Tropical Coconut Banana Cream Pie
Indulge in a slice of paradise with this Tropical Coconut Banana Cream Pie. Inspired by a beloved Easter tradition, this creamy, dreamy dessert features a rich filling of sweetened condensed milk, fresh bananas, and velvety coconut. Every bite is kissed with tropical flavors, combining lusciousness with a buttery crust that holds it all together. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, this pie is best enjoyed chilled for a refreshingly delightful experience. So, gather your loved ones, and treat them to a piece of sunny bliss with this easy recipe that’s sure to impress!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prebaked 9-inch deep dish pie crust
1 (Prebaked)
Medium bananas
2 (Sliced and dipped in lemon juice)
Sweetened condensed milk
1 can (14 ounces) (None)
Cold water
1 cup (None)
Vanilla or banana cream instant pudding mix
1 package (4 ounces) (None)
Flaked coconut
1 cup (None)
Frozen whipped topping
1 container (8 ounces) (Thawed)
Additional medium bananas
2 (Sliced and dipped in lemon juice for garnish)
Flaked coconut (optional)
To taste (Toasted or tinted for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Stir until well blended.
2
Add the instant pudding mix and flaked coconut to the mixture, whisking until the pudding starts to thicken.
3
Gently fold in 1.5 cups of the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated and creamy.
4
Place a single layer of sliced bananas at the bottom of the prebaked pie crust, ensuring even coverage.
5
Pour the coconut and pudding filling over the layer of bananas, spreading it evenly.
6
Top the pie with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it out for an attractive finish.
7
Cover the pie and refrigerate it for at least four hours, or until the filling is thoroughly set.
8
Before serving, garnish the top with additional banana slices and either toasted or tinted coconut if desired.
9
Enjoy your tropical delight straight from the fridge!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Coconut Banana Cream Pie?
It is a creamy, no-bake style dessert featuring layers of sliced bananas and a rich coconut-infused pudding filling in a buttery crust.
How many bananas are required for this recipe?
You will need a total of 4 medium bananas: 2 for the bottom layer of the pie and 2 more for the garnish on top.
What flavor of pudding mix is best for this pie?
The recipe recommends using either vanilla or banana cream flavored instant pudding mix.
Do I need to bake this pie?
The filling itself is no-bake, but you must use a prebaked 9-inch deep dish pie crust.
Why should I dip the banana slices in lemon juice?
Dipping the bananas in lemon juice helps prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown, keeping the pie looking fresh.
How long should the pie refrigerate before serving?
The pie needs to be refrigerated for at least four hours to allow the pudding filling to set properly.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute stabilized homemade whipped cream, though the recipe specifies thawed frozen whipped topping for consistency.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Tropical Coconut Banana Cream Pie recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What size pie crust is needed?
You should use a 9-inch deep dish pie crust to ensure all the filling and banana layers fit comfortably.
What type of coconut is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 cup of flaked coconut for a sweet, tropical texture.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
No, sweetened condensed milk is required for its specific sweetness and thick consistency which helps the pie set.
Is the water used in the recipe supposed to be cold?
Yes, using cold water is essential for the instant pudding mix to thicken correctly with the milk.
How do I garnish the top of the pie?
Garnish with additional sliced bananas and either toasted or tinted flaked coconut for a beautiful finish.
How do I toast coconut for the garnish?
To toast coconut, spread flaked coconut in a pan and heat in the oven or on a stovetop until it turns light golden brown.
Can I make this pie a day in advance?
Yes, it is best made in advance as it requires a minimum of four hours to chill and set.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any remaining pie covered in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and freshness.
Can I freeze Tropical Coconut Banana Cream Pie?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the consistency of the bananas and the creamy pudding filling once thawed.
Is this recipe suitable for Easter?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by a beloved Easter tradition and is a popular choice for spring gatherings.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Starting with a properly prebaked crust and layering the bananas first provides a slight barrier for the pudding filling.
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
While the recipe calls for a standard pie crust, a graham cracker crust would also work well with these tropical flavors.
What does 'tinting' coconut mean?
Tinting coconut involves adding a drop of food coloring to flaked coconut and mixing it until the desired color is achieved.
Does the pudding mix need to be the instant type?
Yes, this recipe specifically requires instant pudding mix to ensure it thickens without additional cooking.
Is this recipe considered easy to bake?
Yes, it is categorized under 'easy baking' because it primarily involves mixing and assembly rather than complex techniques.
Can I use fresh coconut instead of flaked?
You can use fresh shredded coconut, but flaked coconut is preferred for its sweetness and specific moisture content.
What makes this pie 'tropical'?
The combination of coconut and banana creates a signature tropical flavor profile.
How do I fold in the whipped topping?
Use a spatula to gently turn the mixture over itself until the whipped topping is combined without losing its airiness.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Toasted macadamia nuts would make a great addition to the garnish for extra tropical flair and crunch.
Should I serve this pie cold?
Yes, for the best experience, this pie should be served chilled straight from the refrigerator.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products.
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, sugar-free instant pudding mix can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the final taste.