I recently made this easy no bake chocolate banana pudding pie recipe with instant pudding mix. It’s a quick and refreshing dessert layered with bananas, chocolate ganache, and graham cracker crust.
Some people even call it a banana cream pie no bake recipe or a chocolate banana cream pie.
You will not need an oven, or follow any complicated process to make a chocolate banana pudding pie recipe.
Yet, you will get a rich pie which will have a velvety and deep chocolate flavor, smoothness of pudding, and a fresh banana slice, all that in one bite.
Plus, it is good in summer because it is usually made cold, and it’s also refreshing and feels like a dessert without even baking a single layer.
In this post, I’m going to give you the exact recipe that I used to make this No Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie recipe.
I will also share how you will customize the crust, pudding flavor, toppings, and even how you can make it sugar-free or dairy-free if you want to.
What Makes This No-Bake Pudding Pie So Special?
The first thing that I like about this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie recipe is that it looks like a complicated layered dessert when you serve it.
But, in reality, it’s the total opposite of that.
You can even make it if you are a beginner. And it’s because you will have to use only banana pudding with chocolate.
Plus, I also like the fruity sweetness and deep cocoa flavor combination.
The second thing that I like is a No-Bake Chocolate Pudding, which means that if you are feeling lazy or in a hurry when you don’t have time, you can make this no-bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie without messing up the filling.
And lastly, you can make it in advance.
Let’s say, some guests are going to visit your home in the coming day, like the next day.
So, you can make this no-bake banana pudding today and then chill it in the fridge and serve it the next day. It will still be tasty and delicious.
Ingredients for No Bake Chocolate Banana Cream Pudding Pie (with Cool Whip & Instant Pudding)
Here are the exact ingredients that I used to make my No-Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie recipe.
One more thing, if you don’t have any of these ingredients, I will also mention some substitutes down below after this ingredient list.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies: You can go with classic graham crackers, or if you want it chocolatey, you can use Oreo crumbs (but remove their cream), or you can even use chocolate digestive biscuits.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter: This will help the crust bind and stay firm. You can use any, like the salted or unsalted, both work quite well with this pudding recipe.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: It is optional if using graham crackers. But you can skip it if using sweet cookies.
For the Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix: You will find this in most stores. JELL-O Banana Cream Pudding works great, so you can use that.
- 1 ½ cups cold milk: To mix with the pudding. You can use whole milk or 2% is also best for a thicker consistency.
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): This will make the banana layer fluffy and creamy.
- 2 bananas, sliced: You wanna use a ripe but firm banana. And please don’t use the mushy bananas.
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips: I prefer Ghirardelli or Callebaut for richness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: It is to make your no-bake pudding pie smooth and glossy. You can also use coconut cream.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): it is for extra shine and richness.
For Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Banana slices
- Chocolate curls or shavings
- Crushed nuts (pecans, walnuts)
- Drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie
Here is the step-by-step process that I myself followed to make this No-Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie.
And I didn’t use any fancy equipment, just a pie dish, a bowl, a whisk, and a small saucepan. That’s it. So, here is how to make it:
Step 1: Make the Crust
First of all, you want to crush your cookies or crackers, whatever you are using, until they are fine.
You can use a food processor, a rolling pin, and a Ziploc bag.
Then you have to add melted butter and mix everything until it no longer looks like wet sand.
Then press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, or it can be different in your case.
Then press it firmly along the base and side.
After that, you want to put this crust in the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes so that it can set while you prepare other things.
Step 2: Prepare Banana Pudding Layer
Now, you wanna take a large mixing bowl,
And then…
Whisk the banana pudding mix with cold milk until it’s smooth and thickened. You can do it for about 2 minutes, or more; you can see that.
After that, fold in the whipped topping using a spatula, but don’t overmix. You want it light and fluffy.
Now, take your chilled crust out and place a layer of banana slices on the bottom.
Pour the banana pudding mixture over that and smooth it out.
Again… Put the pie back in the fridge while you prepare the chocolate layer.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Layer
In a small saucepan, you want to heat the heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer (but don’t let it boil).
