Name: Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Frozen Pie Crust; 5.1 oz Box of Instant Banana Pudding Mix; 2 Bananas, sliced; 1 tsp Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice; 1 can Evaporated Milk (12 fl oz); 8 oz Cool Whip Topping, divided (half for filling, half for topping); 1 cup Vanilla Wafers, divided; Additional banana slices; Whole vanilla wafers; Caramel sauce

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic desserts that bring comfort and smiles around the table, you’re in for a treat with this Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe. This delightful pie combines creamy banana pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and the crisp, buttery crunch of vanilla wafers all nestled in a golden baked crust. It’s the perfect sweet ending for any occasion, delivering layers of flavor and texture that feel like a warm hug from your favorite childhood memories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a multi-layer mixture starting with bright yellow pudding on the left side, topped by light tan, round cookie pieces piled on the upper right. Fresh banana slices, pale cream in color with slight brown spots at the center, are arranged at the bottom left side. A generous dollop of fluffy white whipped cream sits prominently on the right side next to the bananas and cookie pieces. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with peeled banana skin and scattered cookie crumbs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You’ll find that this Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe calls for wonderfully simple ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, freshness, and crunch. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the final taste and texture, so let’s take a closer look!

Frozen Pie Crust: Provides a quick, buttery, and flaky base that holds all the delicious layers together.
Instant Banana Pudding Mix (5.1 oz box): Adds that signature banana flavor and creamy pudding texture with ease.
Bananas (2, sliced): Offer natural sweetness and a fresh, fruity bite; tossing them with lemon juice keeps them looking vibrant.
Lemon Juice (1 tsp, freshly squeezed): Prevents the banana slices from browning, keeping your pie looking just as fresh as it tastes.
Evaporated Milk (1 can): Helps create a velvety smooth pudding that sets perfectly in the pie.
Cool Whip Topping (8 oz, broken into halves): Brings a light, airy finish that makes this pie irresistible.
Vanilla Wafers (1 cup, divided and halved): Add delightful crunch and a subtle vanilla flavor throughout the pie.
Optional Toppings (banana slices, vanilla wafers, caramel sauce): Enhance the pie’s appearance and taste with simple, charming garnishes.

How to Make Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Pop the frozen pie crust in and bake it according to the package’s instructions until it’s nice and golden brown. Once done, set it aside to cool completely—this step is crucial so the crust stays crisp when the cool filling goes in.

Step 2: Whisk Pudding Mixture

While the crust is baking, combine your instant banana pudding mix with a whole can of evaporated milk in a large bowl. Whisk gently until smooth, then place the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling period helps the pudding thicken up, getting it perfectly creamy and set for the next steps.

Step 3: Prepare the Bananas

Slice two bananas—not too ripe, so they hold their shape and flavor. Toss these slices with one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This simple trick stops them from turning brown and keeps your pie looking fresh and photogenic.

Step 4: Combine Pudding with Bananas, Wafers, and Whipped Topping

Once the pudding has set slightly, it’s time to fold in half of your Cool Whip topping, the sliced bananas, and half the vanilla wafers. Gently mix everything to combine without losing that fluffy lightness; this mixture is the luscious heart of your banana pudding pie.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Pour the pudding mixture into your cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish. Pop the pie into the fridge and let it chill for about 10 more minutes. This gentle chill helps the pie hold its beautiful layers together when served.

Step 6: Add the Final Whipped Topping Layer

Top your banana pudding pie with the remaining Cool Whip. Now the fun part: garnish with whole vanilla wafers, extra banana slices, and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra wow factor. This not only looks stunning but adds a delightful variety of textures and flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice your pie cold and get ready for the joyful blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy goodness. Each bite is a celebration of classic Southern comfort food done right!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe

The image shows a deep pie with a golden-brown crust filled with creamy banana pie filling that has visible banana slices inside. The top layer is thick white whipped cream, decorated with banana slices and small round golden cookies, all drizzled with caramel sauce. A wedge slice is taken out, revealing three layers: crust at the bottom, creamy banana filling in the middle, and whipped cream with toppings on top. The pie sits on a white marbled surface with scattered banana slices and cookies around, a bunch of bananas on the right side, and a white cup and saucer with more cookies blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your pie’s presentation by topping it with fresh banana slices, whole vanilla wafers, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These options add a lovely contrast in texture and a touch of sweetness, making each slice as inviting as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe pairs perfectly with light accompaniments like fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a refreshing glass of iced tea to balance out the creamy richness of the pie itself.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve individual pie portions in clear glass jars or mini tart shells, layering with extra wafers and pudding. You can also sprinkle crushed wafers or toasted nuts along the edges to add texture and elevate the visual appeal for your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover banana pudding pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the creamy texture and prevents the bananas from browning too quickly.

Freezing

Freezing this pie is not recommended because the whipped topping and fresh bananas don’t freeze well, which can compromise the texture and appearance once thawed.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed cold and fresh. Reheating isn’t necessary and may cause separation or sogginess. If you’d like a room temperature slice, simply take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh homemade pudding instead of instant mix?

Absolutely! Homemade banana pudding can add a lovely homemade touch, though the instant pudding mix keeps things quick and foolproof. Just ensure your homemade pudding is thick enough to hold up in the pie.

How can I keep the bananas from turning brown for longer?

Coating the banana slices in freshly squeezed lemon juice is your best bet. Also, assembling the pie shortly before serving helps keep the bananas fresh and vibrant.

Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

Definitely. Homemade whipped cream offers a richer taste, but Cool Whip works beautifully for convenience and that classic fluffy texture important to this recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can use vegan pudding mixes, coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and dairy-free whipped toppings. Just make sure to check all labels for your dietary preferences.

Can I prepare this pie a day in advance?

Yes, prepping the pie a day ahead is perfect and helps the pudding setting process. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add optional garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Pie with Whipped Topping and Vanilla Wafers Recipe is one of those treasured desserts that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight treat, this pie brings joy with every luscious bite. Don’t hesitate—dive into making this pie and enjoy the wonderful flavors and memories it creates!