free counter with statistics

No-Bake Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie: A Slice of Heaven

Is there a more timeless and comforting flavor combination than chocolate and banana? It’s a nostalgic pairing that reminds us of simple pleasures. Now, imagine that classic duo elevated into a stunning, multi-layered, no-bake pie that’s perfect for any occasion.

This Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie is the ultimate warm-weather dessert. It features a buttery, toasted coconut and vanilla wafer crust, a sweet layer of fresh bananas, and distinct layers of creamy vanilla and rich chocolate ice cream. Topped with fresh, fluffy whipped cream, it’s a show-stopping treat that requires absolutely no time in a hot oven. Making this Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie is a simple, rewarding process that results in a truly spectacular dessert.

What makes this recipe so wonderful is its beautiful layers and the way the flavors and textures play together. While it needs several hours in the freezer to set up perfectly, the hands-on assembly is quick and easy. This guide will walk you through creating a flawless Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie that will be the star of your next family gathering or summer party.

Table of Contents

The Anatomy of the Perfect Ice Cream Pie

The magic of this Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie lies in its distinct and delicious layers. Each one serves a specific purpose to create the perfect bite.

  • The Crust: We use a brilliant combination of vanilla wafer cookies and unsweetened shredded coconut. This creates a crust that is buttery, sweet, and has a wonderful, slightly tropical, toasty flavor that is the perfect complement to the banana.
  • The Banana Layer: A layer of sliced fresh bananas provides a soft, sweet, and fruity barrier between the crunchy crust and the creamy ice cream. It’s the heart of the pie’s classic flavor profile.
  • The Ice Cream Layers: By using two separate, distinct layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, you get a beautiful visual presentation and a more complex flavor experience. You get bites of classic vanilla and banana, and bites of rich chocolate and banana.
  • The Whipped Cream Topping: A crown of fresh, homemade whipped cream provides a light, airy finish that perfectly balances the dense, frozen layers of your Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.

Essential Ingredients for Your No-Bake Pie

Each ingredient in this Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie is chosen to build layers of comforting, classic flavor.

  • Vanilla Wafer Cookies: These provide a light, crispy, and sweet base for the crust.
  • Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: The coconut adds a fantastic chewy texture and toasty, nutty flavor to the crust. For even deeper flavor, you can toast it in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding it to the food processor.
  • Bananas: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm. You want their sweet flavor without them being too mushy.
  • Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream: The quality of your ice cream will make a big difference. Choose brands that you love for the creamiest, most flavorful result for your Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.
  • Heavy Cream & Confectioners’ Sugar: For making real, fresh whipped cream. It’s lighter and tastes infinitely better than canned whipped topping.
Ingredients for the no-bake Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.
imple, delicious ingredients are all you need to make this impressive Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie

Patience is key to this recipe! Allowing each layer to freeze properly is the secret to a beautiful, well-defined Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.

  1. Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the 60 vanilla wafer cookies, 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, and the melted stick of butter until the mixture is finely ground and resembles wet sand.
  2. Form the Crust: Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Use your fingers first, then press all over with the flat bottom of a drinking glass to create a very compact and even crust.
  3. Add the Banana Layer: Slice your two medium bananas and arrange the slices in a single, even layer over the crust.
  4. First Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer until the crust sets and the bananas are chilled, about 20 minutes. While it freezes, set your pint of vanilla ice cream out at room temperature to soften slightly.
  5. Add the Vanilla Ice Cream Layer: Once softened, spread the vanilla ice cream evenly over the banana layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, flat surface. Place the pie back in the freezer until the vanilla layer is firm, which will take about 2 hours.
  6. Add the Chocolate Ice Cream Layer: About 30 minutes before the vanilla layer is firm, take your pint of chocolate ice cream out to soften. Once the vanilla layer is solid, spread the softened chocolate ice cream evenly over the top. This completes the filling for your Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.
  7. Final Freeze: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and return it to the freezer until it is completely firm and set, at least 2 more hours, or preferably overnight.
  8. Prepare to Serve: About 20 minutes before you plan to serve your dessert, remove the Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature. This makes slicing much easier.
  9. Whip the Topping: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar with a mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are when the whipped cream holds its shape but the tip gently flops over when you lift the beaters.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Carefully release and remove the sides of the springform pan. Place the pie on a serving platter. Spread the fresh whipped cream over the top of the pie. If desired, sprinkle with toasted coconut. Slice and serve immediately.
A perfect slice of the finished Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie on a plate.
Each slice of this Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie has a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Print

No-Bake Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie: A Slice of Heaven

A perfect slice of the finished Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie on a plate.

