When you think of dessert, what comes to mind? If you’re like me, it’s all about the sweet, creamy goodness of a banana split pie. Imagine layers of luscious banana cream, fluffy whipped topping, and rich chocolate drizzle, all nestled in a graham cracker crust. It’s a flavor explosion that hits every note—sweet, creamy, and just a tad crunchy. Trust me, one bite of this banana split pie will have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen.
Every summer barbecue or family gathering needs a little pizzazz, and this pie is my go-to showstopper. I remember the first time I made it; my grandma raised an eyebrow and said it was “better than the real deal.” Honestly, how could anyone resist such a delightful twist on a classic? Whether it’s for birthdays, potlucks, or simply to indulge yourself on a Tuesday afternoon, this banana split pie is perfect for any occasion. You’re in for an amazing flavor experience that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This banana split pie is incredibly easy to prepare without compromising on flavor
- The vibrant colors and textures make it visually stunning and perfect for any gathering
- Each bite feels like summer in your mouth with its creamy goodness
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or flavors
I remember when I served this at a family reunion; the kids went wild over it while the adults fought for the last slice.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for an even texture in your crust; they hold up better when filled.
-
Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise control over the sweetness; melt it before mixing with the crumbs.
-
Bananas: Select ripe but firm bananas; they add natural sweetness without turning mushy in the pie.
-
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Opt for high-quality pudding mix to ensure a creamy filling; this sets quickly.
-
Milk: Whole milk works best here for a rich texture; avoid skim milk if you want creaminess.
-
Whipped Topping: Use frozen whipped topping for convenience; it’s light and fluffy when thawed.
-
Chocolate Syrup: A drizzle on top adds decadence; feel free to use store-bought or homemade syrup.
-
Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until fully mixed. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened—about 2 minutes. Let it sit until slightly set while you prep other ingredients.
Add Bananas & Whipped Topping: Slice ripe bananas evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon prepared pudding mixture over bananas gently to avoid mashing them.
Top with Whipped Topping & Chocolate Syrup: Spread whipped topping evenly across the pudding layer using an offset spatula for smoothness. Drizzle chocolate syrup generously over the top.
Chill and Serve!: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible—this allows flavors to meld beautifully before slicing into pieces.
Now that you’ve made your own banana split pie, grab some forks and dig in! Your taste buds will thank you as you savor each heavenly bite of creamy banana goodness wrapped in crunchy crust. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful banana split pie is not only colorful but also incredibly easy to prepare
- The creamy layers of banana and whipped topping create a texture that dances on your tongue, making it perfect for any gathering or a quiet evening treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first. While it cools, whip the filling and layer the ingredients for an efficient assembly.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap bananas for strawberries or add chocolate syrup to elevate your banana split pie to new heights of deliciousness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfect crust, ensure it’s fully cooled before adding filling to avoid a soggy bottom
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor
- When serving, drizzle with extra chocolate syrup for an Instagram-worthy presentation!
There’s nothing quite like sharing this banana split pie at family gatherings. I vividly remember my niece’s eyes lighting up when she took her first bite, instantly declaring it “the best dessert ever!”

FAQ
Can I make banana split pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just add toppings before serving.
What can I substitute for bananas?
Try using strawberries or mangoes as delicious alternatives in your pie.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
Toss them in lemon juice before layering to retain their bright color and freshness.
Banana Split Pie
Indulge in the ultimate summer dessert with this delightful banana split pie! With luscious layers of creamy banana filling, fluffy whipped topping, and a rich chocolate drizzle, all encased in a crunchy graham cracker crust, this pie is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for birthdays, barbecues, or simply treating yourself on a warm afternoon, it’s an unforgettable experience that will make everyone ask for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until mixed. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 8 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Let sit until slightly set.
- Layer sliced bananas over the cooled crust. Gently spoon the pudding mixture on top.
- Spread whipped topping over the pudding layer and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


