Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding Recipe

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This Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding recipe perfectly blends the sweetness and chewy texture of oatmeal cream pies with the creamy, luscious flavors of banana pudding. It’s a dessert that brings together the best of both worlds, creating a treat that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.

How to make Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding

Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding is a Southern-style layered dessert that combines banana pudding with Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies instead of (or in addition to) the usual vanilla wafers.

Ingredients:

For the Layers:

• 6-8 Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies (cut into halves or quarters)
• 4 medium bananas (sliced, ripe but firm)
• 1 package (5 oz) instant vanilla or banana pudding mix
• 3 cups milk (for preparing the pudding; adjust per pudding package instructions)
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip; thawed)
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess in the pudding mixture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

Optional Topping Ideas:

• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Additional Oatmeal Cream Pies (crumbled on top)
• Caramel or chocolate drizzle

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk, following the package instructions. For an extra rich pudding, stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Let the pudding set in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes until thickened.
2. Slice and Prep the Oatmeal Cream Pies and Bananas: Cut the Oatmeal Cream Pies in halves or quarters, depending on your desired texture. Slice the bananas into even pieces to ensure they layer nicely.
3. Layer the Ingredients: In a large trifle dish, casserole dish, or individual serving cups, begin assembling the layers:
4. First layer: Spread a thin layer of pudding on the bottom of the dish.
5. Second layer: Add half of your sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
6. Third layer: Evenly place Oatmeal Cream Pie pieces over the bananas.
7. Fourth layer: Dollop a layer of whipped topping over the Oatmeal Cream Pies.
8. Repeat the layering process until the dish is full, ending with a final layer of whipped topping.
9. Decorate the Top: Garnish with crumbled Oatmeal Cream Pies, crushed vanilla wafers, or a drizzle of caramel for a mouthwatering presentation.
10. Chill and Serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours to let the layers set and the flavors meld. For the best flavor, chill overnight.

Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding:

• Use Slightly Firm Bananas: Avoid overripe bananas, as they’ll become too mushy in the layers. Choose bananas that are ripe but firm for the best texture and flavor.
• Upgrade the Pudding Flavor: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix instant banana pudding with a dash of vanilla pudding to create a flavor-packed base.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This dessert gets even better after chilling overnight, so don’t worry about preparing it early—it tastes even richer the next day!
• Customize Your Layers: Add a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers between layers for a crunchy surprise, or experiment with caramel drizzle between layers for a salted caramel twist!
• Serving Size: This recipe serves about 8-10 people in a large dish or 6 generous servings. Use smaller serving cups for a beautiful individual presentation.

What to serve with

Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding is a rich, flavorful dessert that combines creamy pudding, chewy oatmeal cookies, and sweet bananas. On its own, it’s a showstopper—but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience and make it even more special!

Hot Beverages:

• Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee beautifully offsets the sweetness of the Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding. Serve black coffee, cappuccino, or a latte for a perfect pairing.
• Tea: Opt for unsweetened black tea, chai, or herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile to create a soothing contrast.

Cold Beverages:

• Milk: A glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based) is a nostalgic and comforting classic to pair with this dessert.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: Serve coffee with a hint of vanilla or caramel to echo the dessert’s flavors.
• Smoothies: A fruit-based smoothie, like a strawberry or mixed berry smoothie, can pair well with the banana flavor in this Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding.

Ingredients Substitutes

There are plenty of ways to modify the recipe for Oatmeal Cream Pies Banana Pudding without losing its creamy, nostalgic charm.

1. Oatmeal Cream Pies Substitutes

The Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies are the star of this Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding recipe, but if they’re unavailable or you want alternatives, try these substitutes:

Store-Bought Substitutes:

• Other Cream-Filled Cookies: Try similar cream-filled cookies like MoonPies, Whoopie Pies, or Hostess Snack Cakes for a similar texture and sweetness.
• Oatmeal Cookies + Whipped Cream: Buy plain oatmeal cookies and layer them with whipped cream or frosting to mimic the cream-filled texture.
• Soft-Baked Cookies: Soft-baked cookies (chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, or sugar cookies) can work well, though you’ll lose the “oatmeal” flavor.
• Vanilla Wafers: Classic vanilla wafers are traditional in banana pudding recipes and provide a lighter texture.

