Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe
Indulge in these delectable mini banana cream pies complete with a flaky crust and creamy vanilla filling. They are a great crowd-pleasing dessert! There’s something undeniably charming about mini desserts, isn’t there? They’re like little pockets of joy, perfectly portioned to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming your senses. And when you combine the irresistible flavor of bananas with the creamy goodness of vanilla pudding, and the flakiness of pie crust, well, you’ve got a recipe for sheer bliss!
Why Mini Banana Cream Pies?
First things first, let’s talk about why these mini marvels deserve a spot on your dessert menu. Aside from their adorable appearance, mini banana cream pies offer a multitude of reasons to celebrate:
1. Portability:
Need to satisfy your sweet cravings on the go? These bite-sized beauties are just the ticket! Whether you’re packing a picnic or attending a potluck, mini banana cream pies are easy to transport and even easier to enjoy.
2. Perfect Portions:
Sometimes, a single slice of pie can feel like a commitment. With mini versions, you can indulge guilt-free, knowing that you’re savoring just the right amount of sweetness.
3. Customizable:
One of the best things about mini desserts is their versatility. From personalizing toppings to experimenting with flavors, you have free rein to get creative and tailor each pie to your liking. You could easily switch this up with chocolate pudding, or a fruit filling.
Ingredients
- mini pie crusts
- sugar cornstarch
- salt
- milk
- egg yolk
- butter
- vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- banana
- whipped topping or whipped cream
Preheat Oven And Prepare Crust
I used Pillsbury Mini Pie Crusts for this recipe. I love a flakey pie crust, and their mini pie crust are super easy to use. You just need to gently tear the pie dough on the perforated lines, then place them into a muffin/cupcake pan.
Bake as directed on the packaging. You could even do this the day before as they will be cool when you add the banana slice and vanilla pudding.
If you prefer the graham cracker pie crust for your banana cream pie, then you can find mini graham cracker crusts in the baking supply aisle in most grocery stores. You can also find mini vanilla wafer crusts too.
Make The Filling
I used a homemade vanilla pudding for my filling. You could get a pie filling box and following the instructions, if you prefer.
In a saucepan you’ll add the sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolk for the vanilla pudding. You will whisk until it boils for a bit and then finish with some butter and vanilla bean paste. I love using vanilla bean paste in this recipe, but vanilla extract is delicious too.
You’ll let it cool to room temperature before moving on.
Assemble The Mini Pies
When it’s time to assemble, I started with a slice of banana on the bottom of the pie crust.
Then I scooped some vanilla pudding on top until it reached the top of the pie crust.
Then you’ll place your mini banana cream pie in the refrigerator and let them set up for at least an hour.
When you’re ready to serve, top each pie with some whipped cream or whipped topping. I just used a spoon to dollop some on top, but if you want to fancy it up, use a piping bag. Then I finished with half a slice of fresh banana for some added cuteness.
Mini Banana Cream Pies
Equipment
- saucepan
- muffin tin
Ingredients
- 1 box Pillsbury Mini Pie Crusts You could use graham cracker or vanilla wafer mini pie crusts if you prefer, they won't need baking
Vanilla Pudding
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk I used whole milk, but 2% will work
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Banana
- 2 bananas sliced ¼ inch thick
Instructions
Pie Crust
- If you use the Pillsbury Mini Pie Crusts, bake as directed on packaging. You'll want to prick the base of the dough since you'll be baking without a filling. If using mini graham cracker pie crusts or vanilla wafer crusts you won't need to do anything, since they don't need baking.
Vanilla Pudding
- In a saucepan, add the sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Turn heat to medium low. Whisk every minute or 2 until it starts to bubbling consistently.
- Cook 1 or 2 additional minutes, stirring gently during this time.
- Then remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Whisk to combine and then let it sit off heat and cool to room temperature.
Mini Banana Cream Pie Asssembly
- Once the pie crust and pudding have cooled to room temperature, place a slice of banana at the bottom of each pie crust.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of vanilla pudding on top of the banana. Fill to the top of the pie crust.
- Then place your mini pies in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, top with whipped cream or whipped topping and half a slice of banana if you want.
Notes
I think you’ll love the taste when you bite into this mini delight with the layer of banana on the bottom, surrounded by the pudding mixture, and topped with whipped topping and a tiny bit of banana. A simple yet sensational recipe for Mini Banana Cream Pies that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a solo dessert adventure, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to please.
