This No Bake Banana Split Pie is everything you love about a classic banana split—reimagined as a creamy, chilled pie that comes together with zero oven time. With layers of banana pudding, crushed pineapple, fresh strawberries and bananas, and a fluffy Cool Whip topping finished with chocolate drizzle, chopped pecans, and cherries—it’s like sunshine in dessert form.
This pie was made for summer cookouts, birthday parties, and casual weeknight cravings when turning on the oven is just not happening. It’s nostalgic, creamy, sweet, and cool—basically, the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and say “Oh wow.”
What Is Banana Split Pie?
Banana Split Pie is a no-bake dessert inspired by the classic ice cream parlor treat. Instead of ice cream, the base is made with creamy banana pudding, layered with fruit and fluffy whipped topping in a graham cracker crust. It captures all the flavors of a traditional banana split—bananas, strawberries, pineapple, chocolate, nuts, and cherries—in an easy-to-slice chilled pie.
No mixer, no oven, no stress—just layers of sweet, summery goodness in a sliceable, crowd-pleasing format.
When to Serve This No Bake Pie
This dessert is perfect for:
- Summer potlucks and backyard BBQs
- 4th of July or Memorial Day gatherings
- Birthday parties or baby showers
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Weekends when you want something sweet but easy
It’s a no-fuss, no-bake pie that you can prep ahead and serve straight from the fridge.
Why This Banana Split Pie is the Ultimate Summer Dessert
When the heat hits and the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven, this no bake banana split pie comes to the rescue. It’s cool, creamy, and full of fresh fruit flavor—exactly what summer desserts should be. No need to heat up your kitchen, no baking skills required, and no stress. Just layer, chill, and serve. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a cookout or hosting friends on the patio, this pie is refreshing, easy, and always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Pie
- No oven required: Perfect for hot weather or last-minute dessert needs.
- Fast and easy: Just 30 minutes of prep and a quick chill time.
- Classic flavors: Bananas, strawberries, chocolate, and cherries in every bite.
- Light and refreshing: Creamy but not heavy, and always a hit at gatherings.
- Customizable: You can swap out toppings, switch the crust, or make it your own.
A Banana Split… But in Pie Form (Yes, Really!)
The best way to describe this dessert? It’s like taking a trip to the ice cream shop—but without the melty mess. Kids go wild for this because it reminds them of a classic banana split sundae: bananas, strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate, and cherries. But instead of needing a spoon, you get all those fun flavors layered into a chilled, sliceable pie. It’s a little nostalgic, a little whimsical, and a whole lot of fun to eat.
Ingredient Breakdown
Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs: Sweet and crumbly base for the pie.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor to deepen the crust.
- Melted butter: Binds the crumbs together and adds richness.
Filling
- Banana pudding mix + milk: Forms the creamy base layer.
- Crushed pineapple: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Banana slices: Classic and creamy!
- Strawberries: For a fresh and slightly tart contrast.
Toppings
- Cool Whip: Light, fluffy topping that holds up in the fridge.
- Chocolate drizzle: Adds that classic banana split vibe.
- Chopped pecans: For crunch and a nutty finish.
- Maraschino cherries: The perfect sweet, retro touch.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use Nilla Wafers instead of graham crackers for a nostalgic twist.
- Add chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for fun texture.
- Try flavored whipped topping (like chocolate or strawberry Cool Whip) for an extra punch of flavor.
- Use a chocolate or Oreo crust if you want to lean more into the sundae theme.
- Go nut-free by skipping pecans or subbing in sprinkles or coconut flakes.
Tips for Success
- Whisk your pudding until soft set. If it’s too runny when added to the crust, the pie won’t hold its shape.
- Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe ones will get mushy quickly.
- Drain the pineapple well. Excess moisture will make the pie soggy.
- Let it chill completely. The pie needs at least 2 hours in the fridge (or 1 in the freezer) to firm up properly before slicing.
- Add toppings just before serving if you’re not eating the same day to keep them looking fresh.
