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Protein Banana Cream Pie - A Lighter, Creamier Take on a Classic

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Crust: 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt
  • Banana Layer: 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
  • Protein Cream Filling: 1 cup cold skim or 2% milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or a smooth plant-based blend)
  • 1/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix (sugar-free or regular), optional but helps set
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or your preferred granulated sweetener, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Topping: 1 cup light whipped topping or 1 cup whipped cream (lightly sweetened)
  • 1 banana, sliced, for garnish (optional)
  • Crushed wafer crumbs or toasted coconut, optional

Method
 

  1. Make the crust. In a bowl, combine the crumbs, melted coconut oil or butter, honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the texture feels like damp sand. Press evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it firmly. Chill for 15–20 minutes while you prep the filling.
  2. Slice the bananas. Cut 2–3 ripe bananas into 1/4-inch slices. Lay a single, even layer of slices over the chilled crust. Reserve a few slices for the top if you like.
  3. Blend the protein base. In a mixing bowl or blender, whisk together the cold milk and vanilla protein powder until no lumps remain. If using pudding mix, whisk it in now. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  4. Fold in the yogurt. Add Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir or fold gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.
  5. Assemble the pie. Pour the protein cream filling over the banana layer. Smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pie dish lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Chill to set. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, until firm enough to slice cleanly. The pudding mix (if used) helps it set faster and cleaner.
  7. Add the topping. Spread whipped topping or whipped cream over the chilled pie in a fluffy layer. Garnish with banana slices, extra crumbs, or toasted coconut if you like. Slice and serve.