A layered, no-bake ice cream pie featuring a crust made from vanilla wafer cookies and shredded coconut. The crust is layered with fresh banana slices, followed by a layer of vanilla ice cream and a layer of chocolate ice cream. The pie is frozen firm and finished with a topping of homemade whipped cream and optional toasted coconut.

  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 1 hour (includes initial freezing and final softening time)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours (includes all freezing time)
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake, Freezing
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 60 vanilla wafer cookies (about three-quarters of a 12-ounce box)
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus toasted coconut for topping (optional)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 medium bananas
  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream
  • 1 pint chocolate ice cream
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, pulse the vanilla wafer cookies, 1 cup of coconut, and melted butter until finely ground.
  2. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
  3. Slice the bananas and arrange them in a single layer over the crust.
  4. Freeze until the crust sets, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, let the vanilla ice cream soften at room temperature.
  5. Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the banana layer. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
  6. Let the chocolate ice cream soften at room temperature, then spread it evenly over the vanilla layer.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 2 more hours or overnight.
  8. Remove the pie from the freezer 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  9. Beat the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar with a mixer until soft peaks form.
  10. Spread the whipped cream over the pie. Top with toasted coconut, if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe requires a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Toasted coconut for the topping is optional.
  • Ingredient substitutions are noted as being available.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of pie)
  • Calories: 450-550
  • Sugar: 35-45 g
  • Sodium: 150-200 mg
  • Fat: 30-40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20-28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
  • Fiber: 3-4 g
  • Protein: 5-7 g
  • Cholesterol: 90-110 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Storage Information

Store any leftover Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie in the freezer. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store individual slices in an airtight, freezer-safe container. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within one week.

Creative Recipe Variations

This layered pie is a fantastic template for other delicious flavor combinations.

Flavor VariationHow to Adapt the RecipeThe Delicious Result
“Chunky Monkey” PieUse a chocolate cookie crust. Mix mini chocolate chips and chopped walnuts into the vanilla ice cream layer. Drizzle with caramel and fudge sauce before serving.A fun, chunky, and nutty version of the classic Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.
Strawberry Banana Split PieAdd a layer of chopped fresh strawberries over the bananas. Use strawberry ice cream instead of chocolate. Top with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry.All the fun and flavor of a classic banana split in an easy, no-bake pie form.
Nutella Banana Dream PieUse a chocolate wafer cookie crust. Gently swirl 1/2 cup of Nutella into the softened vanilla ice cream before spreading it over the bananas.An incredibly rich and decadent version for the ultimate chocolate and hazelnut lover.

For more recipe follow my Pinterest account

Conclusion: A Timeless, No-Bake Classic

This Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie is a tribute to one of the most comforting flavor pairings of all time. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that looks incredibly impressive on a dessert table and delivers pure, creamy, nostalgic satisfaction in every bite. The distinct layers of crunchy crust, sweet banana, and two flavors of ice cream make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We hope you enjoy the simple process of creating and sharing this wonderful Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did my pie layers blend together?

The most common reason for messy layers is not allowing the previous layer to freeze completely solid before adding the next one. Patience is key! The vanilla ice cream layer needs to be firm to the touch before you add the softened chocolate ice cream on top.

Can I prevent the bananas from browning?

While the bananas are covered by ice cream, which slows down browning, you can toss the banana slices in a tiny bit of lemon juice before arranging them on the crust if you are concerned. This will ensure they stay perfectly white in your Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream Pie.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

A springform pan is highly recommended because the removable sides allow for a clean, beautiful presentation. You could try assembling it in a deep-dish pie plate, but you would have to serve it by scooping rather than slicing, and you wouldn’t see the pretty layers as well.