If you’re searching for a dessert that’s every bit as charming as it is delicious, look no further than these Mini Banana Cream Pies. Each little pie delivers the sunny, nostalgic flavors of classic banana cream pie in a personal-sized package, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a Tuesday night treat. The combination of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and pillowy homemade whipped cream nestled in a crunchy graham cracker shell is simply irresistible. Even better, you don’t need to turn on your oven, making this a perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. If you love banana desserts, get ready—these mini pies will steal your heart (and tastebuds) from the very first bite!

Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 package (12 count) mini graham cracker pie crusts or tart shells
Banana Cream Filling:
- 2 large ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs for garnish (optional)

How to Make Mini Banana Cream Pies

Step 1: Mix the Pudding

Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk in a medium bowl. You’ll see the mixture start to thicken after about two minutes of steady whisking. This forms the silky backbone of your filling—just be sure your milk is straight from the fridge for the creamiest results. Once thickened, set it aside so the pudding can continue to set up while you prep the whipped cream.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until you get stiff peaks that hold their shape beautifully. This part always feels a bit magical—watching cream transform into fluffy clouds never gets old! Reserve about half of the whipped cream to use as your topping.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling

Take the remaining whipped cream and gently fold it into the vanilla pudding using a spatula. Folding preserves that light, airy texture, so don’t rush! The result should be a luxurious, cloud-like banana cream filling that’s ready to be tucked into your pie crusts.

Step 4: Layer the Bananas

Arrange a few banana slices in the bottom of each mini graham cracker crust. To keep the slices looking lovely and vibrant, feel free to brush them lightly with lemon juice—this little trick helps prevent browning if you’re prepping ahead. The fresh banana layer is what really sets Mini Banana Cream Pies apart!

Step 5: Assemble the Pies

Spoon the creamy pudding mixture over the banana slices, filling each crust almost to the top. Try to even out the tops with the back of your spoon for a neat presentation. Don’t worry if some bananas peek through—the more rustic, the sweeter!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Top each mini pie with a generous dollop of the reserved whipped cream. For a little extra flair, garnish with more banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs. Chill the pies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour; this sets the filling and melds the flavors together for the perfect bite.

How to Serve Mini Banana Cream Pies

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, don’t be shy! A swirl of whipped cream, additional banana slices, and a dusting of cookie crumbs make these mini treats look straight out of a bakery window. For a fun twist, try a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a maraschino cherry, or even some toasted coconut on top.

Side Dishes

Because Mini Banana Cream Pies are light and creamy, they pair well with a fresh fruit salad or a platter of mixed berries. If you’re serving these at a party, consider small glasses of iced coffee or sweet tea to complement the flavors and add a little southern charm to your dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow-factor, serve each pie in individual mason jars for a picnic feel, or place each mini pie in a colorful cupcake wrapper for easy grabbing at a buffet. You could also set up a “build your own” pie bar, letting guests add their own toppings to customize their Mini Banana Cream Pies—kids and adults alike will love this interactive treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some extra pies? Simply cover each mini pie with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and creamy in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the bananas may start to brown and soften, so it’s best to enjoy them soon!

Freezing

While Mini Banana Cream Pies are at their best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of bananas can change after freezing, so these are best enjoyed slightly thawed but not fully defrosted.

Reheating

Since these pies are no-bake and meant to be served chilled, there’s no reheating required. If you’ve frozen them, just let the pies thaw in the refrigerator for an hour or so before serving. They’re meant to be cool, creamy, and refreshing straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer, make your favorite vanilla pudding from scratch for the filling—just be sure it’s completely cooled before assembling your Mini Banana Cream Pies, so the whipped cream keeps its light texture.

How can I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

A quick splash of lemon juice on your banana slices will help keep them bright and fresh. Assemble the pies as close to serving time as possible for the best color and flavor.

Is it possible to make these pies dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make substitutions! Use a plant-based milk for the pudding, a dairy-free whipped topping, and double-check that your crusts are dairy-free too. The pies will still taste amazing.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crusts?

If you can’t find mini graham cracker crusts, vanilla wafer tart shells, chocolate cookie crusts, or even baked mini pie shells will all work beautifully with the banana cream filling.

Can I make Mini Banana Cream Pies in advance for a party?

Yes! You can make them up to a day in advance. Just remember to keep them chilled until serving, and add any fresh banana garnish right before bringing them to the table for the best appearance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about sharing Mini Banana Cream Pies with your favorite people—they’re simple to prepare, absolutely delicious, and look adorable on any dessert spread. I hope you’ll give these a try and discover just how fun and satisfying homemade mini treats can be. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking) and enjoy every creamy bite!

Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful Mini Banana Cream Pies are quick and easy no-bake treats perfect for any occasion. Creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and a sweet graham cracker crust come together in these adorable individual desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 package (12 count) mini graham cracker pie crusts or tart shells

Banana Cream Filling:

2 large ripe bananas (sliced)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Pudding: Whisk vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened. Set aside.
Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth.
Assemble: Arrange banana slices in pie crusts, spoon pudding mixture over them, and top with remaining whipped cream.
Garnish: Add extra banana slices and crushed crackers on top.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.