Banana Pudding Pie – The Almond Eater

June 10, 2024

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Skip the instant pudding mix and make Banana Pudding Pie from scratch! The sweet treat features a homemade creamy pudding filling, ripe bananas, and a light, fluffy whipped topping layered in a perfectly golden crust.

slice of banana pudding pie on a plate with a fork and a bite taken out

I usually save ripe bananas for banana bread and banana muffins, but in the summer, I can’t resist layering them in this delectable Banana Pudding Pie. It’s my go-to recipe when I want to switch things up and enjoy those bananas with something irresistibly sweet and creamy.

Now, don’t confuse this Southern banana pie with a banana cream pie. The latter is made with sliced bananas and custard, while this recipe offers a more layered experience. Imagine ripe banana slices, irresistibly creamy vanilla pudding, and a light and fluffy whipped topping layered in a delicious crust.

Speaking of the crust, you can keep this banana pie recipe easy with a ready-made pie crust or go all out with a homemade pie crust. No one will be able to resist the creamy and decadent bites, regardless of your crust of choice. It’s a true summer show-stopper!

Recipe features

No instant pudding mix! This banana pudding pie recipe features a rich and velvety homemade vanilla pudding filling instead of the store-bought stuff.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making pudding from scratch. This recipe breaks the process down into simple steps that anyone can follow.
It’s a creamy and refreshing pie, making it great for summer get-togethers.

Ingredients

Pie crust – Pick up a store-bought graham cracker crust to get this dessert as close to Southern-style banana pie as possible. You can also make this recipe with a homemade pastry crust, a vanilla wafer crust, or even my gluten-free pie crust.

Bananas – Large bananas are sliced and layered in the pie. I recommend using ripe yet somewhat firm bananas so they’ll hold their shape when layered with pudding.

Flour – All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour is used as a thickening agent in the vanilla pudding filling.

Milk – I used whole milk to make the vanilla pudding, but you can also use skim milk or dairy-free milk, like almond milk or oat milk.

Egg yolks – Beaten egg yolks add richness and help thicken the pudding filling.

Vanilla extract – Or, for a more sophisticated vanilla flavor, opt for vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean and stir them into the pudding.

Cool Whip – I used Cool Whip to save time, but if you prefer homemade whipped cream for your light and fluffy banana pudding pie topping, go for it!

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the crust. Bake the pie crust according to the package instructions. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the pudding. Combine the sugar, flour, and salt in a small saucepan, then whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook until it thickens.

Step 3: Temper the eggs. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks and gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot milk mixture. Whisk the tempered eggs into the pudding in the saucepan.

Step 4: Finish the pudding. Return the pudding mixture to a low boil and stir it constantly until it has thickened. Take it off the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.

banana pudding in a saucepan with a whisk

Step 5: Assemble. Layer the sliced bananas on the bottom of the cooled pie crust, then pour half of the pudding over top. Add another layer of sliced bananas, followed by the remaining pudding.

2 images: the left image shows banana slices lined in a pie crust and the right image shows pudding added over top of the bananas

Step 6: Chill, then serve. Place the pie in the fridge to cool completely. Serve your banana pudding pie with a layer of Cool Whip and more sliced bananas on top. Enjoy!

banana pudding pie with a slice taken out

Tips and FAQs

Let your pie chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or overnight for the best results. This way, the pudding will have enough time to set and firm up.
Banana pudding cream pie is best served chilled! The cool, creamy filling with the crisp crust is heavenly on a hot day.

Tip

As it’s chilling, cover the pie with a layer of plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the pudding. This will prevent skin from forming on top.

Variations

No-bake option – Want to skip the oven altogether? Opt for a store-bought graham cracker crust. This variation is perfect for summer days when it’s too hot to cook.
Vanilla wafer crust – Or, try a vanilla wafer crust! Simply layer the cookies in a pie dish before adding the sliced bananas and pudding filling over top.
Banana pudding – Swap the vanilla extract with banana extract to make this pie with homemade banana pudding instead.
Creative garnishes – Take it up a notch and top your banana pudding pie with a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for added crunch and flavor. You can even drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finishing touch.

Can I use store-bought instant pudding mix instead of making homemade pudding?

Personally, I prefer homemade pudding because it adds a rich, creamy flavor, but instant pudding works well, too. Simply prepare the pudding according to the package instructions before layering it in the pie.

How do I make individual servings of banana pudding pie?

Instead of making one large pie, try layering vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding in 4 small ramekins or mason jars. Garnish each one with Cool Whip and a banana slice before serving. These individual servings are perfect for parties!

Can I make banana pudding pie in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

Storage

Refrigerator: If you have leftover banana pudding pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Freezer: Cover the pie in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

close-up of banana pudding pie with a slice taken out

More summer pie recipes

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!