Turn off the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl.
Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
Then stir until it gets smooth and glossy. If you’re using butter, you can stir that in now.
Let the chocolate cool slightly (not too cold, but not hot either).
Then pour it over the banana pudding layer and spread it out using a spoon.
Now you have to refrigerate the whole pie for at least 4 to 6 hours. I myself kept it overnight, it’s best, you can do that too.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Before serving, you can top the pie with the following things:
- Whipped cream
- More banana slices
- Chocolate curls
Or any other toppings you like.
Then cut the pie and serve chilled.
That’s it — your no-bake chocolate banana pudding pie is done, you can enjoy it.
Customization Ideas for Banana Cream Pie Variations (Healthy, Sugar-Free, Oreo Crust & More)
This no-bake pudding pie is customizable. Therefore, you can make it many ways based on what you like or what you have in the kitchen. Here are some of my recommendations to try with this pudding pie recipe:
Make It Sugar-Free
- You can use sugar-free banana pudding mix
- You can swap Cool Whip with sugar-free whipped topping
- Use sugar-free cookies if you want the crust
- You can also try using stevia-sweetened chocolate chips
Try Different Pudding Flavors
- You can use vanilla pudding instead of banana if you want a milder flavor.
- Or chocolate pudding if you want a double-chocolate version of this no bake chocolate pudding pie.
- You can also use butterscotch pudding; it will give a caramel twist to the whole pie.
Crust Variations
- Use pretzel crumbs if you want a salty-sweet crust
- Try a coconut crust made from shredded coconut and butter
- If you want a nutty flavor, you can use ground almonds or pecans instead of graham crackers
Add-In Ideas
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries or berries along with a banana
- You can sprinkle crushed toffee bits on top
- Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella in the pudding before layering
Pro Tips for Best Results
Here are a few things to remember: if you follow them, you will make a perfect pie every time:
- Chill everything long enough: You don’t wanna rush to eat it. Give it a minimum of 4 to 6 hours in the fridge.
- Use ripe but firm bananas: Overripe ones will get mushy. So, you should use soft but intact slices.
- Fold whipped topping gently: Don’t mix it too hard or the pudding will lose its airy texture.
- Ganache should cool before pouring: If it’s too hot, it will melt the pudding layer.
Can I Make This with Cream Cheese or Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can make No Bake Chocolate Banana Cream Pie with Cream Cheese.
For that, you have to beat cream cheese with the pudding mixture before folding.
This will give your pie a cheesecake-like texture.
And if you want Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Pudding Pie, you will need to add around 2 to 3 tablespoons of peanut butter into the pudding layer.
What to Serve with Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie
If you’re making this no-bake chocolate banana pudding pie recipe for a party, here are some things you can serve alongside that:
Drinks
- Iced coffee or cold brew, pair with this starbucks dark chocolate mocha recipe
- Chilled milk or milkshakes: For a classic pairing, try mango and chocolate protein smoothie recipe can add a fruity, protein-rich twist.
- Mint or chamomile tea (helps cleanse palate after sweet)
Light Snacks
- Salted pretzels or a nut mix; check out the dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe if you want a crunchy, chocolatey snack option
- Savory crackers with cheese
- Fresh fruit platter with grapes and pineapple like this white chocolate raspberry creamer recipe.
Bonus Dessert Pairing
- Mini chocolate chip cookies: Serve alongside for extra chocolate indulgence with crumbl semi sweet chocolate chip cookies recipe.
- Vanilla bean ice cream scoops on the side are also good. For a homemade twist, see recipes like the easy banana bars without frosting recipe.
- You can even serve with a simple dark chocolate square, it goes well too
Storage & Freezing Tips
- How long does banana pudding pie last? You can keep it in the fridge for 3 days.
- Can you freeze it? Yes, you can freeze without toppings for up to 1 month.
- Best tip: You should add fresh banana slices only before serving, so they don’t brown.
Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate – Per Slice)
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 300–400
- Fat: 20–25g
- Sugar: 10–18g (can be less with sugar-free options)
- Protein: 4–6g
- Carbs: 35–40g
Remember that it’s not 100% exact nutritional information that you will get from this homemade pudding.
It also depends on what crust and chocolate you will use.
If you use sugar-free pudding and chocolate, the recipe can be lighter, more diabetic-friendly, and low in calories.
So every ingredient will change the nutritional value.
Conclusion
This was my no-bake chocolate banana pudding pie recipe. To make it, you don’t need too much equipment like an oven, etc, and you don’t even need any complicated technique.
Yet you will get a rich, chilled, creamy dessert that you can serve to guests or even enjoy alone with a spoon straight from the pie dish.
What I love most is that you can make it ahead, customize it as much as you want, and it will still turn out like something you’d order from a fancy café.
Now, whenever you’re lazy or want a quick summer dessert or something comforting and chocolatey, you can make this no-bake pie recipe.
So now go grab your bananas, chocolate, and some pudding mix, and just make it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions and their answers regarding the No-Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding pie recipe:
Is banana pudding pie the same as banana cream pie?
They are quite similar but not 100% the same. A banana creamy pie is usually baked with custard.
On the other hand, banana pudding pie no bake recipe is made with instant pudding for an easy and faster version.
Can I make a mini version of this chocolate banana pudding pie?
Yes, you can make the mini version. You will have to divide the crust, pudding, and chocolate into a smaller jar.
Or you can even use muffin cups for mini No Bake Banana Cream Pies.
What’s the best substitute for Cool Whip in this recipe?
If you don’t wanna use Cool Whip, then you can use homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free version like coconut whipped cream.
They both work fine in this easy chocolate banana pudding pie recipe.
Can I use fresh bananas in a no bake pudding pie?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh bananas to make a no-bake pudding. But you want to make sure they are ripe but still firm.
So that they can hold their shape when you make pie.
Besides this, you want to slice them before layering to avoid browning. And you can also lightly brush them with lemon juice to keep their color fresh.
How long does chocolate banana pudding pie last in the fridge?
This no-bake chocolate banana pudding pie can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; you just have to cover it with something like a plate.
Also, remember that the pudding and crust will hold up well, but banana slices will start to soften or brown, so if you want the best texture and freshness, you should finish this pudding pie within 2 to 3 days.
You can also use plastic wrap or a pie container to keep it fresh.
Can I make this no-bake pie gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, you can melt this no-bake pie gluten-free or dairy-free.
To make it gluten-free, you have to use gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the crust.
And if you want to make it dairy-free, you should use almond milk or oat milk in the pudding.
And use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk topping. It will be dairy-free and gluten-free, yet it will be creamy and chocolatey.
No Bake Chocolate Banana Pudding Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional if using sweet cookies
For the Banana Pudding Layer
- 1 package 3.4 oz instant banana pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping e.g., Cool Whip
- 2 ripe but firm bananas sliced
For the Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Banana slices
- Chocolate curls or shavings
- Crushed nuts pecans, walnuts
- Caramel or chocolate sauce drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Crush cookies or crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or zip-top bag with rolling pin. Mix with melted butter and optional sugar until it looks like wet sand. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Banana Pudding Layer
- Whisk banana pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until smooth and thick. Fold in whipped topping gently. Layer banana slices on the chilled crust and pour pudding mixture on top. Smooth out. Chill while preparing the next layer.
Step 3: Make Chocolate Ganache Layer
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add butter if using. Cool slightly, then pour over banana layer. Spread evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate entire pie for 4–6 hours (or overnight). Before serving, top with whipped cream, more banana slices, and any additional toppings. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
I’m a self-taught home cook who turns everyday ingredients into comforting, café-style recipes. I test everything in my own kitchen (sometimes more than once), tweak flavors how I like them, and share only what I actually enjoy.
Most of my recipes are chocolate-based or have a creative twist, and I keep them preservative-free, beginner-friendly, and fun to make.
If you love cozy drinks, healthier desserts, or bold flavor combos — you’re in the right place. [Read full story]
