No-Bake Banana Cream Pie

This No-Bake Banana Cream Pie is rich, creamy, and perfectly sliceable thanks to a cream cheese and pudding filling layered with fresh bananas and a buttery vanilla wafer crust. An easy, nostalgic dessert that sets up beautifully every time—no oven required!

I Love Bananas

And I buy them frequently. But, friends. . .I cannot tell you how many, many life choices have been made on the spur of the moment because of speckled bananas. I buy them. I set them aside. I forget about them. I see the speckles. I start searching for a new-to-me recipe.

I say "new-to-me" because I already have a ton of banana themed recipes on this site. I've got more banana bread recipes than should be allowed by law. (No, really.)

I've got banana cake, banana cookies, banana bars. . .banana everything.

So, today I stared at (yet) another bunch of speckled bananas and sighed.

Loudly.

And then it hit me: the one thing I've never made, but truly love: banana cream pie.

What is Banana Cream Pie?

In some ways it's similar to banana pudding (I pause to share that I have a great recipe for that already, one that calls for Biscoff cookies.) But a Banana Cream Pie is made in a pie dish with a vanilla wafer crust (as opposed to vanilla wafers floating about in it). It's a true pie. A southern pie, no less...and I'm a southern gal.

And, in the case of my recipe, this banana cream pie is stabilized with something that I use a lot. Cream cheese.

You read that right. I add a full block of softened cream cheese, which gives this filling a bit of a cheesecake feel. So, so, so, so good.

No, really.

So good.

You're going to love this recipe. And here's why. . .

7 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required
• Firm enough for clean slices
• Classic banana cream flavor
• Uses up those bananas before they go bad
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings
• Have a sight cheesecake twist you might not be expecting

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Ingredients for No Bake Banana Cream Pie

You'll find a printable recipe card at the bottom but I thought I'd give you a peek at what you'll need. These are simple ingredients, available at any grocery store.

Vanilla Wafer Crust

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, but helps structure)

Banana Cream Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, fully softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
• 1½ cups cold milk
• 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced

Topping

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Additional Toppings (optional)

• Extra whipped topping
• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Fresh banana slices

How to Make Banana Cream Pie

This comes together so easily, friends!

Make the Whipped Cream

Combine 1 ½ cups heavy cream with the quarter cup powdered sugar. Beat until peaks form. Cover and place in refrigerator.

Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and sugar until evenly coated.

Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up before adding filling.

Whip the Cream Cheese Base

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth and fluffy. No lumps!

Prepare the Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2–3 minutes, until thick and fully set. Place in fridge for a few minutes to firm up.

Combine

Fold the thick pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

Assemble the Pie

• Spread ⅓ of the filling into the chilled crust.
• Add a full layer of banana slices.
• Add the remaining filling.
• Add final layer of banana slices.
• Top entire surface with whipped cream.
• Cover and place in refrigerator.

Chill Until Firm

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for best slicing results.

Garnish

Top with extra bananas, whipped topping, and/or crushed vanilla wafers before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy!

Use a clean, sharp knife and wipe between cuts for bakery-style slices.

Storage Tips

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Best texture is on day 1 and 2
• Do not freeze (bananas darken and soften when thawed)

What to Expect from this No-Bake Banana Cream Pie

First of all, where has this been all of my life? The creamy banana filling, the slightly tart twist of the cream cheese. Those delicious Nilla wafers in the crust? They all merge into a luscious, decadent pie you'll be proud to serve your family and friends.

When I took that first bite, I went reeling back in time to 1993, a church potluck. I wish I could remember the older woman's name, the one who always made the banana pudding that caused the pastor's head to swim. I'm guessing she's already gone on to glory, but if she was still here, I'd be tempted to say this pie could give her a run for her money.

It's that good. And super easy to serve, as well.

Variations on this Recipe

This pie is terrific just as it is. But you know me. . .I love to imagine different ways to change things up. Here are some ideas that come to mind:

• Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle chocolate syrup over the banana layer. I think this would give it sort of a banana split flair.
• Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie: Beat ½ cup peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture. If you've tasted my peanut butter pie, you know that I'm nuts about peanut butter, (pun intended).
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana: Add both! I mean. . .why not? Go big, or go home. . .right?

Other Banana Favorites from Out of the Box Baking

If you love banana you'll flip over the following banana bread recipes:

• Brown Butter Banana Bread
• Easy Sour Cream Banana Bread
• Simple Banana Berry Bread
• Easy Banana Bread Maui
• Classic Banana Bread with Walnuts

Thanks for stopping by! If you make this luscious pie and enjoy it, please leave a review. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?

Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →