No Bake Banana Cream Pie

If you're a fan of bananas and you love a good no-bake dessert, then this No Bake Banana Cream Pie is the perfect recipe for you. With its creamy banana pudding filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and fluffy whipped cream topping, this pie is a true winner.

The best part is it’s incredibly easy to make, with just 4 simple ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time. That means you can whip up a delicious, impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen or even turning on your oven.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how perfectly balanced the flavors and textures are. The graham cracker crust gives you a crunchy, slightly sweet base that goes perfectly with the smooth, creamy banana pudding filling. And the whipped topping adds a light, airy finish that ties everything together.

Plus, the instant banana pudding mix gives you that classic banana flavor without any fuss. You don't have to worry about slicing and mashing fresh bananas - just whisk the pudding mix together with some milk, fold in the whipped topping, and you're good to go!

If you want to take this pie to the next level, you can add a layer of fresh banana slices to the bottom of the crust before pouring in the filling. It's an easy way to add an extra pop of banana flavor and a more classic banana pudding vibe like these easy banana pudding cups.

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Graham Cracker Crust: A store-bought crust works great for this recipe, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use that instead.
• Instant Banana Pudding: Make sure you grab the instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety. This will ensure that your filling sets up properly.
• Whole Milk: Using whole milk helps create a rich, creamy texture for the filling.
• Whipped Topping: You can use any brand of whipped topping that you like. I used Cool Whip.
• Bananas: (optional) Slice bananas to add to the top before serving. You can also add a layer of sliced bananas to the crust before adding the filling.

How To Make No Bake Banana Cream Pie

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and whole milk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. It's important to whisk thoroughly to avoid any lumps in your filling.

Next, gently fold in about 3/4 of the whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the air bubbles in the whipped topping and make your filling less fluffy.

Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust, spreading it out into an even layer. If you want to add fresh banana slices, arrange them in a single layer on top of the crust before adding the filling.

Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm.

When you're ready to serve, take the remaining 1/4 of the whipped topping and spread it over the top of the pie. You can also pipe it on in a decorative pattern if you like.

Variations

• Add chocolate. Make half of the banana pudding and half a box of instant chocolate pudding. Pour them in the crust individually to make 2 layers with different flavors. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
• Add coconut. Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the filling mixture and garnish with toasted coconut flakes. 
• Make mini banana cream pies. Make individual servings by using small graham cracker crusts or even mason jars, laying the crust, filling, and toppings. 

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: To make this pie ahead of time, prepare it as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. For best results, wait to add the whipped cream topping until just before serving.

Store: Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the pie will still taste delicious.

Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this No Bake Banana Cream Pie because the pudding may become grainy when thawed. 

Recipe Tips

• For an extra creamy filling, you can use the entire tub of whipped topping in the filling mixture and just garnish with fresh banana slices.
• Be sure to not overmix the whipped topping into the pudding mixture. This will keep it light and airy!
• If you're not serving the pie right away and you would like to add fresh bananas on top, wait to add them until just before serving to prevent them from turning brown.
• To make slicing the pie easier, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.

Can I make my own whipped cream instead of using whipped topping?

You sure can! Just whip up some heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it's nice and fluffy. Keep in mind that homemade whipped cream won't be quite as stable as the store-bought stuff, so you might want to wait to add it to the top until just before serving.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! If graham crackers aren't your thing, you can use a vanilla wafer crust or a shortbread crust and your no bake banana cream pie will still be delicious.

Also check out these easy banana split pudding cups and this No Bake Banana Split Dessert.

This easy Banana Cream Pie is a delicious and simple dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its creamy filling, buttery crust, and fluffy whipped topping, it's sure to be a hit with banana lovers of all ages. Best of all, you’ll love how quickly it comes together without ever turning on the oven!