This No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie is the ultimate fuss-free dessert, perfect for any time of year but especially refreshing in the warmer months. With layers of buttery vanilla wafer crust, fresh banana slices, rich vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, it delivers a luscious combination of flavors and textures in every bite. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat on a busy weeknight, this pie is a winner. It comes together in just minutes, chills to perfection in the fridge, and always earns rave reviews. The bananas add natural sweetness, while the creamy pudding and airy whipped topping create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Garnish with extra banana slices and crushed wafers for a pretty presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies (about 60 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 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 3/4 cups cold milk
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Additional banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers for garnish
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Layer sliced bananas evenly over the chilled crust.
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In another bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
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Pour the pudding over the banana slices and smooth the top with a spatula.
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In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Spread the whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer.
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Garnish with more banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers.
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Chill the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving for best results.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 355 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie
When it comes to desserts that are both effortlessly simple and irresistibly delicious, the No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie earns a permanent spot on the list. It’s the kind of dessert that looks elegant enough for a dinner party, yet is easy enough to whip up for a casual family treat. With its layers of buttery vanilla wafer crust, ripe bananas, silky-smooth vanilla pudding, and clouds of fresh whipped cream, this pie is a chilled slice of comfort.
Best of all? You don’t even need to turn on the oven. This is a refrigerator dessert through and through, meaning it’s ideal for warm weather, busy days, or moments when you simply want a sweet reward without the fuss of baking. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue, a holiday table, or a potluck gathering, this pie delivers on flavor, presentation, and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Pie
There are so many reasons this recipe has been loved and shared over generations:
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No baking required – Perfect for summer days when the oven feels like your worst enemy.
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Make-ahead friendly – It tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
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Kid-approved – The sweetness of bananas and pudding makes it a dessert the whole family enjoys.
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Customizable – You can easily swap flavors, toppings, or even crust types to suit your preferences.
The combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures makes this pie irresistible from the very first bite.
A Bit of History Behind Banana Pudding
Banana pudding has deep roots in American Southern cuisine. Traditionally made by layering pudding, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas, it’s a dessert that has stood the test of time. Over the decades, home cooks have adapted the recipe in countless ways, baked versions, stovetop versions, and of course, the no-bake shortcut.
The no-bake banana pudding pie is essentially a modern twist, transforming the layered dessert into a sliceable pie with a crust that holds everything together. It keeps all the nostalgia of the original pudding while introducing the convenience of a pie form.
Ingredients in Focus
To make the perfect No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie, let’s take a closer look at what goes into it:
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Vanilla Wafers – These cookies are the foundation of the crust, bringing a buttery crunch that complements the softness of the filling. You can use classic Nilla Wafers, store-brand versions, or even graham crackers for a variation.
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Unsalted Butter – This binds the crushed wafers together, creating a sturdy base that won’t crumble when sliced.
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Bananas – Ripe, but not overripe, bananas give the best flavor. Look for ones with bright yellow peels and just a few brown speckles.
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Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – A quick-setting pudding is key to this no-bake recipe. You can use regular or sugar-free pudding mix, depending on your preference.
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Cold Milk – Essential for activating the pudding mix and achieving the right creamy consistency.
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Heavy Whipping Cream – Freshly whipped cream elevates the dessert with a light, airy finish.
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Powdered Sugar & Vanilla Extract – These enhance the whipped cream with sweetness and flavor depth.
Tips for Perfecting Your No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie
Even a simple dessert benefits from a few expert tips:
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Chill the crust before adding the filling – This helps it set firmly and prevents sogginess.
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Slice bananas just before layering – This keeps them fresh and minimizes browning.
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Use cold milk for the pudding – The pudding will set faster and creamier if your milk is ice cold.
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Whip the cream to stiff peaks – This ensures the topping holds its shape without deflating.
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Refrigerate at least 4 hours – This allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delightful as is, but you can dress it up in several ways:
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Extra Garnishes – Add a sprinkle of crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or even caramel drizzle.
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Individual Portions – Make mini pies in small tart pans or clear dessert cups for parties.
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Fruit Variations – Layer in strawberries or blueberries along with the bananas for a fresh twist.
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Holiday Flair – Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding for a cozy, festive flavor.
Storing and Making Ahead
One of the best parts of this dessert is how well it stores. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or an airtight pie dome, and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Note that the bananas will gradually darken over time, so if you’re making it ahead for a special occasion, prepare it the day before for the freshest presentation.
You can also prepare the crust and pudding separately a day ahead, then assemble just before chilling to serve.
Variations to Try
If you love to experiment in the kitchen, here are some fun variations:
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Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie – Use chocolate pudding mix and garnish with shaved chocolate.
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Peanut Butter Banana Pie – Add a thin layer of peanut butter or peanut butter mousse over the crust before adding bananas.
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Graham Cracker Crust – Swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers for a slightly different crunch.
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Coconut Banana Cream Pie – Stir shredded coconut into the whipped cream for a tropical twist.
Why This Dessert Works for Any Occasion
This No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie is versatile enough to suit any celebration, from a casual Sunday lunch to a wedding dessert table. Its light, creamy texture makes it especially welcome after heavy meals, while its nostalgic flavors appeal to guests of all ages.
Because it’s no-bake, it’s also incredibly convenient when your oven is already full of other dishes. You can make it in the morning and have a perfectly chilled dessert ready by dinner time.
Conclusion
The No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie is more than just a quick dessert, it’s a slice of joy that brings comfort and happiness to any table. With minimal ingredients, no oven time, and a presentation that looks far more impressive than the effort required, it’s a recipe every home cook should have in their repertoire.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, you’ll find this pie easy to make and impossible to resist. From the first buttery bite of the crust to the last spoonful of creamy pudding, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.