Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (2024)

Our layered Homemade Banana Cream Pie has a chewy nilla wafer crust, a soft cream cheese layer, creamy banana pudding, fresh sliced bananas, and whipped topping for the perfect summer dessert. Made in a 9x13" pan, this is one pie that will feed a crowd.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (1)

This is the easiest banana cream pie recipe, maybe ever. With a delicious nilla wafer crust, gooey cream cheese layer, and banana pudding topped with fresh bananas, whipped topping and caramel, it’s cool, sweet, and perfect for summer.

It’s a great 9×13 dessert option (so it’s great for feeding a crowd!) and it’s practically no bake. In fact, I know you can get away with skipping the crust baking step because I’ve totally done that in a pinch.

Everyone time I make this, it is devoured in moments! Everyone loves it (myself, my husband, my neighbors, my kids) and the best part about it is that it’s so fast and simple to make.

Want to make this into actual pies? Just split up the layers between two 9″ pie pans instead of one 9×13″ pan.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (2)

How to make banana cream pie with nilla wafer crust

Mix together the crushed cookies and melted butter. You can crush the cookies by hand, but I prefer using a food processor for quick, even crumbs. Press into a 9×13″ baking pan, then *bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (3)


*You really could skip this step in a pinch. The crust won’t hold together as well, but it will still taste the same.

Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 container of Cool Whip. Spread on top of cooled cookie crust.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (4)

Then beat together the banana cream pudding with milk. Let stand for about 4-5 minutes until it has thickened. Spread on top of cream cheese layer.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (5)

Lay sliced bananas on top of pudding, covering the entire pan.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (6)

Spread the last container of Cool Whip on top of the bananas. Let set in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving (you could definitely serve it immediately, but it won’t slice as nicely or be quite set up. It will still taste the same).

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (7)

Top with caramel sauce, sliced bananas and crushed cookies as a garnish (totally optional, but it makes it look good).

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (8)

What else could I make the crust out of?

I have a confession to make. Pie crust is not my favorite – I think that it’s bland and tasteless.

But, in order to save my marriage (I married a pie crust lover), I decided to compromise. I told him that I would make him a banana cream pie, but that I would make it my way.

The end result was perfect. I went with a Nilla Wafer Cookie crust and it was a big hit. If you don’t like pie crust, or want to try another type, we’d recommend these:

  • Vanilla Oreos
  • Biscoff Cookies
  • Teddy Grahams
  • Graham Crackers

And if you’re one of the many who do actually like homemade pie crust, you can use this recipe.

Meal Planning Made Easy

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (9)

Some of our best memories were made at the dinner table and that is something we wanted to help other families have time for.

Our simple weekly dinner meal plans take all the stress and guesswork out of “What’s for dinner?” and turn it into a tradition of spending time with family.

Adjust your serving size to fit the needs of your family, and customize your plan with our library of 3000+ recipes. It’s time to start enjoying dinnertime!
Check out the Six Sisters’ Meal Plans on Prepear today!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

If you need to make this recipe ahead of time, we would recommend making the crust first and then assembling the rest of it two hours before serving.

Because there are fresh bananas in the recipe, they will brown if assembled too early.

Related Recipe: You’ll love this easy no bake Caramel Pecan Turtle Pumpkin Pie Recipe. A family favorite!

More delicious recipes

Have you heard about our newest cookbook, Copycat Cooking? We took over 100 of our favorite restaurant recipes and simplified them so that you can make them right at home!

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (10)

Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.

This cookbookincludes copycat recipes from Wingers, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Panera, Cheesecake Factory, Kneaders, and so much more. We have you covered from drinks, to dessert and everything in-between.

We are so excited to share these recipes with you.

Looking for more pie recipes? try these:

  • Cherry Pie Bars
  • Chocolate Chess Pie
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Pecan Pie Chex Party Mix
  • Bite Size Cherry Pies
  • No Bake Banana Cream Pie Cake
  • German Chocolate Cream Pie

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (11)

Serves: 15

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust)

Our layered Homemade Banana Cream Pie has a chewy nilla wafer crust, a soft cream cheese layer, creamy banana pudding, fresh sliced bananas, and whipped topping for the perfect easy pie.

