This Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie is made with an easy peanut butter cookie crust layered with sliced bananas and filled with a banana-flavored cheesecake. If you’re a fan of banana desserts but prefer something a bit lighter, I also have a delightful Banana Cream Pie recipe you’ll love. It’s a perfect alternative for those who might want to skip the peanut butter!
Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- Crust: The easy peanut butter cookie crust is my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe. It can be made with either creamy or crunchy peanut butter. (But, for the drizzle on top, I would stick with creamy peanut butter.) The crust will need to be baked and cooled before adding the filling.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese will need to be softened to room temperature before making the filling. This can take up to an hour when sitting at room temperature, so keep that in mind. It will be creamed with granulated sugar.
How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
If you forgot to take out the cream cheese for this recipe, here are a couple of options to get it to room temperature quickly:
Warm Water Method: Place the wrapped block of cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Flip it over every few minutes or so.
Microwave Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it on low power in 15-20-second intervals until it reaches the desired softness. Be careful not to overheat it, as cream cheese can quickly become too runny or even melt.
- Instant Pudding Mix: For the banana flavor, look for a box of banana cream instant pudding mix. Whisk it together with heavy whipping cream. Then, mix it in with the cream cheese mixture to create a rich, banana-flavored filling.
- Bananas: Banana slices are layered on top of the cookie crust. Then, more banana slices are added on top for garnish! There is nothing wrong with ‘going bananas’ in this case!
- Toppings: I added whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of melted peanut butter to the cream pie. The toppings make it look as good as it tastes!
Can I Use A Different Pan For This Cream Pie?
Sure! If you don’t have a 9-inch deep dish pie pan, you could use a 9-inch springform pan. Or, a 9×9-inch baking dish would also work. The only baking time is for the peanut butter cookie crust. Just watch that carefully if using a different pan.
How To Store Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie
Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered, with or without the toppings. It will last up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cream pie.
Freezing A Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie
To freeze peanut butter banana cream pie, I recommend freezing it without the toppings (banana slices, whipped cream, peanuts, and peanut butter drizzle). It’s easy to add those when ready to serve. To freeze cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake (uncovered) in the freezer for about an hour or two.
- After the initial freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- For added protection, wrap the plastic-wrapped cheesecake with a layer of aluminum foil. Label and date the cheesecake. It should last up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, let the cheesecake thaw in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, add your toppings!
Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookie Crust
- 1 cup (258 g) peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Filling
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (1.7 ounces) banana cream instant pudding mix
- 2 medium bananas, sliced
Topping
- banana, sliced for garnish
- whipped cream, for garnish
- peanuts, chopped for garnish
- ¼ cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter, melted
Instructions
Peanut Butter Cookie Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until combined.
- Press the cookie batter evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a deep dish 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake for 13-14 minutes, or until slightly crisp and no longer shiny.
- Allow the crust to cool completely before continuing with the recipe.
Filling
- Add cream cheese and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- To a separate medium bowl, add heavy whipping cream and instant pudding mix. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Using a hand mixer on low speed, beat until well combined and smooth.
Assembly
- Place the banana slices in a single layer on top of the cooled crust.
- Spoon the filling on top of the banana slices. Smooth it into an even layer.
- Refrigerate the cream pie for at least an hour.
- Before serving, top pie with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and chopped peanuts. Then, drizzle with melted peanut butter.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This pie is incredible! The peanut butter cookie crust is perfect, and the filling is so creamy with a great banana flavor from the pudding mix. Yum!
Elizabeth
Wow, this is an impressive dessert, both in size and appearance! I love the combination of peanut butter and bananas, so I knew this cream pie would be perfect for me!
Bella
Loved this! The peanut butter crust is fantastic and pairs so well with the banana cream filling. The texture is super smooth, and the fresh banana slices give it a fresh taste.
Annabelle
This is a great treat, especially if you love peanut butter and bananas! I loved the nutty crunch from the chopped peanuts on top.
Selena
Delicious and decadent dessert! The crust is a peanut butter lover’s dream, and the filling is creamy and full of banana flavor. The fresh bananas and whipped cream on top are great additions. It’s a bit rich, so a small slice is enough for me.
Amanda… I just got in bed…. peanut butter banana cream pie dreams!!!! Oh my!! On the list!! Thank you…. Nice for these hot days….
I hope you and yours are well…