A No Bake Dessert That Feels Like a Celebration
There’s something special about this pie—it doesn’t just taste good, it feels joyful. Between the colorful layers, the creamy filling, and that sprinkle of chopped nuts and cherries on top, this dessert just screams “celebration.” It’s the kind of treat that makes people ask for the recipe, and one slice is never enough. Serve it at a summer birthday party, pool party, or BBQ and watch it vanish in no time.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
Keep your banana split pie covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust will soften slightly over time, but the flavor stays delicious.
Freezing:
While this pie can technically be frozen, the texture of the fruit and pudding may change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly and eat within 2–3 weeks for best results.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prep the crust and pudding layer a day in advance. Add the fruit, Cool Whip, and toppings the day of serving for best freshness and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use instant pudding instead of cook-and-serve?
Yes! This recipe is designed for instant banana pudding, which sets up quickly and makes prep easier.
What’s the texture like?
The crust is buttery and slightly crumbly, while the filling is soft, creamy, and layered with juicy fruit. The whipped topping adds a fluffy finish, and the toppings bring texture and visual appeal.
Can I leave off the toppings?
Absolutely! The chocolate drizzle, pecans, and cherries are traditional but optional. You can skip them or substitute with sprinkles, coconut, or other chopped nuts.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes. A ready-made graham cracker crust works in a pinch, though homemade adds a bit more flavor and freshness.
Will the bananas brown?
Because they’re layered under the whipped topping and surrounded by creamy pudding, they hold up pretty well. For added insurance, brush banana slices with a little lemon juice before adding.
Can I make this with different pudding flavors?
Sure! Vanilla or cheesecake pudding would both work well if banana isn’t your thing. You could also use chocolate pudding and swap the fruit for raspberries or cherries.
How can I serve this for a crowd?
You can double the recipe and assemble it in a 9×13-inch baking dish. It scoops more like a layered dessert, but the flavor is the same and it serves more people.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but for best presentation, add the final toppings the day of serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Banana Split Pie as a Lush to feed a Crowd
Hosting a larger group? Turn this No Bake Banana Split Pie into a banana split lush dessert—a layered, scoopable version perfect for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or summer holidays like the Fourth of July.
To do it:
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead of a pie plate.
- Double the crust ingredients and press them evenly into the bottom of the dish. Chill as usual.
- Double the filling as well, whisking the pudding with milk and stirring in the crushed pineapple. Spread the mixture evenly over the crust.
- Layer on the banana and strawberry slices.
- Add the Cool Whip topping, smoothing it out to the edges.
- Finish with the chocolate drizzle, chopped pecans, and maraschino cherries.
Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight), then slice into squares or serve it with a spoon like a classic lush or pudding dessert.
Why it’s great: It’s just as tasty, but easier to serve and more shareable for a crowd. Plus, it travels well if you’re bringing dessert to a friend’s house or summer cookout!
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Banana Split Pie is so easy, creamy and perfect for Summer! It’s the kind of dessert that delivers pure joy in every bite. It’s cold, creamy, fruity, and fun—with just enough nostalgia to make you feel like a kid again. This is perfect for summer parties, make-ahead entertaining, or when you just want a dessert that makes people smile. There’s no oven, no stress, and absolutely no wrong way to serve it. Just slice, scoop, and enjoy.
More No Bake Desserts
No Bake Banana Split Pie
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
Filling:
- 3.4 oz box banana pudding
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1 banana sliced
- ½ cup strawberry slices
- 8 oz cool whip
- Chocolate drizzle
- Chopped pecans
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl combine crushed graham cracker and brown sugar. Add in melted butter and mix until well coated and the texture is a wet crumb.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9” pie plate. Place into the fridge to chill until the filling is ready.
- In a large mixing bowl combine pudding and milk. Whisk constantly until soft set, about 2
- minutes. Add in the crushed pineapple and mix to combine. Pour the filling mixture into the chilled crust and smooth out. Layer the sliced bananas on top of the filling, then add a layer of strawberry slices on top of the banana.
- Spoon the cool whip on top and evenly spread out. Drizzle chocolate over top, then sprinkle on the pecans and cherries.
- Lightly cover with plastic wrap, then place into the freezer to chill for 2 hours before serving.
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