Description
This Banana Cream Pie Dessert is a luscious, no-bake treat featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, creamy cheesecake layer, smooth banana pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for a make-ahead dessert that delights with layers of vanilla and banana flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 5 cups vanilla wafer cookies
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cool whip or fresh sweetened whipped cream
Banana Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 ½ cups milk (2% recommended)
- 1 cup cool whip or fresh sweetened whipped cream
Whipped Topping
- 3 cups cool whip or fresh sweetened whipped cream
Optional Garnish
- Freshly sliced bananas
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Crush the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender. Combine the crumbs with melted salted butter and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate the crust for 20 minutes to set firmly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of cool whip or freshly sweetened whipped cream until smooth and fully combined. Spread this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled wafer crust. Return to the refrigerator to keep chilled while preparing the next layer.
- Make the Banana Pudding Layer: Whisk the instant banana pudding mix with 2 ½ cups of cold milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in 1 cup of cool whip or whipped cream to lighten the pudding. Spread this banana pudding layer evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread 3 cups of cool whip or fresh sweetened whipped cream evenly over the banana pudding layer, creating a fluffy top for the pie.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the assembled pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing all layers to set and flavors to meld. Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly sliced bananas. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy this rich and creamy dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh sweetened whipped cream for cool whip in all layers if preferred.
- For best results, chill the dessert thoroughly to allow the layers to set firmly.
- Fresh banana slices on top add a fresh flavor and decorative touch, but are optional.
- Use a good quality instant banana pudding mix for optimal taste and texture.
- This pie is best served within 2 days for the freshest flavor and best texture.
