No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies

No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a quick and delicious dessert that combines the creamy, sweet flavors of banana cream with a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust. This easy recipe is perfect for summer or whenever you want a simple yet impressive dessert. With only a few ingredients and no baking required, these individual pies are the ideal treat for a crowd or a family dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant banana cream pudding mix
• 1 3/4 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Sliced bananas, for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of mini pie dishes to form the crust.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens. Fold in the whipped cream to create a light, fluffy filling.
3. Spoon the banana cream pudding mixture into the prepared pie crusts, smoothing the tops.
4. Refrigerate the pies for at least 2 hours, or until they are fully set.
5. Before serving, garnish with sliced bananas on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add a layer of chocolate pudding on top of the banana cream layer for a twist on the classic.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Biscoff Crust: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for crushed Biscoff cookies for a spiced, caramelized crust.
• Banana Bread Crust: For a different texture, use crushed banana bread instead of graham crackers for the crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the mini pies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These pies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: These pies are served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply thaw frozen pies in the fridge overnight before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
   Yes! Homemade whipped cream will work perfectly. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks before folding it into the pudding mixture.
2. What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs for the crust?
   You can use crushed cookies such as vanilla wafers, Digestive biscuits, or even crushed pretzels for a different flavor.
3. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
   Yes! These mini pies are perfect for preparing a day ahead. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
   Absolutely! You can swap the banana cream pudding for vanilla, chocolate, or any other flavor you prefer.
5. Can I make these pies in larger sizes?
   Yes, you can use a regular-sized pie dish instead of mini dishes. Just adjust the crust and pudding amounts accordingly.
6. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
   To prevent bananas from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before placing them on the pies.
7. Can I add caramel to the pies?
   Yes, drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet and rich layer of flavor.
8. Do I have to use instant pudding mix?
   While instant pudding mix is recommended for this recipe, you can use cooked pudding if you prefer. However, it will require additional preparation time.
9. Can I use dairy-free ingredients?
   Yes, you can substitute the whipped cream, milk, and butter with dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe vegan.
10. Can I freeze the pies?
    Yes, you can freeze these pies. However, the texture of the whipped cream may change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to eat them fresh or stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a simple, delightful dessert that everyone will love. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy banana filling, and a topping of fresh banana slices, this treat is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or a fun, portable option for a party, these mini pies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Print