This recipe has all the delicious flavors of good old-fashioned banana cream pie but is literally done in minutes. Takes only 5 ingredients and is an easy no bake dessert that tastes amazing!
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Banana Cream Pie with Pudding
One of my very favorite pies is banana cream pie. My husband’s grandma makes it for our Thanksgiving menu every year (along with about a dozen other pies including buttermilk pie) and it’s always the kid’s favorite.
I was shocked when I heard it was so simple to make! It not only tastes delicious around the holidays, but makes a great summer time pie just like my lemon icebox pie since you don’t have to warm up the kitchen with a hot oven.
If you love bananas, you are bound to love this pie too. It’s light, fluffy and full of delicious banana flavor. Plus it’s made with just 5 simple ingredients…one being a box of instant banana pudding mix.
5 Basic Ingredients
You read it right, just 5 ingredients to make a stellar dessert! The pudding is the key ingredient! These ingredients are super easy to put together and create the best banana cream pie.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Pie crust: You can use a baked store-bought or homemade pie crust for this recipe. I usually buy a premade crust to stick with the easy theme. A graham cracker crust, Nilla wafer crust, pretzel crust or gingersnap crust would also taste delicious.
- Instant banana pudding: Using the instant banana cream pudding mix is what makes this recipe so simple. No cooking on the stovetop required. Just simply mix with milk and let set! You can also opt for instant vanilla pudding, if you would like less banana flavor.
- Milk: Make sure to use either whole milk or 2% milk. Other varieties like skim, almond or soy won’t thicken the pudding enough.
- Cornstarch: Just 1 teaspoon helps to thicken the filling and make it the pie of your dreams.
- Cool whip: This adds a light and fluffy component to the filling. Just make sure it’s thawed before mixing it in. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even make homemade cool whip or substitute with homemade whipped cream.
- Bananas: Look for bananas that are ripe with a few brown spots (but not overly brown). These will have the best sweet flavor and a soft yet sturdy texture.
Tips + Variations
Really this pie is simple and full of flavor! It has everything you need to make the best banana pudding cream pie. Here are a couple suggestions on adding more presentation to the topping and even making a chocolate version for all the chocolate lovers out there!
- Toppings. This pie is super simple to make, so the toppings are where you can make it look a little more sophisticated. Pipe on a fun design with some stabilized whipped cream (I use a large 1M tip) and then add more fresh banana slices on top (or caramelized bananas for a richer flavor). You can also sprinkle on some toasted coconut or crushed vanilla wafers to fancy it up a little more.
- Chocolate version. If you love chocolate, try making this delicious chocolate banana cream pie variation. Simply swap the banana cream pudding mix for instant chocolate pudding mix. The fresh sliced bananas still give it that delicious banana flavor, but with a rich chocolaty addition.
How to Make Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe
In four easy steps you will have a classic banana cream pie in your refrigerator ready to eat! Whisking, stirring, and adding to the pie is just as easy as 1-2-3! Decorate your banana pie with homemade whipped cream and extra fresh bananas. This dessert pie will be a hit with your family and friends!
- Dissolve. Whisk the cornstarch into the milk until dissolved.
- Combine. Stir together the pudding mix and milk mixture until thickened. Fold in the bananas and Cool Whip.
- Fill. Pour the pudding mixture evenly in the baked pie crust.
- Chill. Place in the refrigerator to chill at least 2 hours.
- Decorate. I used a 1M piping tip to decorate with stabilized whipped cream and bananas before serving.
5 star review
“My daughter asked for this for her birthday instead of cake. Such a creamy and rich pie. The whole family loved it.”
-Janelle
Recipe FAQs
If you can only find Cook and Serve pudding, that’s fine to use. Simply prepare as instructed on the package and let chill in the fridge until the pudding is set. Then mix in the Cool Whip and banana slices before folding into the pie crust.
You can also use instant vanilla pudding mix in a pinch or if you like less banana flavor.
Although bananas brown pretty quickly, it’s not too big of a concern in this recipe. Because they’re mixed in with the pudding, they aren’t exposed to air which usually keeps them from browning.
If you’re adding fresh banana slices on top of the pie, then I’d recommend adding those on right before serving, so they stay fresh.
Make Ahead + Storing
This easy banana cream pie is the perfect dessert to make ahead or store leftovers! Plan for your next party and make this ahead or enjoy the day of and have your leftovers ready for the next day. This pie is quick and simple to make plus it is full of banana cream flavor!
