If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines creamy banana goodness with the ease of no baking, these Banana Cream Hand Pies – No-Bake Mini Treats Everyone Loves Recipe are going to be your new best friend. Picture a luscious banana pudding filling nestled in a crunchy graham cracker base, topped with dollops of whipped cream and versatile garnishes. They’re perfectly sized, irresistibly tasty, and so simple to make, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these mini hand pies again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this recipe. Each element plays a special role, from lending creamy texture to delivering fresh fruity flavor and that classic crunchy base that makes every bite a joy.
- Instant banana pudding mix: This is the foundation of the filling, bringing that rich banana flavor and creamy consistency effortlessly.
- Cold milk: Essential for preparing the instant pudding and ensuring it sets perfectly smooth and silky.
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Adds a fluffy, airy layer that lightens up the filling and makes it luxuriously creamy.
- Large banana, sliced: Fresh banana slices give the pies a natural sweetness and delightful texture contrast inside the creamy filling.
- Mini graham cracker crusts: These provide the perfect crisp and slightly sweet base for your hand pies, saving you time or serving as a perfect canvas for homemade crust if you prefer.
- Optional garnishes (extra whipped topping, crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or vanilla wafers): These let you get creative, elevating the presentation and adding delicious little surprises with every bite.
How to Make Banana Cream Hand Pies – No-Bake Mini Treats Everyone Loves Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Banana Pudding Mix
Start by combining your instant banana pudding mix with 1½ cups of cold milk. Whisk these together until the pudding thickens and feels silky smooth—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because the pudding’s texture forms the luscious core of your hand pies.
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping
Next, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. This lightens the pudding mixture, giving it that dreamy, airy texture that makes every bite feel like a creamy cloud. Be careful not to overmix — keep it fluffy and smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Filling and Banana Slices
Now, it’s time to add the fresh banana slices. Place a few slices inside each mini graham cracker crust, then spoon the pudding mixture over the top. The bananas soften slightly in the creamy filling, creating the perfect balance of fresh and sweet.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Place your assembled hand pies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the filling set so each pie holds its shape beautifully and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add Optional Garnishes
Once chilled, dollop extra whipped topping on each hand pie. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or vanilla wafers to add texture and a bit of extra flair. It’s a fun way to personalize this classic treat!
How to Serve Banana Cream Hand Pies – No-Bake Mini Treats Everyone Loves Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these hand pies with a swirl of whipped topping transforms them into dessert works of art. For added charm and flavor, top with crushed graham crackers, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fuller dessert spread that’s perfect for summer gatherings or lazy afternoon treats. Their light, creamy nature complements fresh berries beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a little flair? Arrange the hand pies on a pretty platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper. Tie each mini pie with a thin ribbon or garnish with edible flowers for a gift-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover hand pies covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, perfect if you want to enjoy the good stuff at your own pace.
Freezing
While these hand pies are best fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve their creamy texture.
Reheating
This no-bake treat is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring the pies out from the fridge and serve chilled for that refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh banana pudding instead of instant mix?
Fresh homemade banana pudding can be used, but the instant mix simplifies this Banana Cream Hand Pies – No-Bake Mini Treats Everyone Loves Recipe and ensures a consistent set and texture without extra fuss.
What if I don’t have mini graham cracker crusts?
No problem! You can make your own mini crusts using crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter, pressed into mini muffin tins. It’s easy and delicious.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with whipped cream?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works wonderfully here for a natural, fluffy texture if you prefer to avoid store-bought toppings.
Are these hand pies suitable for kids?
These mini pies are a kid-friendly treat with simple, familiar flavors. Plus, their size makes them perfect little hands to hold and enjoy!
How long do these hand pies last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days—plenty of time to savor that banana creamy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: an incredibly simple but indulgent way to enjoy a classic banana cream dessert without turning on the oven. The Banana Cream Hand Pies – No-Bake Mini Treats Everyone Loves Recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh that will quickly become a beloved favorite. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and whip up a batch to share, snack on, and smile over!
Print
Banana Cream Hand Pies – No-Bake Mini Treats Everyone Loves Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 mini hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Cream Hand Pies are delightful no-bake mini treats that combine creamy banana pudding with whipped topping, nestled in crunchy mini graham cracker crusts. Perfectly sized for snacking, they are quick to prepare and loved by all ages, making a great dessert for parties or simple homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Banana Cream Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 large banana, sliced
Pie Crust
- 12 mini graham cracker crusts or homemade mini graham cracker crusts (see notes)
Optional Garnishes
- Extra whipped topping for garnish
- Crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the banana pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix with 1½ cups cold milk until well combined and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to the pudding mixture until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and fluffy filling.
- Slice the banana: Peel and slice the large banana into thin, even slices to layer inside the pies.
- Assemble the hand pies: Fill each mini graham cracker crust with a spoonful of the banana cream filling, then add a few banana slices on top. Add another layer of filling to cover the bananas.
- Chill the pies: Place the assembled hand pies in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally top each hand pie with extra whipped topping and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or vanilla wafers for added texture and decoration.
Notes
- You can use store-bought mini graham cracker crusts or make homemade mini crusts using crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar pressed into mini muffin tins.
- For best taste, use ripe bananas but not overly soft to avoid sogginess.
- These hand pies should be kept refrigerated and are best consumed within 24 hours for freshness.
- To make the dessert vegan, substitute the instant pudding and whipped topping with suitable plant-based alternatives.
