Banana Pudding Pie (No Bake)
Old-fashioned Banana Pudding Pie truly embodies the essence of classic American desserts. Each creamy layer of luscious banana pudding encased in a buttery shortbread crust is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. As you dig your spoon into this heavenly no-bake treat, the velvety filling, combined with the fresh sweetness of ripe bananas, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
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I vividly remember the first time I made this banana pudding pie for a family gathering. The way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took that first bite was priceless. This recipe is fantastic for warm summer days when you seek something sweet yet refreshing. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for those spontaneous get-togethers or cozy nights in. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dessert is a beloved classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can prepare this pie in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and a crunchy crust is simply divine.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This pie looks beautiful when garnished with banana slices and crumbled cookies.
- Flexible Serving: It’s great for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for a gluten-free twist? Just swap the shortbread crust for a gluten-free alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shortbread Crust: A delicate, buttery base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Alternatively, a store-bought crust will work too.
- ⅔ cup (133g) plus ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: The first amount sweetens the pudding, while the extra is for the whipped cream, ensuring it has the right sweetness level.
- ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch: This thickener is key for achieving the perfect creamy texture in the pudding.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- 2 cups (474ml) milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you could use 2% milk for a lighter version.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
- 3 ripe bananas: Make sure they’re ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese: It adds richness and a slight tang to the pudding.
- 1 cup (237ml) cold heavy whipping cream: This is whipped to fluffy perfection, making the dessert light and airy.
- Optional: Extra cookies from the crust, crumbled for topping, add texture and a touch of nostalgia.
How to Make Banana Pudding Pie (No Bake)
- Prepare the crust: If you’re making a homemade shortbread crust, follow your specific recipe directions. Chill it until the filling is ready. Alternatively, use a store-bought crust to save time.
- Cook the pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together ⅔ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and just begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer it to a heat-safe bowl and let it cool to room temperature before chilling for at least 4 hours.
- Make the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar and the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes if using a stand mixer.
- Combine whipped cream and pudding: Gently fold ¾ cup of the whipped cream into the cooled pudding mixture until well combined.
- Layer the pie: Slice the 3 ripe bananas. Start with a layer of banana slices at the bottom of the prepared crust. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, then add another layer of banana slices followed by the remaining pudding. Top with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with a banana slice and crumbled cookies if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed on the same day it is assembled. For make-ahead options, the pudding and crust can be prepared the day before, but wait to assemble the whipped cream and pie until the day you’re serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover banana pudding pie in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain its freshness and creamy texture. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the whipped cream can start to lose its structure. It’s not ideal for freezing due to potential changes in texture; however, if you must freeze, aim for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator. Refresh it with a quick whip of additional cream to bring back that fluffy texture before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid graininess: Ensure you whisk the pudding consistently while cooking to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Banana browning: Slice the bananas just before layering to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
- Pudding consistency: If the pudding doesn’t thicken as expected, continue cooking slightly longer while stirring.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the pudding and crust in advance, but hold off on the whipped cream until the day of serving for the best consistency.
- Sweetness adjustments: Taste the pudding and adjust sugar levels if desired, especially if your bananas aren’t as sweet.
This banana pudding pie is an absolute treat that combines childhood memories and modern simplicity. The creamy, dreamy filling sits perfectly in its crumbly crust, making each bite a nostalgic journey. Feel free to experiment with the layers by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even whipped coconut cream for a fun twist. I hope you find joy in creating this dessert, as it brings happiness to both the cook and the lucky guests relishing it.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use different fruits in this pie?
Absolutely! While bananas are traditional, you can customize this pie using berries, peaches, or even a mix of your favorite fruits. Just remember that the texture might change a bit, so choose fruits that complement the creamy filling well.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
To keep banana slices fresh, you can squeeze a little lemon juice over them before layering the pie. This acid will help slow down the browning process while adding a hint of flavor.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use coconut cream for the whipped topping.
How long does the pie last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, banana pudding pie is best consumed within 2-3 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown, and the texture can subtly change, but it should still be safe to eat.
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📖 Recipe Card

Banana Pudding Pie (No Bake)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: No-Bake
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Pudding Pie (No Bake) offers a delightful mix of flavors with ripe bananas and creamy vanilla pudding. It’s an effortless dessert that everyone will adore, ideal for gatherings or simply enjoying at home.
Ingredients
- 1 Shortbread Crust
- ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (474ml) milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese
- 1 cup (237ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- Optional: extra cookies from the crust crumbled, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the shortbread crust according to recipe directions and chill until the filling is ready.
- In a medium saucepan, combine ⅔ cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in milk. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until thickened and just boiling (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature and then chill for at least 4 hours.
- For the whipped cream, beat ¼ cup sugar with the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold ¾ cup of whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture.
- Slice the bananas, layering them in the bottom of the prepared crust, followed by half the pudding, another banana layer, and the remaining pudding. Top with the remaining whipped cream, a banana slice, and crumbled cookies.
- Chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Best enjoyed the same day; prep the pudding and crust the day prior but assemble the pie on the day of serving.
- Store in refrigerator.
Notes
For a quicker option, consider using a store-bought shortbread crust.
This pie is best served the same day for optimal freshness.
If preparing ahead, store the crust and pudding separately and assemble on serving day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
