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Banana Cream Pie Bars

September 29, 2020 by Lindsay 52 Comments

A fun twist on traditional, these Banana Cream Pie Bars are made with homemade vanilla pudding and whipped cream, plus fresh bananas and lots of pecans, peanut butter and chocolate for a delicious dessert.

A fun twist on traditional, these Banana Cream Pie Bars are made with homemade vanilla pudding and whipped cream, plus fresh bananas and lots of pecans, peanut butter and chocolate for a delicious dessert.

Hi Friends!

It’s Recipe Redux day! This month’s theme is as follows:

Favorite Chocolate Matches
Does your chocolate need a friend? This month’s posting will be after Valentine’s Day, so you may have a bit of extra chocolate around. What’s your favorite chocolate match? Be it traditional peanut butter or something more exotic like cayenne + chocolate. Show us your favorite healthy chocolate combo recipe.

I’d have to say chocolate and peanut butter is my all-time favorite combo but chocolate and banana is a close second. How perfect, then, that my parents are here this weekend and I needed to make a dessert to celebrate my dad’s birthday. One of his favorite desserts is Banana Cream Pie, so I decided to get a bit creative and make a homemade version with my own spin.

A fun twist on traditional, these Banana Cream Pie Bars are made with homemade vanilla pudding and whipped cream, plus fresh bananas and lots of pecans, peanut butter and chocolate for a delicious dessert.

Inspired by this recipe, I decided to get a bit adventurous and make my own vanilla pudding and my own whipped cream! Instead of a traditional nilla wafer or graham cracker crust, I made a no-bake crust using some Natural Delights Medjool dates that I had in the pantry, along with some pecans and peanut butter. I love using dates as the base for my energy balls and knew I could make a crust similar to the “sandwich” part of my Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches. Then, to really add my own spin, and because the flavors go so well together, I added some peanut butter and chocolate!

A fun twist on traditional, these Banana Cream Pie Bars are made with homemade vanilla pudding and whipped cream, plus fresh bananas and lots of pecans, peanut butter and chocolate for a delicious dessert.

In true food blogger fashion, I had to send my dad a picture of the finished product and then cut it up and take my pictures in the good light before he got here. The recipe sounds complicated but really the hardest part is the pudding…and that’s not hard, you just have to plan a little to give it time to cool down and thicken. Don’t worry if it’s lumpy, it doesn’t affect the taste!

So, ready to make it for yourself?  Here’s how you make it:

Print

Banana Cream Pie Bars

Banana Cream Pie Bars 4
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews

A fun twist on traditional, these Banana Cream Pie Bars are made with homemade vanilla pudding and whipped cream, plus fresh bananas and lots of pecans, peanut butter and chocolate for a delicious dessert.

  • Author: Lindsay L
  • Yield: 9 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup half and half
  • 1.5 cups 2% milk
  • ⅓ c sugar
  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup chopped medjool dates
  • 2 cups pecans
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup whipping cream, cold
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 medium bananas
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup chocolate chips, divided
  • 1 Tbsp peanut butter, optional

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the half and half and milk and bring to a simmer.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, cornstarch and sugar and stir to combine. It will be lumpy.
  3. Add ½ cup of the warm milk to the egg mixture and whisk to combine.
  4. Add egg mixture to the milk, whisking constantly.
  5. Bring mixture to a boil and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
  7. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least an hour to let thicken.
  8. Combine dates, pecans and peanut butter in a food process and process until smooth.
  9. Dump into a 9×9 pan and press to flatten and cover the bottom of the pan.
  10. Combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat with a mixer until desired consistency is reached and set aside.
  11. Slice 1½ bananas and place a layer of banana slices on top of the crust.
  12. Top with pudding.
  13. Melt 3 Tbsp chocolate chips with 1 Tbsp peanut butter (if desired) and drizzle over pudding layer.
  14. Top with whipped cream.
  15. Slice remaining bananas and place on top of whipped cream layer.
  16. Melt 3 Tbsp chocolate chips and drizzle over the bananas.
  17. Top with remaining chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
  18. Cut into bars and serve or store in the fridge.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

Think you can handle it? Be sure to pin the recipe so you can try it soon!

A fun twist on traditional, these Banana Cream Pie Bars are made with homemade vanilla pudding and whipped cream, plus fresh bananas and lots of pecans, peanut butter and chocolate for a delicious dessert.

Be sure to check out the links below to find out what everyone else’s favorite chocolate pairings are! If you have Valentine’s Day chocolate laying around, you could use in instead of chocolate chips

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

An InLinkz Link-up

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Filed Under: Dessert Tagged With: Banana, Chocolate Chips, Dates, Egg, Milk, Peanut Butter, Pecan, Sugar

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jojo @ Run Fast Eat Lots says

    February 21, 2015 at 12:35 AM

    YAY I have all the ingredients to make this!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:05 PM

      woohoo! happy eating!

      Reply
  2. Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says

    February 21, 2015 at 1:03 AM

    I really like the use of the dates in the crust, I became addicted to dates just this year. And banana cream pie is one of my most favorite pies! And I LOVE pie. It’s hard to pick just one favorite.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:05 PM

      sounds like the perfect combo for you!

      Reply
  3. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    February 21, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    that looks and sounds ridiculously amazing!

    Reply
  4. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    February 21, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    Yum! These looks so incredible, I’ve done a similar crust for a pumpkin pie and it was delicious.