Homemade Substitutes:

If you’d like to make it from scratch:

• Bake a batch of oatmeal cookies and sandwich them with cream cheese frosting, marshmallow fluff, or whipped cream to recreate Oatmeal Cream Pies.

2. Bananas Substitutes

If bananas aren’t available or you want to experiment with other fruits:

• Plantains (Ripe): These are similar to bananas but less sweet. Make sure they’re fully ripe for the best flavor.
• Other Fresh Fruits: Try peaches, strawberries, or mangoes for a different fruity twist. These fruits pair well with creamy puddings.
• Canned or Frozen Fruits: Frozen slices of bananas, peaches, or berries work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

3. Instant Pudding Mix Substitutes

Instant pudding is a convenient shortcut, but you can make swaps to control the flavor or texture.

Store-Bought Substitutes:

• Cooked Pudding Mix: If you don’t have instant pudding, you can use a stovetop pudding mix. It takes longer to prepare but works just as well.
• Other Pudding Flavors: Vanilla or banana pudding mix is standard, but you can experiment with chocolate, butterscotch, or even coconut for a fun twist.

Homemade Substitutes:

Want to skip the pudding mix entirely? Make pudding from scratch using these ingredients:

• Vanilla Pudding Base: Combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, eggs (or egg yolks), and vanilla extract to create a rich, homemade vanilla pudding.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option.

4. Milk Substitutes (for Pudding Mix)

If you need a dairy-free or lighter alternative to milk for the pudding mix:

• Plant-Based Milks: Use almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Choose an unsweetened, plain variety to control sweetness.
• Evaporated Milk: This creates a richer flavor and creamier texture. It’s thicker than regular milk, so adjust the ratio.
• Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: For an ultra-rich pudding, use a mix of half-and-half or heavy cream.

5. Whipped Topping Substitutes

Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) is often used to create a light and fluffy texture. Here are alternatives:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream, a bit of sugar, and vanilla extract to create your own whipped topping. It’s fresher and has fewer artificial ingredients.
• Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, use chilled coconut cream whipped to a fluffy texture.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Add small dollops of marshmallow fluff to mimic a creamy, sweet topping.
• Greek Yogurt or Mascarpone: For a tangy twist, fold whipped cream into Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese to create a rich (but slightly healthier) topping.

6. Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes

Sweetened condensed milk is often added to make the pudding richer. If you don’t have it or prefer to skip it:

• Evaporated Milk + Sugar: Mix equal parts evaporated milk and sugar and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
• Coconut Milk + Sugar: Simmer full-fat coconut milk with a sweetener (like sugar, maple syrup, or honey) until it reduces to a thicker consistency.
• Skip It Entirely: If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can omit the sweetened condensed milk altogether.

7. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

Vanilla extract enhances the pudding’s flavor, but you can swap it out if needed:

• Almond Extract: Provides a nutty, aromatic flavor. Use sparingly since it’s stronger than vanilla.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Add a hint of natural sweetness with these ingredients; they’ll add depth to the flavor.
• Other Extracts: Try coconut, rum, or banana extracts to add unique twists.

8. Toppings Substitutes

For added crunch or decoration on top:

• Crushed Cookies: If you don’t want to use more Oatmeal Cream Pies, crush some vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or Oreos.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios add crunch and balance the sweetness.
• Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch.
• Drizzles: Use caramel, chocolate syrup, or even peanut butter drizzle for a decadent, decorative topping.

9. Gluten-Free Substitutes

To make the entire dessert gluten-free:

• Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies: Use store-bought or homemade gluten-free oatmeal cookies in place of the Oatmeal Cream Pies.
• Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers: If going the traditional route, gluten-free wafers or shortbread cookies work perfectly.
• Cornstarch Pudding Base: If pudding mixes have gluten, make pudding from scratch using cornstarch as the thickener.

Final Thoughts

Oatmeal Cream Pie Banana Pudding is the perfect fusion of nostalgic flavors and creamy indulgence. With minimal effort, you’ll create something that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

More Pie Recipes:

• Homemade Apple Pie Oreos Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Torani Pumpkin Pie Puremade Sauce Recipe
• Briermere Farms Raspberry Cream Pie Recipe