These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for any occasion. They combine a buttery graham cracker crust with creamy banana pudding, fresh banana slices, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. The best part? There's no need to turn on the oven, making them an ideal treat for warm days or when I’m short on time.
Why I Love This Recipe
I like this recipe for its simplicity and the way it balances textures and flavors. The crunchy graham cracker crust pairs beautifully with the smooth, rich banana filling, and the whipped cream on top adds just the right amount of lightness. Since they're mini-sized, they’re also great for sharing or for enjoying portion-controlled treats without the mess of slicing.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Instant banana cream pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ripe bananas
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Honey (for drizzling, optional)
Directions
- Make the Crust: I combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. I press this firmly into muffin tin cups to form mini pie crusts, then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Pudding: In another bowl, I whisk together the banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. I let it sit for a few minutes to finish setting.
- Whip the Cream: Using a mixer, I beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Pies: I place a layer of banana slices on the chilled crusts, then spoon the pudding over the bananas, smoothing it out.
- Top with Whipped Cream: I pipe or dollop the whipped cream on top of each pie.
- Chill and Serve: I refrigerate the assembled pies for at least 2 hours. Before serving, I sometimes add a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 mini pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Cream Pies: I sometimes add a thin layer of chocolate ganache on the crust before the banana slices for a rich twist.
- Coconut Banana Cream Pies: I like sprinkling toasted shredded coconut on top of the whipped cream to give the pies a tropical feel.
- Lighter Version: I make a lighter version by using low-fat pudding mix, skim milk, and light whipped topping.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover mini banana cream pies in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed within that time while the crust remains crisp and the bananas stay fresh. I don’t recommend freezing them because the texture of the bananas and whipped cream changes too much once thawed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought graham cracker crusts?
Yes, I can use mini pre-made crusts to save time. They work just as well for assembling and chilling.
How far ahead can I make these pies?
I usually make them the day before an event. They hold up well overnight in the fridge and taste even better after the flavors meld.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Definitely. I’ve used vanilla and chocolate pudding in place of banana cream, and both versions turned out great.
How can I keep the bananas from turning brown?
I lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice before layering them in the pies. It helps slow the oxidation and keeps them looking fresh.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
If I want something faster, I sometimes use store-bought whipped topping. For a dairy-free version, coconut whipped cream is a great alternative.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are one of my favorite go-to desserts when I want something sweet without a lot of effort. They're creamy, cool, and full of banana flavor with a satisfying graham cracker crunch. Whether I’m making them for a party or just craving a personal-sized treat, they always hit the spot.
No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are the perfect quick and easy dessert! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy banana pudding filling, and a fluffy whipped topping, they’re a delicious no-bake treat ideal for parties, warm days, or when you're short on time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana cream pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Honey, optional (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture into muffin tin cups. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Pudding: Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Let sit to set.
- Whip the Cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Layer banana slices over chilled crusts. Spoon pudding over bananas and smooth.
- Top: Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top of each mini pie.
- Chill & Serve: Chill for 2 hours. Drizzle with honey if desired before serving.
Notes
- Brush banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Store in fridge up to 2 days.
- Not freezer-friendly due to texture changes.
- Customize with chocolate ganache or toasted coconut for variation.
- Use store-bought mini crusts to save time.
- Make dairy-free with coconut whipped cream.
