No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

Oh wow—no bake and banana cream? Yep, these little pies are the real deal. So easy, so yummy.


They’ve got creamy filling, fresh bananas, and a soft cookie crust. And guess what? No oven needed at all.

I made them for a quick treat, and everyone loved them. They’re cute, fast, and super tasty. Kinda perfect, honestly.

Wanna make some too? I’ll show you how I do it. Let’s keep it simple and sweet

No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No Baking Required: This is the perfect dessert for a hot summer day or when you’re simply not in the mood to bake.
  • Easy and Quick: Prep time is just about 15 minutes, and you’ll have an irresistible dessert ready to go in no time.
  • Mini Size: Individual portions mean you don’t have to worry about slicing or serving large pies. Perfect for portion control and easy to serve at gatherings.
  • Banana Lovers’ Dream: The banana cream filling is rich, smooth, and oh-so-delicious, making this a treat banana lovers will adore.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: These mini pies can be prepped ahead of time, making them ideal for busy days when you want a sweet dessert ready when you are.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, make sure you have these tools on hand to help bring your No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies to life:

  • Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin will work perfectly for these mini pies. It will help shape the crust and filling into the perfect individual portions.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few different-sized mixing bowls to prepare the crust, filling, and whipped cream.
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To make sure your whipped cream is light and fluffy, a hand mixer or stand mixer will save you time and effort.
  • Spoons and Spatulas: For mixing and filling the pies with precision.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
  • Plastic Wrap: To cover and refrigerate the pies as they set.
Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious pies. I’ve broken down the ingredients into three key components: the crust, the banana cream filling, and the whipped cream topping.

Graham Cracker Crust

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create the crunchy, buttery base for the pies. You can easily crush graham crackers at home or purchase pre-made crumbs.
  • Melted Butter: The butter helps hold the graham cracker crumbs together and gives the crust a rich, decadent flavor.
  • Sugar: A touch of sugar adds a little sweetness to the crust, which perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Banana Cream Filling

  • Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix: This is the base of the filling, adding that iconic banana flavor and creamy texture. Instant pudding mix makes it easy and quick to whip up.
  • Cold Milk: You’ll need cold milk to mix with the pudding mix and create a smooth, thick filling.
  • Heavy Cream: This gives the filling a luxurious texture and helps it set nicely.
  • Powdered Sugar: A small amount of powdered sugar is added to sweeten the cream filling without weighing it down.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the banana and enhances the overall taste.

Topping

  • Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream is the perfect topping to balance the richness of the filling and crust.
  • Honey: A drizzle of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness and a little shine to finish the pies off perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

First, let’s start by preparing the graham cracker crust. Grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir everything together until the crumbs are fully coated with the butter and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Take your muffin tin and use a spoon to press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of each muffin cup. You want the crust to be compact so it holds together. After pressing, pop the muffin tin into the refrigerator to chill for about 10-15 minutes while you make the filling.

2. Prepare the Banana Cream Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and cold milk. Be sure to whisk thoroughly to avoid any lumps. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the pudding to thicken.

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Whip until soft peaks form. You want the cream to be fluffy but not too stiff.

Once the pudding has thickened, gently fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract until everything is combined. You should have a light, airy banana cream filling that’s perfectly smooth and creamy.

Read Also  Pecan Pie Bars: The Sweet, Nutty, and Irresistible Dessert

3. Assemble the Mini Banana Cream Pies

Now that we’ve got the crust and the filling ready, it’s time to assemble these mini pies!

  1. Add the Banana Cream Filling: Take the chilled muffin tin with the graham cracker crusts and carefully spoon the banana cream filling into each cup. Fill them almost to the top, leaving a little space for the whipped cream topping. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the tops, making them even and neat.
  2. Layer the Sliced Bananas: Take a few ripe bananas and slice them into thin rounds. Gently place a few banana slices on top of the banana cream filling in each muffin cup. You’ll want enough banana to create a nice layer, but not too many that they overpower the filling.
  3. Chill the Pies: Once all the mini pies are filled and topped with bananas, cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 2-3 hours or until they’ve fully set. If you want to make them ahead of time, they can be refrigerated overnight.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping

While the pies are chilling, it’s the perfect time to make the whipped cream topping that will go on top of each mini pie.

  1. Whip the Cream: Use a hand or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. If you want to sweeten it further, you can add a bit more powdered sugar to taste. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  2. Pipe the Whipped Cream: Once the pies have chilled and set, grab a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe a generous amount of whipped cream on top of each mini pie. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply spoon the whipped cream on top.

5. Drizzle with Honey and Serve

To finish things off, drizzle a little bit of honey over the whipped cream for added sweetness and a glossy finish. It’s the perfect touch to elevate the look and flavor of these mini pies.