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • 1 12 ounce box Nilla Wafer Cookies finely crushed
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 8 ounce containers Cool Whip divided
  • 1 5.1 ounce box banana cream instant pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 bananas sliced
  • ½ cup caramel topping

Instructions

  • Mix together the crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. *Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool.

  • Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one container of Cool Whip. Spread on top of cooled cookie crust.

  • Beat together the banana cream pudding with milk. Let stand for about 4-5 minutes until it has thickened. Spread on top of cream cheese layer.

  • Spread sliced bananas on top of pudding, covering the entire pan.

  • Spread the last container of Cool Whip on top of the bananas. Let set in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

  • Top with caramel sauce and any additional sliced bananas for each serving.

Notes

*You really could skip this step in a pinch. The crust won’t hold together as well, but it will still taste the same.

Nutrition

Calories: 184 kcal · Carbohydrates: 30 g · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 7 g · Saturated Fat: 5 g · Cholesterol: 20 mg · Sodium: 96 mg · Potassium: 162 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 21 g · Vitamin A: 269 IU · Vitamin C: 3 mg · Calcium: 44 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Equipment

  • 9×13" Pan

  • Hand mixer

Recipe Details

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Camille Beckstrand

Be sure to not miss another recipe!
Follow Six Sisters’ Stuff on Instagram| Facebook| Pinterest|YouTube

Did you know we have a YouTube Channel?

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (12)

Join The Discussion

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Ana Carneiro says:

    Ok, I seriously need to drop by less times than I do, or I'll put on some serious weight! You always leave me mouthwatering!!!

  2. Alicia Murdoch says:

    Oh no!!!Another yummy dessert...I'm going to have to start running more! Thanks ladies!

  3. Britney Jean says:

    This looks way too good! I'll have to try it sometime! Yum!

  4. Kelly (Our Everyday Harvest) says:

    This looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!

  5. Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says:

    Don't like pie crust!? Shh, don't tell Dorothy from Crazy For Crust that :) but I hear ya, sometimes pie crust needs a little something else to elevate the flavor... like using Nilla Wafers :) what a perfect way to compromise for a super rich pie!

  6. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says:

    I just read Hayley's comment and laughed. You just haven't had the right crust! :) Love this pie!

  7. Heather says:

    YUM! I can't wait to make this for my husband- banana pudding is his favorite dessert and this looks like banana pudding in pie form :)

  8. Camille says:

    Ha ha ha ha! Oh my gosh . . . she is probably furious right now! Ha ha! :)

  9. Megan says:

    My hubby loves banana pie and this looks so decadent. A must try.

  10. Camille says:

    You are probably right . . . most of the crusts that I have had taste like a flour ball. :) Ha ha! Maybe someday I can try one of your crusts. :)

  11. Andrea says:

    That looks and sounds super yummy.

  12. Debra Kapellakis says:

    Sure looks good and to save my marriage I would eat it. ;)

  13. Annie says:

    I made this dessert and it was great. I did modify the recipe slightly. I'm not sure the servings you planned for this recipe, but I found that a whole box of nilla wafers (11oz.) made 2 9in pies. I left out the powdered sugar to decrease the sugar. I used vanilla pudding with bananas mixed in because I personally think banana pudding can taste artificial. My only criticism is that I think the cream cheese layer was too thick and the pudding layer was too thin, I would adjust this next time I make it. Thank you for the recipe it was a big hit with my husband and at work.

  14. Joy Barker says:

    I think it will be delicious with or without cream cheese and the nilla wafers sound delicious and i have often thought of them in that manner but just wasn't sure as how to incorperate them!! Now Thanks For Your Suggestion's !!!Best Regards Joy :)

  15. Becky says:

    This looks fabulous! But hubby only likes the flavor of bananas not the real fruit in the dessert. Therefore, I'm going to make it without the bananas. I hope it still taste delicious.

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (13)

About The Author:

Camille Beckstrand

Camille Beckstrand is married to Jared and they have 4 kids. She loves a good true crime podcast, a big plate of cheesy loaded nachos, and going on adventures with her family.

Read More

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

Banana Bars Recipe

35 minutes mins

Mini Elmo Cupcakes Recipe

42 minutes mins

Sheet Pan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

50 minutes mins

Barbecue Pork Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Readers’ Favorite Recipes

Easy Baked Crack Chicken Recipe

30 minutes mins

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

40 minutes mins

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

20 minutes mins

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake {4 Ingredients} Recipe

50 minutes mins

Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

55 minutes mins

Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (with Nilla Wafer Crust) (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken banana cream pie filling? ›

For thickening, you'll use cornstarch. (The egg yolks and cream help, too.) A fork works for whisking the cornstarch and egg yolk mixture.

