Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie: The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie! This no-bake dessert is a symphony of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet sensations. Imagine a decadent chocolate cookie crust layered with ripe bananas and topped with a luscious peanut butter whipped cream filling. This frosty treat is perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a quick and easy dessert that’s sure to impress.
Table of Contents
- Why This Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie is So Amazing
- Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Pie
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust
- Essential Recipe Tips for the Best Frozen Pie
- Optimal Freezer Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
- Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Pie
- More Frozen Desserts You’ll Absolutely Love
- Complete Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven, especially when the weather is warm. However, these simple and quick sweets are welcome any time of year, wouldn’t you agree?
The magic of this pie lies in its simplicity: a fast chocolate cookie crust, a layer of sweet banana slices, a rich peanut butter and whipped cream filling, and a sprinkle of salty peanuts for the perfect finish. Just pop it into the freezer and wait until it’s perfectly frozen. Or, if you’re like me, you can embrace my personal definition of “frozen solid,” which is “just firm enough that the top is set, but the middle is still slightly soft, but who cares because I need this pie now!” But for those with more patience, the pie should be ready after about 5 hours in the freezer.
If you adore the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you must try my other recipes for No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pretzel Tart. Each one is a delightful treat that celebrates this classic flavor pairing.
Why This Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie is So Amazing
- It’s cool, creamy, and utterly irresistible, a true crowd-pleaser.
- Made with a handful of simple, accessible ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for all peanut butter devotees and banana enthusiasts—a match made in dessert heaven.
- A delightful dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering, from casual dinners to special occasions.
- Easily customizable – experiment with your favorite toppings or add-ins to create your own unique variation.
- A fantastic no-bake treat that’s ready to chill in the freezer until you’re ready to indulge!
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Pie
- Chocolate Wafers: These delicious cookies form the foundation of our pie crust. If you prefer something different, vanilla wafers or graham crackers also work beautifully. They complement the peanut butter and bananas wonderfully.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for binding the chocolate cookie crust together. You’ll need 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of melted unsalted butter. You can melt it conveniently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or gently in a saucepan on the stovetop.
- Milk: Choose any type of milk you prefer, from low-fat to whole milk. The fat content won’t drastically affect the recipe, so use what you have on hand.
- Sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter filling and balances the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate. Granulated sugar is generally recommended, but if you only have brown sugar, it will add a subtle molasses-y flavor that’s equally delicious.
- Peanut Butter: Here’s where you can personalize the pie. Opt for creamy peanut butter for a super-smooth filling or crunchy peanut butter for added texture. The choice is entirely yours!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. For an extra special touch, try using homemade vanilla extract.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped heavy cream adds lightness and incredible creaminess to the pie filling, resulting in a light and airy texture. Tip: Make sure your heavy cream is thoroughly chilled to achieve the best volume and stability when whipping.
- Ripe Banana: Use a ripe banana for maximum sweetness and flavor. If you’re a true banana lover, feel free to use two!
- Salted Peanuts: Chopped salted peanuts provide a delightful crunch, an extra boost of peanutty flavor, and a hint of salt that complements the sweetness of the pie. If you prefer a less salty dessert, use unsalted peanuts instead.
See the recipe card below for full details on ingredients and precise quantities.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust
- Prepare the Chocolate Wafer Crumbs. Place the chocolate wafers into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-blade. Pulse until the wafers are finely ground into crumbs.
- Create the Crust. Combine the chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a pie plate. Using the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass or a measuring cup, firmly press the crumbs onto the base and up the sides of the pie plate to form a cohesive crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer the peanut butter mixture to a large bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- Whip the Heavy Cream. Pour the well-chilled heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (you can also use a hand mixer). Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; fold until just combined.
- Layer the Banana Slices. Remove the chilled chocolate cookie crust from the refrigerator. Arrange the banana slices in an even layer on the bottom of the pie crust. This creates a delicious base for the peanut butter filling.
- Pour and Top. Pour the peanut butter filling evenly over the layer of banana slices, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula or an offset spatula. Sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts evenly over the filling.
- Freeze Until Solid. Place the assembled pie in the freezer and freeze, uncovered, until completely solid, which will take approximately 5 hours or more.
Essential Recipe Tips for the Best Frozen Pie
- Chocolate Wafer Tip: While I love using the classic Famous Chocolate Wafers for the cookie crust, any brand of chocolate wafers will work perfectly well. You can even use Oreo cookies! Just scrape out the filling and save it for another use (or enjoy it straight from the cookie!).
- Achieving Clean Slices: To effortlessly slice through the frozen peanut butter pie, run your knife under hot water to warm the blade before each cut. This simple trick will help you achieve clean, even slices every time. It’s the same technique we use for cutting brownies cleanly.
Optimal Freezer Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
The frozen peanut butter banana pie will keep well in the freezer for approximately one week. For optimal freshness, make sure to wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap. If you plan to store it in the freezer for a longer period, you may want to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing to soften it slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the chocolate cookie crust with another type of crust?
Absolutely! Instead of a chocolate cookie crust, you can easily use another type of cookie, such as vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Adjust to your personal preference!
How ripe should the bananas be for the pie?
You want the bananas to be ripe, but still firm enough to slice easily. If the peel is completely brown, they are likely too soft. Save those overripe bananas for banana bread instead!
How can I ensure the crust holds together when slicing the pie?
To ensure that the crust holds together when slicing, make sure to use enough melted butter to bind the crumbs effectively. Also, be sure to press the crumb mixture firmly into the pie plate before chilling and adding the filling.
More Frozen Desserts You’ll Absolutely Love
- No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
- Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Pops
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
- 5-Minute Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
- Secret Ingredient Ice Cream Pie
Craving more delicious recipes? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans, and a newsletter delivered directly to your inbox! Stay connected on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates and culinary inspiration.
Complete Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie Recipe
Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pie
Ingredients
- 40 thin chocolate wafers (See Kelly’s Notes)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup well-chilled heavy cream
- 1 large banana
- 1/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chocolate wafers in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground. (You should have about 2 ¼ cups crumbs.)
- In a large bowl, stir together the chocolate crumbs and butter until thoroughly combined. Transfer the crumbs to a 10-inch (6-cup capacity) pie plate, and using the bottom of a cup, press the crumbs into the dish and up the sides to form the crust. Refrigerate crust while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk and sugar, stirring just until dissolved. Whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla until mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Beat the well-chilled heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture.
- Slice the banana into rounds and arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of the cookie crust.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the bananas, smoothing with a spatula, and then top with the chopped salted peanuts.
- Freeze pie, uncovered, until solid, about 5 hours. Slice and serve.
Kelly’s Notes
- I prefer the classic Famous Chocolate Wafers for making cookie crusts, however any brand of chocolate wafers will work. You could even use Oreos, scraping out the filling and reserving it for another use (like eating it with your fingers).
- To easily slice through the frozen peanut butter pie, run your knife under hot water to warm the blade. Then, it will easily cut through the chilled dessert.
- Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!