If you are craving a dessert that combines creamy, nutty, and fruity flavors in a heavenly, silky texture, this Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an irresistible pie that layers luscious peanut butter pudding, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped topping on a crunchy graham cracker crust. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a special treat just for yourself, this pie will have everyone asking for seconds and sharing smiles. The blend of peanut butter and banana creates a nostalgic yet fresh taste, while the silky pudding and whipped cream provide an indulgent creaminess that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in building rich flavor, smooth texture, and the perfect balance between sweet and savory. From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the creamy peanut butter filling, every element is thoughtfully chosen to bring the pie to life.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery base for the crust that holds the pie together beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness and enhances the flavor of the crust.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Binds the crust ingredients and adds a silky richness.
- Instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix: Creates a smooth, creamy filling with a hint of tanginess that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
- Milk of choice: Hydrates the pudding mix and contributes to its silky texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the pie that adds depth, richness, and that irresistible nutty taste.
- Cool Whip: Adds airiness and a light, fluffy texture to the filling and topping.
- Ripe bananas: Bring fresh, natural sweetness and smoothness in each bite.
- Nutella: Adds a chocolatey, hazelnut accent to the decorative drizzle on top.
- Salted peanuts: Provide a crunchy contrast and extra savory note to finish the pie.
How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by finely crushing the graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor or simply crushing them with a rolling pin inside a zip-top bag. Combine the crumbs with brown sugar and a pinch of salt, then mix in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan using your fingers or the bottom of a glass. This crust should be chilled for at least one hour to set firmly before adding the filling. For an extra crispy crust, bake it at 325°F for about 10 minutes and cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Pudding Filling
Whisk the instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix with your milk of choice until thickened, about five minutes. Stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined and smooth, then gently fold in one cup of Cool Whip to add lightness and fluff. This luscious filling is where the magic of the Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe truly shines, creating a creamy yet airy layer that’s perfectly balanced in flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Bananas and Filling
Slice one large ripe banana and evenly spread the slices across the chilled pie crust bottom. Carefully pour the peanut butter pudding mixture over the bananas, smoothing it out gently to cover them completely. This layer brings natural sweetness and a lovely fruity contrast to the rich peanut butter filling.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Spread about two cups of Cool Whip on top of the pie, saving some for the decorative border if you want it fancy. Warm ¼ cup of peanut butter slightly in the microwave until spreadable, pour into a small bag, snip the tip, and pipe thin designs across the whipped topping. Repeat this with ¼ cup of Nutella for a decadent chocolate-hazelnut swirl on top. Create a pretty border of whipped topping with the remaining Cool Whip and finish by decorating with sliced bananas and salted peanuts for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh slices of banana and crunchy salted peanuts not only add a visual appeal but also enhance the textural play of your pie. The drizzles of peanut butter and Nutella create an inviting swirl of flavors that entice every guest. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few crushed peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder around the edge. These small garnishes bring the pie’s personality to life and make each serving look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pie stands out as a rich and flavorful dessert, so pairing it with simple sides works best. A crisp green salad or lightly sweetened iced tea can balance the pie’s sweetness and keep your meal feeling fresh. You can also serve it with warm coffee or a creamy latte, which complements the peanut butter and banana flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your friends, consider serving this Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe in individual glass parfait cups layered with extra banana slices, pudding, and whipped cream. Alternatively, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or top each slice with a small dollop of Nutella for a dramatic finish. These ideas elevate your simple, classic pie into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Store the pie in an airtight container or simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay delicious for up to two days, with the whipped topping remaining fluffy and the bananas fresh.
Freezing
This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. The crust may soften slightly after thawing, and bananas might darken, but the overall flavor will still be wonderful. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Because this is a cream and pudding-based pie, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and taste. If you’d like a warmer treat, consider pairing a slice with a warm beverage instead.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter is best for the smooth, creamy texture of the filling, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of added texture. Just mix well so the pieces distribute evenly and don’t affect the smoothness too much.
Can I substitute bananas with another fruit?
Bananas give this pie its classic flavor and creamy sweetness, but you could try sliced strawberries or peaches for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the banana’s natural creaminess complements peanut butter especially well.
Is there a vegan version of this Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe?
Yes, using dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milk, and coconut or almond-based whipped topping will make this pie vegan-friendly. Be sure to check the labels for any animal-derived ingredients.
How long should I chill the pie before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour is necessary to set the crust and filling properly, but letting the pie chill for two to three hours or even overnight will improve the flavors and texture even more.
Can I make the crust from scratch without graham crackers?
Definitely! You could try crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers instead. Just mix with melted butter and sugar and press into your pie pan as you would with graham crackers.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe is a true celebration of comfort and flavor in every bite. Its effortless combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and cool whipped topping on a buttery crust makes it a stand-out dessert that’s sure to become a favorite for years to come. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it’s your new go-to whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!
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Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter and banana pudding filling, and topped with whipped topping swirled with peanut butter and Nutella. Garnished with fresh banana slices and salted peanuts, this pie is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, ideal for a quick yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (9 whole graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pie Filling
- 1 3.4 ounce box instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups milk of choice
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- 1 large ripe banana, sliced
Toppings/Garnishes
- 2 cups Cool Whip
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 1 large ripe banana, sliced
- Salted peanuts as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the graham cracker crust: Finely crush the graham crackers using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-lock bag and rolling with a rolling pin. In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter using a fork until well combined.
- Form the crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use a glass to press the bottom evenly and your fingers to shape the sides snugly. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least one hour before filling. For a baked crust option, preheat the oven to 325°F, bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly browned, then cool completely.
- Prepare the pie filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until combined. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes to thicken. Add the peanut butter and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold 1 cup of Cool Whip into the peanut butter-pudding mixture until thoroughly combined without deflating the whipped topping.
- Assemble the pie: Arrange a layer of sliced banana on the bottom of the chilled pie crust. Pour the peanut butter pudding filling over the bananas, spreading it evenly.
- Add toppings and garnish: Spread a layer of whipped topping over the filling, reserving some for a decorative border if desired. In separate small bowls, microwave 1/4 cup peanut butter and 1/4 cup Nutella for 10-20 seconds each until they become easy to pipe. Transfer each into separate zip-lock bags and cut a small corner to pipe swirls over the whipped topping layer. Pipe the remaining Cool Whip around the edge of the pie as a border using a cut bag tip or pastry bag with a star tip.
- Final touches: Decorate the top with additional sliced bananas and sprinkle salted peanuts over the pie for added texture and flavor.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pie covered for up to 2 days before serving to allow flavors to meld and maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use either instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix based on your preference for flavor.
- The graham cracker crust can be baked or no-bake depending on your time and texture preference.
- For a smoother piping experience with peanut butter and Nutella, warming briefly is essential.
- Store the pie covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Feel free to substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher topping.
- Adding salted peanuts gives a pleasing crunch and complements the creamy filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (optional crust baking)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American

