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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chilling Phase: Encase the filled pies with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours, allowing complete setting and flavor development.
- 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.
- 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