These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that offers all the flavor of classic banana cream pie without the hassle of baking. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla filling, fresh banana slices, and a drizzle of caramel, these mini pies are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Sliced bananas
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottoms and up the sides of mini tart pans (or a muffin tin) to form the crust.
- Place the crusts in the fridge to chill for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth.
3. Assemble the Pies:
- Spoon the pudding mixture into the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops.
- Arrange banana slices on top of each mini pie.
- Chill the mini pies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Before serving, top each mini pie with whipped cream, more banana slices, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies:
- Crust Options: For a different flavor, you can use crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust.
- Banana Browning: To prevent bananas from browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice before adding them to the pies.
- Make-Ahead: These mini pies can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
FAQs About No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies:
Can I make these pies gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust, and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free as well.
How do I store these pies?
Store these mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I freeze these pies?
It’s not recommended to freeze these pies due to the fresh bananas. The texture of the bananas will change once thawed, making them mushy.
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade vanilla pudding, feel free to use it in place of the instant pudding mix. Just make sure it’s chilled before folding in the whipped cream.
These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers the creamy, dreamy flavors of banana cream pie without the hassle. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat anytime, these mini pies are sure to impress!
