Copycat Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie Recipe

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The Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie is a playful, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a hug in every slice. This recipe layers the silky smoothness of banana pudding with the soft, rich texture of Little Debbie snacks, all topped off with whipped cream goodness. It’s not only ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also the kind of dessert that turns any gathering into a nostalgic celebration.

How to make Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie

Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie is a snack cake from the Little Debbie brand that takes inspiration from the classic Southern dessert, banana pudding.

Ingredients

• Little Debbie Banana Marshmallow Pies (or Oatmeal Creme Pies) – 6-8 pies (these will form the base of the dessert and add their signature flavor to the dish).
• Instant Banana Pudding Mix – 1 package (5.1 oz).
• Milk – 3 cups (cold, whole milk for a creamier texture, or 2% for a lighter option).
• Fresh Bananas – 3-4 ripe but firm bananas (sliced).
• Whipped Topping – 1 container (8 oz, thawed, like Cool Whip).
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (optional, to enhance the flavor of the pudding).
• Crushed Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers – 1-2 cups (for sprinkling on top as garnish).
• Caramel Sauce – Optional, for drizzling over the pie.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding Mix: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens. If you’d like more depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once thickened, refrigerate the pudding for about 10 minutes to set while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Layer the Little Debbie Cakes: Unwrap the Little Debbie Banana Marshmallow Pies (or Oatmeal Creme Pies if you can’t find the banana flavor), and slice them in half horizontally. Arrange the halves on the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or shallow baking dish to form a base. Press them down slightly to create an even layer.
3. Add Sliced Bananas: Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the Little Debbie base. This will add that fresh-fruit flavor that makes banana pudding so iconic.
4. Add the Pudding Layer: Spoon the prepared banana pudding over the sliced bananas until they are fully covered. Use a spatula to smooth the pudding into an even layer.
5. Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the whipped topping (like Cool Whip) over the banana pudding layer. Be generous—it’s the creamy, dreamy finishing touch!
6. Garnish with Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers over the whipped topping for some crunch and a nod to the classic banana pudding.
7. Optional: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce lightly over the top of the pie.
8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie for at least 2-4 hours to let the flavors meld together. If possible, refrigerate overnight for best results! Serve chilled and garnish with extra banana slices or crushed cookies just before serving, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas that are yellow with a few brown specks—they’re sweet but still firm, perfect for layering. Avoid overly ripe bananas, as they can turn mushy in the Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie.
• Customize with Little Debbie Variations: If you can’t find Banana Marshmallow Pies, Oatmeal Creme Pies, or Banana Twins, they work wonderfully as substitutions. Each variation adds its own unique spin to the Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie.
• Add a Personal Touch: You can layer in other flavors like chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, or even a layer of Nutella for an extra indulgence.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie improves with chilling, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance. Just wait to add any banana slices on top until right before serving to prevent browning.
• Experiment with the Presentation: You can assemble this dish as a pie, in a trifle bowl for a more dramatic layered look, or even in individual jars for cute, single-serve portions.

What to serve with

The Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie is an indulgently sweet and nostalgic dessert that can easily stand on its own as the star of the spread.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy vanilla scoop enhances the banana flavor while adding a classic touch.
• Caramel or Butterscotch Ice Cream: These warm, rich flavors pair beautifully with the pie.
• Coconut Sorbet: For a tropical twist, coconut sorbet balances the sweetness with its slightly nutty flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Below, we’ll review substitutes for each key ingredient to help you craft the perfect banana pudding pie tailored to your needs.

1. Little Debbie Banana Marshmallow Pies (or Oatmeal Creme Pies)

The Little Debbie snacks are the core of this recipe, providing a nostalgic and indulgent base. However, if you can’t find them or want an alternative, try these options:

Substitution Ideas:

• Vanilla Wafers: These are a classic ingredient in traditional banana pudding and serve as a suitable base. Crush them lightly or layer them whole.
• Graham Crackers: A cost-effective option for forming a crumbly pie base. You can use them plain or mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter for a sturdier crust.
• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): These sponge-like cookies are soft, absorbent, and work beautifully in pudding-based desserts.
• Pound Cake or Sponge Cake Slices: If you prefer a more cake-like texture, cut slices of pound cake or sponge cake and layer them as the base. Tip: Toast the slices slightly to prevent them from becoming too moist.
• Gluten-Free Snack Cakes or Cookies: For those following a gluten-free diet, opt for gluten-free snack cakes available in most health food aisles, or consider gluten-free vanilla wafers as a suitable replacement.

