Banana Split Pie

If you love ice cream, you have to try this amazing Banana Split Pie! It’s the perfect festive, no-bake dessert for any holiday or special occasion. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family to help make and easy to prepare in advance.

Ready for a slice of happiness? This incredibly easy Banana Split Pie is a dessert we’ve always used to celebrate the beginning of summer. When school releases for the year, we would always serve our kids this cake as a celebration treat. It’s a tried-and-true family recipe that is no-bake for ease.

What we love about this family recipe is that is has a crunchy pecan pie cracker crust that’s filled with a fluffy cream cheese and cool whip. Every bite is studded with bananas, crushed pineapple, and strawberries. To top everything off, is a drizzle if chocolate syrup, peanuts, sprinkles, and cherries for a dessert that’s sure to be a hit.

If you want another simple easy dessert that will bring back memories from your childhood, you’ve also got to try my mamaw’s Ooey Gooey Bars (Yum Yum Bars), this incredible Honey Bun Cake, and a big slice of my sister’s Dreamsicle Cake!

Why You’ll like this Recipe

• No Bake Dessert: It’s perfect in those hot summer months when you don’t want to heat up the house!
• Super Easy Recipe: It’s a simple recipe with basic ingredients and only takes 20 minutes to prepare! The fridge does all the heavy lifting for you in this treat.
• Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion: We mean it when we say it’s a crowdpleaser, we usually make 2 or 3 pies for large parties! It’s perfect for a birthday party, church homecoming, summer picnics, family reunion, or holiday celebration!
• Twist on the Classic Banana Split Sundae: It has all the delicious flavors you LOVE of the traditional banana split sundae!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Cheesecake Pudding Mix: This mix is responsible for setting the no bake filling. It adds sweetness, flavor, and texture for a creamy and rich cheesecake-like consistency.
• Evaporated Milk: Is necessary for creating the richness and creaminess of the filling without making it too heavy.
• Cream Cheese: Gives a tanginess and richness to the filling, contributing to the cheesecake flavor profile. It also helps stabilize the filling and gives it a creamy consistency when combined with the pudding mix.
• Cool Whip or Fresh Whipped Cream: Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream is folded into the filling to lighten it up and add a fluffy texture. It also adds sweetness and a creamy finish to the dessert.
• Crushed Pineapple: Infuses tropical flavor to the pie filling. It also contributes moisture and texture.
• Fresh Bananas: Make sure they are ripe for a nice natural sweetness and a soft texture for the filling.
• Pecan Pie Crusts or Graham Cracker Crusts: Pecan pie crusts add a nutty richness, while graham cracker crusts offer a sweet and crumbly contrast.
• Strawberries: Add freshness, natural sweetness, and vibrant color to the dessert. You can instead drizzle a strawberry sauce on top.
• Chocolate Sauce or Chocolate Syrup: Chocolate adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the pie, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. You can store-bought or homemade chocolate syrup.
• Chopped Peanuts: Give crunch and nuttiness to the dessert, contrasting with the creamy filling and soft fruit.
• Maraschino Cherries: Add a pop of color and sweetness to the dessert.
• Sprinkles: Add your favorite kind, I love rainbow.

Laura Ashley’s Tip: You can use vanilla, banana, or white chocolate instant pudding mix instead of cheesecake flavor if you prefer!

Tools You’ll Need

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rubber Spatula

How to Make Banana Split Pie

1. For the filling, in a small mixing bowl, whisk or blend together with a hand mixer evaporated milk and pudding mix for 1 minute.

2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Fold in the pudding mixture.

3. Blend pineapple into the cream cheese pudding mixture. Fold in all but 1 1/2 cups of the Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream. Once combined, fold in bananas.

4. To the 2 pie crusts, divide and spread evenly the diced strawberries followed by the whipped cream mixture.

5. Fill a Ziploc or star-tipped icing bag with the remaining whipped cream. Pipe dollops on the top of the pies as shown or as desired. 

6. Garnish the top of the pies with chocolate drizzle, chopped peanuts, cherries and sprinkles. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Substitute the Cool Whip: Fresh whipped cream can be used instead of Cool Whip. To make homemade whipped cream, in a large bowl on high speed, blend together 3 cups heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.
• Pie Crust Alternatives: You can experiment with different crusts such as chocolate cookie crust, Oreo crust, or shortbread crust to add your own twist to the recipe. Here are also some homemade pie crusts options:
  • For a graham cracker crust, simply mix together 3 cups graham cracker crumbs and 12 tablespoons melted butter. Divide the mixture into 2 pie pans and press evenly on the bottom and up the sides. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then cool completely.
  • For a pecan pie crust, simply mix together 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1 cup finely chopped pecans and 12 tablespoons melted butter. Divide the mixture into 2 pie pans and press evenly on the bottom and up the sides. Bake at 350°F for 14-18 minutes, then cool completely.
  • This pie is excellent with this Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust! It’s easy to make with just 4 ingredients!
• Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Follow the homemade pie crust options as noted above using gluten-free graham crackers or chocolate cookies or a gluten-free all-purpose flour alternative.
• Pan Options: This dessert can also be made in a 13×9 pan with a homemade crust as noted above.
• Healthy Alternative: If you love the flavors of a banana split but are looking for a more nutrient dense alternative, this Healthy Banana Split is an excellent option. You could eat it for breakfast or as a tasty treat!
• Be sure to Drain the Pineapple of Excess Liquid: This prevents the filling from becoming runny.
• More Topping Options: Besides the traditional favorite toppings noted in this recipe, you can also use caramel sauce, canned cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, fresh cherries, hot fudge sauce, coconut flakes, almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

Storage and Freezing

Banana split pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within 1-2 days. The sliced banana will likely start to brown after 2 days.

While banana split pie can technically be frozen, the texture of the filling may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for optimal taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Pie Recipes

• American Pie
• Lemon Cream No Bake Pie
• Frozen Hot Chocolate Pie
• Frozen Yogurt Pie
• Oatmeal Pie