I don't think anything compares to homemade banana cream pie... and I should know. Banana Cream Pie is one of my husband's favorite desserts, so I've made it a time or two.  It's just that homemade pudding is so much better than instant.  But if I am in a pinch?  This recipe is quick, easy, and still really, really, really good.  Did I mention it is easy?  Super super easy.  Like you can make it in 15 minutes easy.  And I'll admit that instant pudding does set up in pie a little stiffer than homemade.  Plus, you can go crazy substituting oreo pie crust or shortbread crust with all different kinds of pudding to make different types of cream pie.  So next time you need a great dessert in a pinch, this is your pie!

Banana Cream Pie for a Pinch

Submitted by Mindy ~ The Sisters Cafe
Recipe Source: Our Best Bites

1 3.4 oz (4 serving size) box of instant vanilla pudding (I've substituted sugar free, and it worked fabulous)

1 c. cold water

1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk (don't use Wal-Mart brand - gritty and yucky)

2 graham cracker crusts.

Lots of bananas

1 pint whipping cream

1/3 c. powdered sugar

In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix, cold water, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well and place in the refrigerator to chill for a few minutes. In another bowl, whip 1 c. of whipping cream until soft peaks form.

Slice the bananas (probably 4 small bananas or 2 large bananas) and layer them on the bottom of the crusts. Be sure to save the plastic domes that come with the pie crusts–you’ll need them later!

Set the banana filled crust aside. Remove pudding from the fridge and gently dollop the whipped cream on top of the pudding. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well-combined.

Now divide the mixture between the two pies.

Prepare  sweetened  whipped cream (whip the remaining cream with 1/4-1/3 cup powdered sugar) and spread it on top of the two pies. Place the clear plastic shells back on the pies and allow to chill for several hours. The chilling is important so the banana flavor can suffuse through the pie and the crust can absorb a little moisture.  Enjoy!