Once they’re all topped with whipped cream and honey, the pies are ready to serve! You can also garnish with extra banana slices or even a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added texture.

How to Serve No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

How to Serve No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

These No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are as delicious as they are versatile. Here are some ways you can serve and enjoy them:

  • As a Quick Snack: Grab one (or two!) for an easy, sweet snack when you’re craving something indulgent but not too heavy.
  • At Parties: They’re perfect for parties and potlucks! Individual servings make them easy to share, and the delicious banana cream flavor is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
  • For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a holiday gathering, these mini pies will impress your guests and make the event feel extra special.
  • For Meal Prep: Since they set up in the fridge, these mini pies are ideal for meal prep. You can have a little dessert ready to enjoy each day throughout the week.

Storing No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

These mini pies are best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest taste. Here’s how you can store them:

  • In the Refrigerator: Keep the pies in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain the creamy texture and prevent the crust from getting soggy.
  • For Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Wrap each mini pie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Variations for No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

While this recipe is already a hit, here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

  • Use Different Fruits: If you’re not a banana fan (or just want to change things up), you can swap in other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fresh twist on this classic pie. Each fruit will bring a unique flavor and color to your mini pies.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. You can easily find them in most grocery stores or use any gluten-free cookies to make the base.
  • Vegan Version: For a vegan-friendly dessert, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based whipped topping. Use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, and make sure the pudding mix is vegan-friendly.
  • Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add a layer of chocolate pudding underneath the banana cream filling for a banana-chocolate flavor combo. You can even sprinkle some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the whipped cream for a decadent finish.
  • Add Nuts: For some extra crunch and flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the whipped cream topping. This gives the pies a nice texture contrast and an additional layer of flavor.
Read Also  Pumpkin Custard Pie

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies come out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks:

  • Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are key to achieving that natural sweetness and banana flavor. Overripe bananas work great in this recipe, as they’re extra sweet and soft.
  • Chill the Pies Long Enough: Be patient and let the pies chill for at least 2-3 hours (preferably longer). This will help the filling set properly and allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Avoid Soggy Crust: To prevent the graham cracker crust from becoming too soggy, make sure you let the crust cool in the fridge before adding the filling. The cold crust will hold up better and keep its shape.
  • Don’t Skip the Whipped Cream: The whipped cream topping is essential for that creamy finish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought whipped cream, but homemade whipped cream will add a lovely, fresh texture that takes the pies to the next level.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for one No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pie. Please note that this is an estimate, and it can vary depending on the specific ingredients used:

NutritionPer Mini Pie
Calories300 kcal
Fat20 g
Carbohydrates30 g
Protein3 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar18 g
Sodium100 mg

Conclusion

These No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves bananas and creamy, dreamy pies. They’re quick to make, no-bake, and absolutely delicious, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying one as an after-dinner treat, these pies are sure to be a hit.

With a simple graham cracker crust, smooth banana cream filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, these mini pies offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. And with all the customization options, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those bananas, make the crust, and whip up these adorable little pies for your next sweet craving. I promise, you won’t regret it!

No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

Recipe by Nancy SmithCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

12

mini pies
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

300

kcal
chill time

2-3

hours

Ingredients

  • Graham Cracker Crust:
  • Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups

  • Melted butter: 5 tbsp

  • Sugar: 2 tbsp

  • Banana Cream Filling:
  • Instant banana cream pudding mix (3.4 oz package): 1

  • Cold milk: 2 cups

  • Heavy cream: 1 cup

  • Powdered sugar: 1 tbsp

  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

  • Topping:
  • Whipped cream: 1 cup (homemade or store-bought)

  • Honey: For drizzling

Directions

  • Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into muffin tin and chill for 10-15 minutes.
  • Prepare the Filling: Mix banana pudding mix with cold milk and let it set. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and fold into the pudding mixture.
  • Assemble: Spoon filling into crusts, layer with sliced bananas, and chill for 2-3 hours.
  • Top with Whipped Cream: Pipe or spoon whipped cream onto pies, drizzle with honey, and serve.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! These mini pies can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the pies?

Yes, you can freeze the pies before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap each pie individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use banana-flavored yogurt instead of pudding mix?

While banana-flavored yogurt could work in a pinch, using instant banana cream pudding mix will give you a richer and creamier filling. It’s definitely the preferred choice for this recipe!

Conclusion

These No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy, making them a must-try dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a summer party, need a quick treat, or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these pies have you covered. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth banana cream filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, each bite is a little piece of heaven.

The best part? No baking is required, and they come together in just a few easy steps. Plus, you can customize them to your liking with different fruits, flavor variations, and toppings. They are ideal for meal prep, make-ahead parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something sweet.

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