over the crust.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Spread over bananas.
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In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer.
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Garnish with extra banana slices, crushed vanilla wafers, or whole wafers around the edges.
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Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow layers to set.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 slices
No Bake Banana Pudding Pie
When it comes to desserts that are both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious, few can rival the charm of a No Bake Banana Pudding Pie. This sweet treat combines the classic flavors of traditional banana pudding with the simplicity of a pie format, making it a perfect option for gatherings, family dinners, holidays, or just an indulgent moment to yourself. It’s creamy, rich, and full of banana flavor, yet refreshingly light thanks to its chilled layers. Best of all, you don’t even need to turn on the oven to enjoy it.
This dessert holds a special place in Southern cuisine, where banana pudding has been beloved for decades. Transforming it into a pie version brings extra elegance and convenience, it looks beautiful on the table and is effortless to serve in slices. The combination of buttery vanilla wafer crust, silky pudding filling, layers of bananas, and fluffy whipped cream creates a textural contrast that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most crowd-pleasing. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you love creamy banana desserts, this will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.
A Dessert Rooted in Tradition
Banana pudding as a dessert can be traced back to the late 19th century when bananas became widely available in the United States. By the mid-20th century, it was a staple in many Southern homes, often made with layers of vanilla wafers, pudding, bananas, and whipped topping. This pie takes that same heritage and transforms it into a no bake version that’s just as comforting but with a presentation that feels slightly elevated.
It’s the kind of dessert that sparks conversations, often reminding people of family dinners, church picnics, or holiday gatherings. Many Southern cooks grew up helping their mothers or grandmothers slice bananas, layer wafers, and whip cream for a pudding that would disappear almost instantly at the table. By shaping it into a pie, we preserve the tradition while giving it a slightly modern twist.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Banana Pudding Pie
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No Oven Required – This pie is assembled entirely in the refrigerator, making it perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want extra heat in the kitchen.
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Quick and Easy – With just a handful of simple steps, you can prepare the pie in about 20 minutes, then let the fridge do the rest.
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Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – Since it needs to chill, it’s an ideal recipe to prepare in advance for parties or gatherings. The flavors even deepen as it rests overnight.
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Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – The combination of bananas, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream is universally loved. It’s creamy, comforting, and never too heavy.
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Customizable – You can add a caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, or even a peanut butter swirl to make it your own.
The Beauty of the Layers
Part of the magic of a No Bake Banana Pudding Pie lies in the balance of textures and flavors within each bite:
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Crust: Made with crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter, the crust is buttery, crumbly, and provides a slightly crunchy base. It’s sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling yet softens just enough for easy slicing.
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Bananas: Freshly sliced ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and fruity freshness. The bananas balance the creaminess with their light and tender texture.
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Pudding Layer: Instant vanilla pudding creates a smooth and silky base. It binds the layers together while offering a rich, comforting sweetness.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Fluffy whipped cream adds lightness and makes the pie feel airy instead of heavy. It creates a perfect contrast to the denser pudding and adds visual appeal.
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Garnishes: Additional banana slices or crushed wafers on top not only make the pie look beautiful but also give an extra textural crunch in every bite.
The result is a dessert that’s both elegant and deeply comforting.
Occasions to Serve No Bake Banana Pudding Pie
Because it is simple yet stunning, this pie fits perfectly in many settings:
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Family Gatherings: It’s easy to transport, can be made in advance, and appeals to both children and adults.
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Holiday Celebrations: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or even the Fourth of July, banana pudding pie looks festive on any dessert table.
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Summer Cookouts: Refreshing, cool, and fruity, this no bake pie is ideal for outdoor meals where a heavy dessert may not be welcome.
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Potlucks and Picnics: Since it can be made in large quantities and slices easily, it’s great for sharing at social events.
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Everyday Indulgence: Sometimes, you just need a slice of something sweet and creamy after dinner. This pie fits the bill perfectly.
Tips for Success
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Use Ripe Bananas: The bananas should be yellow with a few brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas may become too mushy, while underripe bananas can taste chalky.
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Chill Thoroughly: Give the pie at least two hours in the refrigerator so the layers firm up. Overnight chilling is even better.
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Serve Fresh: While the pie keeps well for a couple of days, bananas can brown quickly. Adding a light drizzle of lemon juice over banana slices can slow this process.
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Get Creative with Toppings: Try adding chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra gourmet touch.
Variations
While the classic version is always a winner, you can easily adapt this recipe:
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Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a chocolatey twist.
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Peanut Butter Banana Pudding Pie: Add a layer of peanut butter or peanut butter chips for a nutty, indulgent variation.
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Strawberry Banana Pie: Add fresh strawberry slices for a fruity contrast.
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Graham Cracker Crust: Swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile.
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Mini Pies: Prepare individual portions using small tart pans or cups for parties or portion control.
Storing Leftovers
This pie stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the bananas from browning too quickly. Freezing is not recommended, as the bananas may lose their texture and the whipped cream can separate upon thawing.
Healthier Twists
If you’d like to make a slightly lighter version of this pie, there are a few swaps you can try:
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Use low-fat milk for the pudding.
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Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the whipped cream for added protein and tang.
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Opt for sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping for a lower-calorie option.
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Add extra layers of fresh fruit for more natural sweetness and freshness.
Conclusion
The No Bake Banana Pudding Pie is more than just a dessert, it’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort, joy, and flavor to every gathering. From its Southern roots to its modern, no bake simplicity, it’s the kind of dessert that connects generations. Each slice offers a creamy, dreamy combination of pudding, bananas, and whipped cream, balanced by the buttery crunch of vanilla wafers.
What makes this pie so special is its versatility: it can be a casual weeknight treat, a holiday showstopper, or a refreshing summer dessert. It’s quick to prepare, adaptable to personal tastes, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s timeless, simple, and full of love, the No Bake Banana Pudding Pie deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box.