2. Instant Banana Pudding Mix

If banana pudding mix isn’t available, or you want to eliminate artificial flavors, consider other options:

Substitution Ideas:

• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: Substitute plain vanilla pudding and mix it with mashed bananas for a fresh banana flavor.
• Homemade Banana Custard: For a homemade option, cook custard with milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and fresh bananas. This gives your pie a rich, natural flavor.
• White Chocolate Pudding Mix: If you’re in a pinch, white chocolate pudding mix can provide a similar creamy texture with a neutral flavor that works well with bananas.

3. Milk (for the Pudding)

Whole milk is typically used to make instant pudding mixes, but swaps can adapt the recipe for personal preferences or dietary needs.

Substitution Ideas:

• 2% Milk or Skim Milk: These work perfectly fine for a lighter option, though whole milk yields the creamiest results.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk can replace dairy-based milk for a vegan or lactose-free version. Tip: Some plant-based milks are thinner, so reduce the quantity slightly (use about 2 ½ cups instead of 3 cups).
• Evaporated Milk: For a creamier, slightly richer texture, evaporated milk is an excellent alternative—just dilute it with water (1:1 ratio).

4. Fresh Bananas

Bananas are the star of this recipe, but if they’re not available or you’re concerned about their quick browning, try these substitutes:

Substitution Ideas:

• Frozen Sliced Bananas: If you have frozen bananas, thaw them slightly and sprinkle lemon juice over them to refresh their flavor.
• Plantains (Ripe): Plantains can be used when ripened to a soft, sweet stage. Slice them thinly for layering.
• Banana Extract or Flavoring: If you can’t find fresh bananas, a few drops of banana extract can be mixed into the pudding to replicate the flavor.
• Other Fruits: For a twist, opt for fruits like mango, sliced peaches, or even strawberries. Though it will no longer be a banana pudding pie, it’ll still be delicious!

5. Whipped Topping (e.g., Cool Whip)

Whipped topping acts as the fluffy finishing touch to banana pudding pie, but there are many alternatives to suit different needs:

Substitution Ideas:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and a bit of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This creates rich, fresh whipped cream as a cleaner alternative to store-bought options.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free or vegan option, whip the solid cream from a can of coconut milk. Chill the coconut milk overnight, scoop out the thick cream, and beat it with sugar and vanilla extract.
• Vanilla Yogurt: A healthier option for layering or topping, especially Greek yogurt for its thickness. Combine it with a bit of honey or powdered sugar for sweetness.

6. Crushed Vanilla Wafers (for Garnish)

Crushed vanilla wafers are the go-to topping for banana pudding desserts, but there are plenty of creative alternatives:

Substitution Ideas:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Their subtle sweetness works perfectly for sprinkling on top of the whipped topping.
• Shortbread Cookies: Crumble shortbread for a buttery, crumbly garnish.
• Crushed Oreos: For a chocolaty spin, crush Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the pie.
• Caramelized Nuts: Crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds make a great crunchier, nutty topping.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a lighter yet flavorful topping.

7. Caramel Sauce (Optional Topping)

Caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch, but if you want a substitute or alternative, try these options:

Substitution Ideas:

• Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle chocolate syrup for a rich, decadent flavor.
• Butterscotch Sauce: This sweet, buttery sauce pairs wonderfully with bananas.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a lighter, natural sweetness, lightly drizzle honey or pure maple syrup on top.
• No Topping: If you prefer to keep it simple, feel free to skip the topping entirely. The bananas and whipped cream add plenty of sweetness on their own!

Final Thoughts

With these ingredient substitutes, the Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie remains a versatile dessert that you can easily adjust to match your tastes, pantry, or dietary requirements.

More Pie Recipes:

• Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding Recipe
• Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe
• Popeyes Apple Pie Recipe
• Cinnamon Apple Pie Filling Recipe