Tiny Tropical Wonders: Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe

Delightful mini banana cream pies bring a burst of sweet nostalgia to every dessert table.

These bite-sized treats pack an incredible punch of creamy banana goodness that melts in your mouth.

Smooth vanilla pudding and fresh banana slices nestle perfectly inside delicate, crisp pastry shells.

Each miniature pie delivers a perfect balance of rich, velvety filling and tender crust that will make taste buds dance with joy.

Light, decadent, and wonderfully portable, these mini desserts work magic at potlucks, parties, or quiet afternoons when you need a little indulgence.

Whip up this simple recipe and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours 32 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Mini Banana Cream Pies Ingredient List

• Graham Crackers: Crumbly foundation that adds delightful texture and sweet, toasty warmth to the mini pies.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds cracker crumbs together, creating a rich, golden base that holds the pie structure.

• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the rich custard's flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Transforms liquid into silky, luxurious custard with perfect thickening power.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
• Milk: Creates smooth, velvety custard base with rich, creamy consistency.
• Egg Yolks: Provides luscious richness and helps custard set beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and sophisticated flavor undertone.

• Heavy Cream: Whips into cloud-like texture for heavenly, light topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream with delicate softness.
• Bananas: Brings fresh, natural sweetness and creamy tropical charm to each mini pie.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates whipped cream with subtle, elegant flavor accent.

Equipment to Make Mini Banana Cream Pies

• Muffin Pan: 12-cup pan for creating individual mini pies.
• Zipper Bag: For crushing graham crackers into coarse crumbs.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for cooking custard mixture.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Used for whipping cream to soft peaks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: To stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Plastic Wrap: To cover pies while chilling in refrigerator.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing bananas evenly.

How to Make Mini Banana Cream Pies

• Crust Preparation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray and press the crumb mixture into each cup. Freeze the pan for a quick set.

• Custard Creation

In a saucepan, blend sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a thick, spoonable consistency. Remove from heat and swirl in vanilla for extra flavor.

• Chilling Phase

Pour the warm custard into the frozen crusts. Cover with plastic wrap and let the pies rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.

• Whipped Cream Topping

Whip heavy cream until it forms soft, pillowy peaks. Gently fold in powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla. The cream should be light and airy.

• Final Assembly

Slice fresh bananas and nestle them atop the chilled custard. Crown each mini pie with a luxurious dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately for the ultimate creamy, dreamy dessert experience.

Pro Pie Tips and Flavor Ideas

• Replace traditional Graham crackers with gingersnap cookies or chocolate wafers for a unique flavor twist and extra crunch in your mini pies.
• Control whipped cream consistency by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, ensuring a perfectly stable and fluffy topping every time.
• Brush sliced bananas with fresh lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent quick oxidation before serving the mini pies.
• Prepare custard and crust up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline your dessert preparation process.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, drizzle chocolate sauce, or add a light dusting of cinnamon on top for an elevated dessert experience.

Mini Pie Serving Ideas

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these mini banana cream pies on a beautiful tiered serving tray for elegant dessert gatherings, perfect for bridal showers or birthday celebrations.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut flakes, or chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream for extra visual appeal and delightful crunch.
• Seasonal Styling: Pair these mini pies with fresh seasonal berries like strawberries or raspberries on the side to complement the creamy banana flavor and add a pop of color to the dessert plate.
• Beverage Buddies: Serve alongside cold milk, coffee, or a light moscato wine to enhance the sweet and creamy taste experience of these delectable mini pies.

How to Store Mini Banana Cream Pies

• Refrigerator Ready Treats: Store mini banana cream pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious in the refrigerator's coolest section.
• Quick Prep Strategy: Assemble these mini pies ahead of time, perfect for dinner parties or weekend gatherings, allowing you to focus on entertaining guests.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual pies separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy later. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving for best texture.
• Banana Browning Prevention: Add sliced bananas just before serving to maintain their bright color and prevent discoloration, ensuring a visually appealing and fresh-looking dessert.

Dreamy Mini Banana Cream Pies

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 32 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade mini banana cream pies showcase creamy, luscious layers of classic dessert perfection. Silky pudding, fresh bananas, and buttery graham cracker crust merge into an irresistible sweet treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 bananas, sliced
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 12 graham crackers, crushed
• 6 tbsps (90 mL) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• 1 pint (480 mL) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (15 g) powdered sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 tsps vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Crumb Foundation: Pulverize graham crackers into a fine, uniform blend using a sealed plastic bag. Integrate melted butter thoroughly, creating a cohesive mixture that will form the pie’s base.
2. Crust Preparation: Coat a muffin tin with nonstick spray, distributing the cracker mixture equally across 12 compartments. Compress the crumbs firmly and chill in the freezer to set the structural foundation.
3. Custard Creation: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Apply medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a thick, silky custard with a spoon-coating consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Flavor Infusion: Remove custard from heat, incorporating vanilla extract to create a smooth, aromatic filling. Transfer the custard into the chilled graham cracker shells, ensuring precise and even distribution.
5. Chilling Phase: Encase the filled pies with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours, allowing complete setting and flavor development.
6. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until voluminous. Fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until soft, pillowy peaks emerge.
7. Final Assembly: Slice bananas into uniform pieces and artfully position them atop each custard-filled pie. Crown with a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating an elegant, airy finish.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground and evenly mixed with butter for a stable, compact base that holds together perfectly.
• Custard Technique Tip: Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, thick custard without lumps or burning.
• Chilling Patience Matters: Allow full 5-hour refrigeration time to let flavors meld and custard set completely, enhancing overall taste and texture.
• Whipped Cream Wisdom: Beat cream just until soft peaks form to maintain a light, airy texture without over-whipping, which can make it grainy or butter-like.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg