Banana Pudding Pie With Nilla Wafer Crust
There's nothing quite as comforting as a homemade dessert, and when it comes to classic Southern cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as a banana pudding pie with Nilla wafer crust. This iconic dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potluck dinners, and it's sure to put a smile on the faces of everyone who tries it. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of making this delicious dessert, from the Nilla wafer crust to the creamy banana pudding filling. So grab your apron and let's get started!
The Nilla Wafer Crust
The first step in making banana pudding pie is to prepare the Nilla wafer crust. This simple crust is made with just a few ingredients, including Nilla wafers, butter, and sugar. Here's how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Crush one package of Nilla wafers in a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. You should end up with about 2 cups of crushed wafers.
- Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a microwave or on the stove.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed wafers, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and sugar.
- Press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to press it firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before filling.
The Banana Pudding Filling
Now that the crust is ready, it's time to make the banana pudding filling. This creamy, sweet filling is made with a combination of instant pudding mix, milk, and whipped topping, and of course, plenty of ripe bananas. Here's how to make it:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together one package of instant vanilla pudding mix and two cups of cold milk until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Next, gently fold in one cup of whipped topping until it is fully incorporated.
- Cut two ripe bananas into thin slices and arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of the cooled Nilla wafer crust.
- Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly to cover them completely.
- Repeat with another layer of sliced bananas and the remaining pudding mixture, spreading it evenly over the bananas once again.
- Finally, top the pie with another layer of whipped topping and garnish with additional banana slices or Nilla wafers if desired.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling has set and is firm enough to slice.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A delicious and classic banana pudding pie with Nilla wafer crust, perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home. With its creamy filling, crunchy crust, and sweet bananas, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, so even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why Southern cooking is so beloved all around the world!