    Reply
  5. Kristen says

    February 21, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Gorgeous and delicious looking! These remind me of 7 layer cookies but in a banana ice cream cake type fashion. Very creative, Lindsay! I can’t wait to give them a try!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. genevieve @ gratitude & greens says

    February 21, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    Bananas and chocolate are such a great combo! I would love to try this with coconut cream. Go you for making your own vanilla pudding!

    Reply
  7. Farrah says

    February 21, 2015 at 3:57 PM

    Ohmigosh, this looks amazing! <3 I love bananas & chocolate together! :] Pinning for future attempts! :D!!

    Reply
  8. Allie says

    February 21, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    These look amazing. I will have to try these out

    Reply
  9. Deanna Segrave-Daly says

    February 21, 2015 at 8:39 PM

    Wow – so glad your dad had his birthday right around this particular ReDux theme – hehe. This look stunning!

    Reply
  10. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    February 22, 2015 at 3:39 AM

    Perfect timing for papa!

    These pictures are literally making me drool Such a great theme this month. Well, dangerous too.

    Reply
  11. Sarah @runfargirl says

    February 22, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    These look amazing! I love the peanut butter/choco combo and to add Pecans….brilliant! Gonna have to try these.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:03 PM

      hope you love them!

      Reply
  12. Nora (A Clean Bake) says

    February 22, 2015 at 1:32 PM

    This looks so easy! I always thought banana cream pie was a ton of work for some reason.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:03 PM

      me too! but it was a cinch!

      Reply
  13. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    February 22, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    Oh no you didn’t! After yesterdays 18 miler, I am drooling… so rungry this morning.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  14. Alanna says

    February 22, 2015 at 3:59 PM

    Banana Cream Pie is my favorite pie ever – these look amazing!! I think the wait time is totally worth it for these 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:02 PM

      i agree 🙂

      Reply
  15. Akaleistar says

    February 22, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    That looks amazing!

    Reply
  16. Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says

    February 23, 2015 at 12:19 AM

    Those look so delicious! Sadly, they also look difficult to “veganize” but I can dream!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:02 PM

      hmmm i bet coconut whipped cream would work…then you’d just have to work on the pudding- maybe a chia seed banana pudding or something?

      Reply
  17. Heather Mason says

    February 23, 2015 at 1:26 AM

    looks yummy! I’ve only ever made pudding using the instant jello packets. Maybe I will have to give this version a try! love the date crust too!

    Reply
  18. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    February 23, 2015 at 2:59 AM

    I love peanut butter and chocolate together too.. but banana and chocolate is equally as delicious. These banana cream pie bars look awesome!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:01 PM

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  19. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    February 23, 2015 at 5:06 AM

    Nope. I definitely don’t think I can handle it. But I will try. 😉 Looks and sounds amazing!

    Reply
  20. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says

    February 23, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    Wow! This looks insanely good! I am loving the sound of that homemade vanilla pudding – I gotta try it with lactose free half and half – and that crust – gosh darn just sooooo good!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:01 PM

      the pudding was super easy! definitely worth trying!

      Reply
  21. misszippy says

    February 23, 2015 at 6:50 AM

    I love that you can just whip something up like this–so creative! Pinned.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:00 PM

      THanks so much!

      Reply
  22. Cheryl says

    February 23, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    Looks absolutely divine, I can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:00 PM

      hope you like them!

      Reply
  23. Cassie says

    February 23, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    These look AMAAAAZING. So decadent! I love banana cream pie and would have never thought to put them in a bar!

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says

    February 23, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    This looks SO good!! I’ve never made homemade pudding but I think I’ll have to try it just so I can make these. YUM!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      it was so easy!

      Reply
  25. Katie @ Mom's Kitchen Handbook says

    February 23, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    One of my personal favorites! Love that clever crust. Nicely done, and pinning this for the next time a decadent treat is in order. Thanks Lindsay.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      Thanks so much Katie! The crust was a big hit!

      Reply
  26. Angela Gilmore says

    February 23, 2015 at 11:05 AM

    Wow these look and sound super amazing. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      thanks Angela!

      Reply
  27. Rachel says

    February 23, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    Oh my goodness… this looks DELICIOUS!!!

    Reply
  28. Jess @hellotofit says

    February 24, 2015 at 12:55 PM

    Ahhh banana cream pie is one of my favorites, but I never make it at home because of all the added sugar/cream that’s in it. I REALLY want to make these. Thanks for sharing 🙂 will pin this for near-future cooking.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 11:57 AM

      yay! hope they’re a big hit!

      Reply
  29. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

    February 24, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    These look amazing! I love, love, love the addition of chocolate and peanut butter.

    Reply
  30. Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose says

    February 24, 2015 at 9:07 PM

    Banana, peanut butter and chocolate? Triple threat! Pinning to make 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 25, 2015 at 11:56 AM

      thanks so much Lauren!

      Reply
  31. Olivia says

    February 25, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Hi, I found this on FoodGawker and was hoping I could get your permission to post the recipe on my instagram recipe page (@foodie_recipes) as it looks delicious! I will tag you in the photo and put your ig name and website address on the post! Hope this is okay, thanks 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:18 AM

      hi- i don’t allow people to share my full recipes, sorry! you’re more than welcome to share the photo and direct people to my blog for the recipe though. thanks!

      Reply
  32. Lisa says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:58 AM

    My pudding never got thick….suggestions? They taste yummy but I have to use a spoon 😕

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      March 22, 2015 at 11:04 PM

      hmmm no idea. if you added the cornstarch and boiled it for a bit it definitely should have thickened up…but it won’t be firm enough to eat with your hands. i ate mine on a plate with a fork.

      Reply

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  3. Weekly Eats 63 says:
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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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