Northern Roots: Happy Pi(e) Day! Easy Banana Cream Pie

3.14.... Pi(e) day!

How fun to have a specific day to make and eat pie. Or just eat pie, whichever you prefer. Pi(e) day falls on one of my favorite days of the year... my mom's birthday! Not only do I get to celebrate the day with pie, I also get to celebrate my mom!

My husband doesn't like cake. But, he does like pie. I told him I was making this pie for Pi(e) day, and his response was: "Couldn't you choose a better pie to make?" Needless to say, his favorite pie is not Banana Cream.

*Update: I asked him what kind of pie he would like, and he said, "Shepherds Pie." Definitely not on the same page.

I chose Banana Cream for two reasons:
1. It's SO SIMPLE. This Mama of a 1 year old needs every extra minute to make sure she isn't tearing the house apart. Although old-fashioned Banana Cream Pie is very delicious, I have no time to make my own pudding or pie shell. Nope.

2. Spring!! Is it just me, or does Banana Cream remind anyone else of spring? Finally the weather is starting to get nicer and the refreshing taste of banana is a nice break from the ginger, cranberry, and apple flavors that fall and winter have (although all those flavors are wonderful!).

I tried to make this as easy as possible. I only had about 15 minutes left in my little girl's nap. I took a pre-made graham cracker shell from the store. I chose the smaller size since I knew I would be the only one eating it :)
This is the part where my Mom would roll her eyes. She's a "make it yourself" pie crust maker, and they always taste so good... but I had no time... Sorry Mom!

What You'll Need:
- One Pre-made pie shell from the store. Or, you can make your own.
- Two bananas
- One package vanilla pudding mix
- One container of whipped topping, or 1 cup whipping cream to whip yourself (will whip into more than 1 cup)
-Vanilla Wafer cookies

.
.
.
.
.

Cut up the two bananas into slices. Lay slices on the bottom of pie shell. If you get the smaller shell, you'll only need about one banana sliced.

Crush up some Vanilla Wafer cookies (I used 5). Sprinkle on top of the banana slices. Add more or less, depending on your preference!

Make pudding according to package instructions. I used vanilla pudding rather than Banana flavor. As much as I like Banana Cream... I don't want it to have an overly banana flavor. Plus, the banana slices at the bottom add just enough banana flavor that it doesn't over power. Once your pudding has set, fold in a cup of the whipped topping.
*If you make your own whipped topping, be sure you DON'T over whip it. That will turn it into a butter-like stiffness. Not good in a Banana Cream Pie ;)

Once the pudding and the whipped topping is combined, fill in over the bananas and wafer cookies. Let this set for about 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Once the pie has set, remove from the refrigerator and add remaining whipped topping. Decorate with Vanilla Wafer Cookies and bananas! I crumbled a few cookies too to add some texture. You can get creative and add in toasted coconut on top, or caramel drizzle... yum! Wait to decorate if you aren't serving right away. You don't want soggy cookies!