- To make ahead. This pie needs to chill for at least 3 hours before serving in order to set, so it’s even better if you can let it set overnight! Make the recipe according to instructions (do not add toppings) and then cover and place in the refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and fresh bananas.
- To store. Loosely cover the pie top with aluminum foil (or plastic wrap) and place in the fridge. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Love banana desserts? You’ll also love my banana bars, banana bread and banana bread brownies.
More Easy No Bake Desserts
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Easy Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk , cold
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 (5.1-ounce) box instant banana cream pudding mix
- 2 medium bananas , sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 8 ounces Cool Whip , thawed, or whipped cream, divided
- 1 baked pie crust , premade or homemade
Optional toppings: Cool Whip or Whipped Cream, Sliced Bananas, or Caramel Sauce
Instructions
- In small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until dissolved.
- In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk mixture 2 to 3 minutes, or until it has thickened. Fold in the bananas and 1/2 Cool Whip. Add more Cool Whip until there is enough filling to fill the crust. Save the remaining 1/2 for topping.
- Spread the filling evenly into the baked pie crust.
- Chill at least 2 to 3 hours before serving. Top with any remaining 1/2 Cool Whip (or whipped cream) and fresh bananas. Slice and serve chilled.
Video
Notes
- Recipe for homemade graham cracker crust: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/graham-cracker-crust/
- Recipe for homemade pie crust: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/easy-pie-crust-recipe/
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Christmas, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly, Fruit Desserts, Kid-Friendly, No-Bake, Nut-Free, Pies + Tarts, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian
So easy and yummy! I didn’t have whole milk so I used 2 cups of 2% milk and it set just fine. Also, instead of cool whip, I made my own fresh whipped cream with vanilla extract. Drool worthy and so darn easy with a pre-baked crust. No baking is perfect for these hot summer days! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kathy! That sounds amazing! I love all your ideas and how you made it your own. Thanks for sharing!
Such an easy and delicious dessert.
For my family, they wanted more fresh slices of banana in the pie.
And maybe I misunderstood the recipe, after it chilled for 3 hours, I spread the other half of the KoolWhip on top. I don’t think I’ll do that next time, it seemed like it was too much.
I might try RediWhip in the can to make the designs on the top of the pie like you did.
Mine turned out delicious but mine Also did not set up. I even used the 2 cups of milk instead of 3 which was on the box. Think I’ll try the cook and serve instead of the instant. Hopefully it will set up.
How did you keep the bananas from turning brown?
If I’m adding bananas on top, I wait to add just until serving. The ones inside the pie don’t brown as fast, but they definitely stay the most fresh on the first day.
I am gg to try to make this using sugar free pudding . Problem is can’t find a large box of sugar free banana cream pudding mix . I am thinking of using vanilla pudding mix and adding banana extract to it. Problem is not sure how much extract to add. Any ideas ?
I haven’t tested that before, but I would start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Thank You The half tsp tip worked perfectly. Made a good snack for before bedtime.
Thanks Again Jack
For your future Banana Cream Pie endeavors, since I’m late to the party:
I actually prefer this recipe with VANILLA Instant Pudding Mix
(rather than the Banana flavored pudding mix).
For me, the Banana flavored pudding just tastes too artificial and a bit overkill for my liking. I find the Vanilla flavored pudding mix, combined with all of those sliced ripe bananas…surprisingly makes for a more natural banana flavor, and a mighty good pie.
Hope you found a good workaround for your Sugar-Free version of this recipe—and enjoyed every bite!
THANK YOU! I was on the fence about whether to use banana or vanilla, I thought banana pudding would be a little too… bananaeey. I was hoping someone could clarify if vanilla works.
Made pie left overnight in fridge. After dinner tried serving it was not set I had to scoop it out I followed recipe. Taste was good. I don’t know what happened?
Any suggestions? Thanks
Glad you still enjoyed the banana cream pie! Sorry it didn’t set for you. Did you mix in the cornstarch?
Do you think i could make this with whipped cream and not cool whip? I don’t like the way cool whip tastes
This is a fantastic banana cream pie. Thank you!
This is a definite crowd pleaser. Thanks for sharing!
This is my new favorite pie. We loved it so much.
This is one of my favorite pies. I love how creamy it is and also how easy it is. Happy Holidays, Wendy!
Super delicious and so creamy! This is my new favorite! Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing recipe! Highly recommended!
This would be a great pie for Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing, Allyssa!