How do you keep bananas from turning dark in banana cream pie? ›

Coat the banana slices in a wee bit of lemon juice and that'll stop the browning. Then, once they are in the pudding, the lemon juice and lack of oxygen will keep them looking fresh.

Why is my banana cream pie filling runny? ›

Several factors could contribute to a runny banana cream pie. It may not have set properly if the custard wasn't cooked long enough or if it wasn't chilled adequately. Ensure you follow the recipe's instructions for both cooking and chilling times, and consider refrigerating the pie for a longer period if needed.

What is banana cream pie made of? ›

Old-fashioned banana cream pie is basically a buttery pie crust layered with fresh bananas, a thick vanilla pudding/custard mixture, and topped with whipped cream. My world's best banana cream pie recipe jazzes up the traditional version by using an epic peanut butter cookie crust.

What is the best ingredient to use in thickening the filling of cream pies? ›

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency. Tapioca starch is preferable for products that will be frozen because it will not break down when thawed. We like tapioca in blueberry, cherry or peach pies.

What ingredient helps thicken the filling of a cream pie? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

Why did my banana cream pie not set up? ›

A runny filling can occur if you don't cook the filling long enough or chill the pie adequately. The key is to cook the filling over medium heat until it's thick. You must also let the pie chill for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the filling to set properly.

Why do my bananas turn black in banana pudding? ›

Bananas turn brown due to oxidation, exposure to air. If you're making a banana cream pie, prepare the crust, prepare the pudding and then peel and slice the bananas and place them into the pie crust. Follow the sliced bananas with the pudding and bake.

How do you keep bananas fresh in a cream pie? ›

Covering sliced bananas with layers of pastry cream helps prevent the fruit from browning. Refrigerating the assembled pie until it's thoroughly chilled infuses the pastry cream with banana flavor and ensures clean slices.

What makes pie filling thick? ›

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency.

How do you keep pie filling from being runny? ›

The best way to thicken runny apple pie filling before baking it is to add some cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour to your mix. To fix a runny pie that's already been baked, simply let it cool to see if it will congeal naturally. If not, you can stick it back in the oven for a bit longer.

What is a interesting fact about banana cream pies? ›

Five Fun Facts:
  • In a 1951 survey conducted by the United States Armed Services, banana cream pie was ranked the soldier's favorite dessert!
  • If your banana cream pie has a "black bottom", that means that it has chocolate on the bottom!
  • An English variation is called Banoffee Pie - a merger of banana and toffee.
Mar 2, 2012

What is banana moon pie? ›

Banana Moon Pies are made from round graham cookies with a soft gooey marshmallow filling. They are then dipped in a banana flavour coating. A delicious treat that can be enjoyed hot or cold! A full box of 12 Banana Moon Pies. These sweets are imported from America.

What ingredients are in Patti LaBelle's banana pudding? ›

Ingredients for Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding

To recreate Patti LaBelle's iconic banana pudding, you'll need sweetened condensed milk, cold water, instant vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, ripe bananas and vanilla wafers.

How can I make my cream filling thicker? ›

Thickening a cream sauce is easy! You can make a cream sauce thicker by reducing it on the stovetop. If reducing the sauce doesn't work, or if you're in a rush, you can use a thickener to bulk up your sauce. Flour, butter, eggs, and cornstarch are simple ingredients that can make your cream sauce thicker.

How do you thicken runny pie filling? ›

You just use the same amount of tapioca starch as you would cornstarch. Cook your filling before putting in the pie shell, then bake. I chop about 5-6 cups, add 1 cup sugar (or more if you want sweeter), plus 3 tbsp cornstarch (add before hearing), and cook til thickened slightly, it will finish in the oven.

How do you thicken pie fillings? ›

Flour as Pie Filling Thickener

Teaspoon for teaspoon, you will need to use about twice as much flour as you would cornstarch or tapioca to achieve the same thickening effects. Adding too much flour to your pie filling will turn it cloudy and pasty, with a distinctly floury taste.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6048

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.