Indulge in a delightful dessert with our No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie recipe. This heavenly pie combines layers of creamy banana pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all nestled in a graham cracker crust. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a sweet treat, this pie is sure to impress. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this delectable dessert.
Ingredients:
Prepare to whip up this mouthwatering pie with the following ingredients:
- 2 9 oz prepared graham cracker crusts
- 1 3.4 oz box instant banana pudding
- 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
- 4 cups half and half
- 1 8 oz block Neufchatel cheese, softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 40 whole vanilla wafers, divided
- 4 Tbsp crushed vanilla wafers
- 12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed OR 3 cups fresh whipped cream
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie:
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding, instant vanilla pudding, and half and half until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Blend Neufchatel Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened Neufchatel cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the Neufchatel cheese mixture to the prepared pudding mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Bananas: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Assemble Pie: Arrange a layer of sliced bananas on the bottom of each graham cracker crust. Top with a layer of whole vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until the crusts are filled, ending with a layer of pudding mixture on top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top of each pie, then cover with a layer of whipped topping or fresh whipped cream.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pies for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice the pies and serve chilled. Garnish with additional banana slices and vanilla wafers if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie:
- Make-Ahead: This pie can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Graham Cracker Crust: For a homemade touch, you can make your own graham cracker crust using crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
- Layered Presentation: Get creative with the presentation by layering the bananas, pudding, and wafers in individual serving dishes for a stunning dessert display.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
Keto Version:
- Crust Substitute: Use a keto-friendly crust made from almond flour or crushed nuts for a low-carb option.
- Sugar-Free Pudding: Look for sugar-free instant pudding mixes and sweeten with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce Bananas: Limit the number of bananas used in the pie to reduce the carb content. You can also opt for smaller portions of banana or omit them altogether.
- Whipped Cream: Use unsweetened whipped cream instead of whipped topping to lower the carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Let’s address some common questions about making No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie:
Q: Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh bananas for this recipe. Just make sure to slice them thinly and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Q: Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese? A: While Neufchatel cheese offers a slightly lower fat content, you can substitute regular cream cheese if preferred.
Q: How long does the pie need to chill before serving? A: It’s best to refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until set. However, chilling overnight will allow the flavors to meld and the pie to fully set.
With its creamy pudding filling, layers of fresh bananas, and irresistible vanilla wafer crust, our No-Bake Banana Pudding Pie is a dessert dream come true. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this easy-to-make pie is sure to impress. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, it’s a dessert that everyone can enjoy. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence!
