The original recipe that I have for this pie used a baked pie crust as the base. So while I did use that pie crust for photos and for the post, I actually prefer a graham cracker crust for pies like this. You could also make a chocolate cookie crust as well!

 

Or to be honest, if you want to make it even more “semi homemade” you can pie a premade graham cracker crust or a premade chocolate cookie crust!

 

Adding the layers of fruit:

This pie contains one of my favorite flavor combinations – Strawberries and Bananas!

Start by washing, coring and slicing 1/2 a pint of fresh strawberries. Take those slices and place them into the bottom of the pie crust.

next, peel and slice 1 banana and lay sliced on top of strawberries.

Making the pudding pie:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold milk and instant pudding. I used banana cream instant pudding for this recipe but you could also use vanilla pudding.

Whisk pudding until thick which shouldn’t take too long since we’ve only mixing in 1 cup of milk.

Then you will want to fold in thawed Cool Whip topping and orange zest.

Folding Vs. Stirring:

It is important to fold the cool whip into the pudding mixture instead of rapidly stirring it because we want this to me a light and fluffy pie.

Stirring = fast mixing 

Folding = gently and slowly mixing just until combined

 

The the pudding mixture and pour it over the sliced fruit. Smooth out the top and pop the pudding pie into fridge for at least 4 hours to chill and set.

Before serving, wash and slice the rest of the strawberries and go ahead and peel and slice the 2nd banana.

Arrange strawberry slices and banana slices over the top of the pie.

Give the fruit a shiny gloss:

To give the fruit a bit of a shine and gloss, melt the Apply Jelly and brush it over fruit.

 

 

QUICK GLANCE Strawberry Banana Pudding Pie FAQ:

1. How long will this pie last in the fridge?  This Banana pudding pie will keep in the fridge for about 2 days.
2.  Will the banana’s turn brown? I haven’t had a problem with the bananas under the pudding turning brown since they’re covered in pudding. However, I wouldn’t peel the 2nd banana and top the pie with banana slices until ready to serve.