No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as cute as it is utterly irresistible, you’re going to fall head over heels for these No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies. Each one is perfectly portioned and captures everything you adore about classic banana cream pie, but without ever turning on the oven. Creamy pudding, buttery graham cracker crust, slices of sweet banana, and a cloud of fresh whipped cream—every bite feels like pure sunshine, no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the pudding:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
For the crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- whipped cream and extra banana slices for garnish
How to Make No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies
Step 1: Whip Up the Banana Pudding
Pour the instant banana cream pudding mix into a medium bowl, then add your cold milk. Whisk steadily for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens and gets glossy. Pop the bowl in the fridge to chill—the pudding will set a bit firmer while you take care of the next steps, giving your No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies that classic, creamy body.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In another bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Use a fork to mix until every bit looks like damp sand—no dry crumbs! Now, spoon about 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the bottom of each small jar, ramekin, or muffin liner, gently pressing down to form a crust that will hold together when you dig in later.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a fresh bowl, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and start whisking—by hand, or with your trusty hand mixer. Beat until stiff peaks form; your whipped cream should stand tall, but still look smooth and dreamy. This step absolutely takes these No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies to the next level!
Step 4: Fold and Layer
Gently fold half of your whipped cream into the chilled banana pudding. This makes a light, mousse-like filling that’s positively spoonable. Now, layer a few banana slices over the graham crust in each cup, and spoon or pipe your banana pudding mixture over the top, filling each vessel nearly to the brim. Trust me, it’s hard not to sneak a taste at this stage!
Step 5: Top and Chill
Finish off each mini pie with a big dollop of that glorious whipped cream you set aside, and crown it with a banana slice. Pop your finished No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour—this helps the flavors meld and ensures they’re perfectly chilled before serving.
How to Serve No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies
Garnishes
For a professional, bakery-style finish, add an extra swirl of whipped cream and a slice of banana right on top. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or even a drizzle of caramel sauce adds that little something special, making your No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies truly party-ready.
Side Dishes
While these pies are perfection on their own, you can serve them alongside a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert experience. A cup of hot coffee or a frosty glass of milk pairs beautifully and balances out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace the mini trend! Try serving your No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies in mason jars, clear glasses, or even teacups for a whimsical look. For gatherings, arrange them on a tiered cake stand—they’ll steal the show at any party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream and banana slices may soften slightly, but the flavor remains absolutely dreamy. For the freshest results, add extra banana slices as garnish just before serving.
Freezing
While these pies are best fresh, you can freeze the assembled pies without garnishes for up to 1 month. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh whipped cream and banana slices on top before serving. Freezing gives you the flexibility to prepare ahead for parties or treats-on-demand.
Reheating
Since these are deliciously no-bake and chilled by design, no reheating is required! In fact, keeping No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies cold is what preserves their gorgeous texture and fresh flavor. Just pop them out of the fridge and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use vanilla pudding instead of banana cream pudding?
Absolutely! If you can’t find banana cream pudding, vanilla pudding works beautifully and lets the natural banana flavor from the slices really shine. It gives you a slightly different but equally delicious version of No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies.
What’s the best way to keep bananas from browning?
Slicing bananas just before assembling the pies helps, but you can also lightly brush the slices with lemon juice to slow oxidation. Don’t worry, the flavor won’t be affected and your No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies will look picture-perfect even after chilling.
Can I make these pies dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in plant-based milk for the pudding and use coconut whipped topping in place of dairy cream. With those easy swaps, your No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies will be totally dairy-free and still wonderfully creamy.
Is there a gluten-free crust option?
There sure is! Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. Just crush them up and proceed as directed—the texture and taste will be nearly identical, so no one has to miss out on these sweet little pies.
How far in advance can I assemble the mini pies?
You can assemble No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies up to 24 hours ahead. For best results, wait to add whipped cream and banana garnishes until just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its very best.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a quick, cool treat, No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies never disappoint. I truly hope you dive in and try this recipe—each bite is a little burst of creamy, banana happiness!
Print
No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful and easy-to-make No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies that are perfect for any occasion. Creamy banana pudding layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and fresh bananas.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
For the crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- whipped cream and extra banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Chill in the fridge.
- Make the crust: Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter, press into mini pie containers.
- Whip the cream: In a bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled pudding.
- Assemble: Layer banana slices over crust, top with pudding mixture, whipped cream, and garnish.
- Chill and serve: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute graham crackers with vanilla wafers for the crust.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and coconut whipped topping.
- Best enjoyed on the same day to maintain banana freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
