Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding Filling
While the crusts are setting, it’s time to make the banana pudding filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
Once thickened, place the pudding in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to fully set and cool. This will ensure a smooth, creamy filling when it’s time to assemble the pies.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Next, prepare the whipped cream. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes, so be patient!
Once your whipped cream is ready, fold half of the whipped cream into the banana pudding mixture. This will make the filling extra light and fluffy, creating a perfect texture for the pies.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Pies
Once your crusts have chilled and your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pies.
Spoon the banana pudding mixture into each chilled graham cracker crust. Fill each cup almost to the top, leaving a little room for a dollop of whipped cream later.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Now for the fun part – topping the pies! Add a generous dollop of the remaining whipped cream on top of the banana pudding in each mini pie.
For an extra touch of freshness, arrange a few sliced banana pieces on top of the whipped cream. This not only adds flavor but also gives the pies a beautiful, fresh look.
To finish it off, drizzle a little honey over the top of each mini pie. The honey will complement the banana flavor while adding a slight sweetness and shine.
Serving and Storing Your Mini Banana Cream Pies
Serving Suggestions
These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them as a personal treat, they’re sure to please everyone.
- Perfect for parties: Serve these mini pies on a platter for a dessert everyone will love. They’re individually portioned, so no need to worry about cutting slices or serving large dishes.
- A great summer treat: These mini pies are wonderfully refreshing on a warm day, with the cool, creamy filling offering just the right balance of sweetness and richness.
- An easy weeknight dessert: When you’re craving something sweet after dinner, these little pies are the perfect no-fuss dessert.
Storing Your Pies
If you happen to have any leftovers, these pies store wonderfully. Simply cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap or transfer the pies to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because of the bananas, the pies are best consumed within a day or two for the freshest taste. If you plan to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the crusts and pudding filling a day before and assemble everything just before serving.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies
- Quick and easy: With only 20 minutes of active prep time, these pies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or after-dinner treats.
- No oven required: Skip the heat of the oven and still enjoy a deliciously satisfying dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Individual servings: These mini pies are perfect for portion control and are ideal for parties or gatherings where everyone loves a personal-sized treat.
- Deliciously creamy: The banana pudding filling, combined with the fluffy whipped cream, is a match made in dessert heaven. Each bite is smooth, sweet, and full of banana flavor.
- Customizable: You can play around with the toppings or crust if you like! Swap in vanilla wafer cookies for the crust, or drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra decadent treat.
Tips for Perfect Mini Banana Cream Pies
- Chill the crusts well: For the best results, make sure your graham cracker crusts are well-chilled before adding the pudding. This ensures they hold together when you bite into them.
- Use ripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overripe. Ripe bananas are sweet and soft, adding the perfect flavor and texture to your pies.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks: When making whipped cream, be sure to whip it until it forms stiff peaks. This helps the cream hold its shape when topped on the pies.
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are the ideal dessert for anyone who loves creamy, fruity treats without the hassle of baking. With their smooth, luscious filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and light whipped cream topping, they’re a perfect addition to any occasion.
Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day or impressing guests at a gathering, these mini pies will be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and make these delightful mini pies today!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, sliced
Whipped cream, for topping
Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a muffin tin to form mini pie crusts. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant banana cream pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Fold half of the whipped cream into the banana pudding mixture.
- Spoon the banana pudding into the chilled pie crusts.
- Top each mini pie with a dollop of the remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with banana slices and a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Make sure the graham cracker crusts are chilled well before adding the pudding to ensure they hold their shape.
- Use ripe but not overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form for the best whipped topping consistency.
- These pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
