The creamy, dreamy dessert everyone craves! Made with layers of banana pudding and Nilla wafers in a buttery, flaky crust. Easy, family-approved, and perfect for any gathering.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 45 mins |
| Cook Time | 25 mins |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 mins |
| Servings | 8 slices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American Comfort Dessert |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible combination of creamy banana pudding and crisp wafers
- Perfect for family dinner times or holiday tables
- All-purpose flour crust that’s flaky and buttery
- Make-ahead friendly for busy bakers
- Centerpiece dessert that feels like a classic
Ingredients
Crust
| 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour | Use almond flour for a gluten-free crust |
| ½ tsp salt | Optional: Add a pinch of sugar for sweetness |
| ½ cup unsalted butter | Use vegan butter for dairy-free |
| 2-4 tbsp ice water | Start with 2 tbsp and add gradually |
Filler
| ½ cup granulated sugar | Use coconut sugar for a lighter flavor |
| 2 tbsp cornstarch | Potato starch works in a pinch |
| ½ tsp salt | Balance the sweetness perfectly |
| 1 ¾ cups whole milk | Try oat milk for vegan version |
How to Make Banana Pudding Pie
Making the Crust
- Process ¾ cup flour and salt in food processor until combined
- Add cold butter cubes and process until crumbly dough forms
- Throw in remaining flour and pulse until texture looks sandy
- Add 2 tbsp ice water and mix until dough clumps up
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour
- Roll out crust on parchment paper and fit into 9-inch deep dish
- Dock base with fork and refrigerate for 2 more hours
Preparing the Filling
- Slice bananas ¼ inch thick and layer in crust
- Cover with half the Nilla wafers
- In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk
- Add sweetened condensed milk and egg mixture
- Cook over medium heat until thickened (don’t boil too long)
- Add vanilla and cold butter until silky smooth
- Pour half the filling over bananas and wafer layer
Pro Tips For the Best Results
- Chill crust base for 2 hours before adding filling
- Use cold butter cubes for flakiest crust texture
- Add ice water gradually to avoid over-lining dough
- Cook mixture over medium heat to avoid burning
- Top with fresh banana slices before serving
Delicious Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend for crust
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk and vegan butter
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup Greek yogurt to filling
- Chocolate Twist: Layer cocoa powder between fillings
- Low-Sugar: Replace ½ sugar with monk fruit sweetener
What to Serve With It
- Banana Coffee Cake: Complimentary sweet flavors
- Cherry Pie: Color contrast makes plating pop
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm/cold combo hits right
- Hot Cider: Cinnamon-kissed adult beverages
Storage & Reheating
Cover chilled pie with house wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil. Reheat individual slices in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. For fridge leftovers, let sit until room temperature before serving. Fresh crust baking the same day gives best texture experience.
FAQ Section
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes! Oat or coconut milk works well in vegan version
How thick should banana slices be?
Slice thickness creates moist filling with structural stability
Can leftover filling be reused?
Use immediately – leftover filling will separate and ruin texture
Can crust be stored ahead?
Yes! Keep baked but un-filled crust in fridge up to 2 days
What if my dough sticks?
Add extra flour as needed, keep work surface well-floured
Conclusion
Create unforgettable family desserts with this irresistible banana pudding pie. Its creamy layers, rich banana flavor, and buttery crust make it a perfect treat for holidays, potlucks, or simple weekend cravings. If you’d like even more inspiration, check out this classic banana cream pie recipe, learn a few expert tips from this easy banana pudding guide, or explore another delicious twist with this Southern-style banana pudding dessert. For readers who love chilled desserts, this no-bake pudding pie tutorial is also worth trying. Save this recipe to your “Banana Dessert Recipes” or “Easy Pie Recipes” board so you can come back whenever you need a simple crowd-pleasing dessert.
PrintIrresistible Banana Pudding Pie Recipe You Can’t Resist!
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian, optional vegan or gluten-free
Description
A dreamy dessert with layers of creamy banana pudding and Nilla wafers in a buttery, flaky crust. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (use almond flour for gluten-free)
½ tsp salt (optional: pinch sugar)
½ cup unsalted butter (use vegan butter for dairy-free)
2-4 tbsp ice water (start with 2 tbsp)
Filling:
½ cup granulated sugar (use coconut sugar for lighter flavor)
2 tbsp cornstarch (potato starch optional)
½ tsp salt
1 ¾ cups whole milk (try oat milk for vegan)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cold unsalted butter (use vegan butter for dairy-free)
½ cup mashed banana (ripe)
1 ½ cups Nilla wafers
Instructions
1. Prepare crust: Combine ¾ cup flour and salt in food processor.
2. Add cold butter cubes and process until crumbly.
3. Add remaining flour and pulse until sandy.
4. Add 2 tbsp ice water and mix until dough clumps.
5. Wrap, refrigerate 1 hour.
6. Roll dough on parchment paper into 9-inch crust.
7. Dock base with fork, refrigerate 2 hours.
8. Layer ¼-inch banana slices and half the Nilla wafers in crust.
9. In saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whisked eggs.
10. Cook over medium heat until thickened (do not boil).
11. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and cold butter until smooth.
12. Pour half the filling over bananas and wafers.
13. Top with remaining wafers and repeat filling layers.
14. Chill 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Chill crust 2 hours for proper structure.
Use very cold butter for flaky crust.
Make ahead and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Nilla wafers can be replaced with gluten-free crackers for allergen-free version.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American