Description
This Banana Pudding Pie features a buttery graham cracker crust baked to perfection, filled with a creamy blend of instant banana and vanilla pudding combined with cool whip and half-and-half. Chilled until set, it is topped with optional fresh whipped cream, bananas, and Nilla wafers for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham crackers (crumbled)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
Filling
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 8 ounces Cool Whip topping (thawed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped Cream
- Sliced Bananas
- Nilla Wafers
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan using non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add butter to crust mixture: Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until all the crumbs are moist and the mixture holds together.
- Form and bake crust: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie pan, forming about a ¼-inch thick crust. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely before filling.
- Prepare pudding filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant banana pudding mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and half-and-half. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat for about 2 minutes until well blended and slightly thickened. Alternatively, a hand whisk can be used.
- Add Cool Whip and vanilla: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip topping and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble pie: Pour the prepared filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top evenly.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm and fully set.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally top the pie with fresh whipped cream, sliced bananas, and Nilla wafers for added flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Make sure the pie crust is completely cooled before pouring in the filling to avoid melting the pudding.
- Use thawed Cool Whip for a smooth and creamy filling texture.
- The pie needs to chill for at least 4 hours; overnight chilling yields the best results.
- For a firmer crust, press the graham cracker mixture tightly and bake thoroughly.
- Optional garnishes add flavor and texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
