Mayan Chocolate Banana Delight Pie
Indulge in a creamy, frozen treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and banana in a delightful pie form! This recipe is inspired by my mother's famous frozen peanut butter pie and the luscious Haagen Dazs Mayan chocolate ice cream I adore. The crunchy graham cracker and walnut crust provides a perfect contrast to the smooth banana filling, while the cool whipped topping and mini chocolate chips add a decadent finish. Ideal for warm-weather gatherings, this pie is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Just note that while I planned for 8 servings, my boyfriend insists it’s too good to share—so consider yourselves warned!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (Crushed)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (Crushed)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (None)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Bananas
2 (Ripe and sliced)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
Cool Whip
1/2 liter (Thawed)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (or 1.5 teaspoons for added flavor)
Semisweet mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup (None)
Chocolate syrup
as needed (for drizzling)
Walnuts
as preferred (Crushed for garnish)
Instructions
1
Line a pie plate with wax paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges to create handles for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate, forming an even layer.
4
Slice the ripe bananas and layer them evenly over the crust and up the sides.
5
In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, thawed Cool Whip, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips.
6
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the banana layer, smoothing it down evenly.
7
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer overnight until fully frozen.
8
When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer. Use the wax paper handles to lift it onto a cutting board.
9
Utilizing a hot, sharp knife, slice the pie into 8 servings. Serve drizzled with chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mayan Chocolate Banana Delight Pie?
It is a creamy, frozen dessert pie that combines chocolate and banana flavors with a hint of cinnamon, featuring a graham cracker and walnut crust.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert that is prepared and then frozen until set.
How many servings does this pie provide?
The recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What inspired the creation of this recipe?
It was inspired by a mother's frozen peanut butter pie and the flavors of Haagen Dazs Mayan chocolate ice cream.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires graham cracker crumbs, crushed walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
How long does the pie need to be in the freezer?
The pie should be placed in the freezer overnight until it is fully frozen.
What is the secret to easily removing the pie from the plate?
Lining the pie plate with wax paper so that it hangs over the edges creates handles for easy lifting.
How should the bananas be prepared for the filling?
Use two ripe bananas and slice them evenly to layer over the crust.
What components make up the creamy filling layer?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, thawed Cool Whip, cinnamon, and mini semisweet chocolate chips.
What type of chocolate chips are best for this recipe?
Mini semisweet chocolate chips are recommended for a delicate chocolate crunch in every bite.
Is there a specific amount of cinnamon used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, but suggests using 1.5 teaspoons for a more pronounced flavor.
How do you serve the Mayan Chocolate Banana Delight Pie?
Remove it from the freezer, lift it onto a cutting board using the wax paper, and slice it with a hot, sharp knife.
Are there any recommended toppings for serving?
Yes, it is best served drizzled with chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts.
What makes this dessert suitable for warm weather?
Because it is a frozen treat, it is refreshing and ideal for summer gatherings.
Can I substitute the walnuts in the crust?
While walnuts are used for flavor and crunch, you could likely substitute another nut or use more graham crackers if preferred.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What type of sugar is used for the crust?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
How much Cool Whip is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 liter of thawed Cool Whip.
Does the pie need to be covered while freezing?
Yes, cover the pie with plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
Why is a hot knife recommended for slicing?
A hot, sharp knife helps cut through the frozen layers cleanly and easily.
Is this a creamy or icy dessert?
It is described as a creamy, smooth frozen treat thanks to the cream cheese and whipped topping.
What role does cinnamon play in this recipe?
Cinnamon is used in both the crust and the filling to provide the signature 'Mayan' spiced chocolate flavor profile.
Can I use regular chocolate chips?
You can, but mini chips are better suited for frozen desserts as they are easier to chew when cold.
How should the butter be prepared for the crust?
The 1/2 cup of butter should be melted before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include frozen desserts, chocolate, banana, no-bake pie, and Mayan chocolate.
Is the crust mixture cooked at all?
No, the crust mixture is simply pressed into the plate and chilled/frozen with the rest of the pie.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is crunchy, providing a perfect contrast to the smooth filling.
Should the Cool Whip be frozen when mixing?
No, the Cool Whip must be thawed before blending it with the cream cheese.
Are there whole walnuts inside the pie?
No, the walnuts are crushed and used in the crust and as a garnish on top.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple assembly instructions.