If you love the classic flavors of a banana split but want something that’s ridiculously easy, cool, and crowd-pleasing, Banana Split Pie is about to steal your heart. This retro dessert layers creamy banana pudding, juicy fruit, fluffy whipped topping, and all your favorite sundae fixings in a ready-made graham cracker crust—no oven required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Wonder: Banana Split Pie comes together without ever turning on the oven, making it perfect for warm days, potlucks, or last-minute cravings.
- Retro Charm: This pie delivers nostalgia by the forkful, with flavors reminiscent of soda fountains and classic ice cream parlors.
- Customizable Fun: Top it your way with extra toppings or different fruit—each slice can be a new creation!
- Crowd Pleaser: It’s creamy, fruity, crunchy, and chocolatey all at once, making this dessert irresistible to both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Banana Split Pie is that it calls for everyday supermarket staples that pack maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Each ingredient brings its own delightful touch—whether it’s creamy richness, fruity zing, or crunchy, chocolate-drizzled joy.
- Premade graham cracker pie crust: A sweet, crumbly base that saves time but tastes homemade and perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- Cold whole milk (2 cups): Using whole milk creates extra creamy pudding—ice-cold milk helps the pudding set up fast and fluffy.
- Instant banana pudding mix (two 3.4 oz packages): Delivers a dreamy banana flavor that’s sweet without being overpowering; make sure to use instant, not cook-and-serve!
- Frozen whipped topping (8 oz carton, thawed, divided): Whipped topping adds cloud-like fluff and makes assembly a breeze.
- Bananas (sliced): For that fresh, fruity bite—ripe bananas are sweet and easy to layer.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Pineapple brings a lovely, tangy brightness; draining prevents a soggy pie.
- Walnut pieces (about 1/4 cup): For a classic sundae crunch; toast them lightly if you like extra flavor.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle over the top for a decadent chocolate finish.
- Maraschino cherries: No banana split is complete without these cheerful, candy-red jewels on top!
Variations
One of the best things about Banana Split Pie is how endlessly adaptable it is! If you have a craving, a dietary need, or simply want to play with flavors and textures, here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Swap one pudding box for instant chocolate pudding, or add a layer of mini chocolate chips between the fruit and whipped topping.
- Tropical Twist: Try adding shredded coconut or swapping crushed pineapple for mango or kiwi for extra summery freshness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and whipped topping for a completely dairy-free pie that everyone can enjoy.
- No-Nut Option: If you have nut allergies, try crunchy granola or toasted coconut in place of the walnuts.
How to Make Banana Split Pie
Step 1: Make the Creamy Banana Pudding Layer
In a large bowl, combine the cold milk with both boxes of instant banana pudding mix. Use a mixer on low speed for about two minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns luscious and creamy. Fold in a cup of thawed whipped topping gently; this adds fluff without deflating the pudding. Pour the mixture into your graham cracker crust, smoothing it out into an even layer. Chill for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 2: Layer on the Bananas and Pineapple
Once the pudding layer has set, evenly layer your fresh banana slices right on top, followed by a generous scatter of well-drained crushed pineapple. This combination gives each bite a burst of fruity sunshine and the pineapple’s tang is fantastic against the velvety pudding.
Step 3: Pile on the Whipped Topping
Spoon the remainder of your thawed whipped topping over the fruit, gently spreading it to cover every last banana and pineapple chunk. This snowy layer not only makes for a beautiful presentation but keeps everything underneath fresh and moist.
Step 4: Decorate with Nuts, Chocolate, & Cherries
Now for the fun: sprinkle the walnut pieces over the top, liberally drizzle with chocolate sauce, and finally, crown the pie with maraschino cherries. These add the unmistakable look and flavor of a true banana split!
Step 5: Chill, Slice, and Serve
Cover your Banana Split Pie and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour—up to 3 is even better, for perfect slices. This time allows all the layers to meld, set, and bring out their brightest flavors. Serve chilled straight from the fridge.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Split Pie
- Extra-Chilled Milk: Using milk straight from the fridge helps your pudding mix whip up extra thick, which sets beautifully and resists becoming soggy.
- Banana Timing: Slice and add the bananas right before layering; this minimizes browning and keeps each bite perfectly fresh.
- Draining the Pineapple: Press the pineapple well between paper towels or a strainer—a little extra effort prevents the whole pie from getting watery.
- For Picture-Perfect Slices: Chill the finished Banana Split Pie for at least 2 hours before serving, and use a sharp, slightly damp knife to get clean, gorgeous slices.
How to Serve Banana Split Pie
Garnishes
Go classic with a swirl of extra whipped topping, an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce, and those iconic maraschino cherries. For a fun touch, add colorful sprinkles, a scattering of mini chocolate chips, or even some rainbow nonpareils to make your Banana Split Pie totally celebration-ready.
Side Dishes
Because this dessert is pure nostalgia, pair it with simple sips like cold milk, creamy coffee, or lemonade. If you’re serving at a party, offer a platter of fresh strawberries, chocolate-dipped fruits, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside so everyone can build their own “pie à la mode” experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, serve your Banana Split Pie in sundae cups or small mason jars for a playful, individual twist. Stack slices on a beautiful dessert tray with banana leaves, or set up a DIY garnish station and let guests personalize their own piece with toppings galore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Split Pie keeps beautifully in the fridge! Simply cover the pie pan with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you anticipate leftovers, wait to add the final cherry and extra drizzle right before serving for the freshest taste and look.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this pie, the texture may change—bananas especially can become a bit mushy and the whipped topping can lose its fluffy charm. If you do freeze, wrap very tightly and enjoy within 1 month, thawing in the fridge. For best results, freeze without the fresh garnishes and add them after thawing.
Reheating
Banana Split Pie is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge—no reheating needed! If you’ve frozen your pie, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the smoothest, most scoopable texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Banana Split Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Banana Split Pie gets even tastier as it chills and the flavors meld together. You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance—just wait to add the walnuts and cherries until right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
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What’s the best way to prevent the bananas from browning?
Slice the bananas just before layering and add them directly onto the chilled pudding. If you’re prepping far ahead, you can lightly brush banana slices with a bit of lemon juice—but don’t worry, the creamy layers and quick chill time help keep them bright!
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Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute freshly whipped cream (sweetened and whipped to stiff peaks) for the frozen whipped topping if you prefer a homemade touch. Just note that whipped topping stays stable a little longer, especially in warm weather or at parties.
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Is it possible to turn this into a gluten-free dessert?
Definitely! Simply swap the standard graham cracker crust for a gluten-free version—you can find these premade or make your own with gluten-free graham crackers. Everything else in the Banana Split Pie is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
Banana Split Pie will bring happy ice-cream-parlor vibes to any table—without the mess or fuss! It’s the kind of treat that turns a simple gathering into a celebration, and you’ll love how easy, adaptable, and utterly delicious it is. Make it once and you just might find yourself asked to bring it to every party—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Print
Banana Split Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chill, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this easy-to-make Banana Split Pie that combines the classic flavors of a banana split into a delightful dessert pie.
Ingredients
Pie:
- 1 premade graham cracker pie crust
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
Toppings:
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup walnut pieces
- Chocolate sauce, to taste
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Pie: In a large bowl, beat milk and pudding on low speed for 2 minutes. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Pour into crust and chill.
- Toppings: Add sliced bananas and drained pineapples on top of the chilled pudding mixture, in order given. Top with the remaining whipped topping. Add walnuts, chocolate sauce, and maraschino cherries.
- Chill the pie for 1-3 hours before serving.
