These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a sweet little treat that brings together all the best parts of a classic pie—creamy custard, fresh bananas, and a buttery crust—without ever turning on the oven. Perfectly portioned and irresistibly light, these mini pies are as elegant as they are effortless. Each bite offers the smooth richness of banana pudding, the sweetness of whipped cream, and that signature buttery crunch from the crust.
When I first made these, I was amazed by how quickly they came together. I tried swapping the graham crust for crushed vanilla wafers once, and the flavor was incredible—almost like a deconstructed banana pudding. Whether for a dinner party, a picnic, or a quick dessert fix, these mini banana cream pies are guaranteed to impress without any baking fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini pies are everything you love about banana cream pie—creamy, silky, and loaded with banana flavor—but in an easy, no-bake form. They’re perfect for warm weather when you want a dessert that feels light and refreshing. Plus, their mini size makes them ideal for serving guests or portioning for individual indulgence.
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No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies – A Creamy, Dreamy Dessert in Every Bite
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 mini pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, dreamy mini banana cream pies made without baking — featuring layers of fresh bananas, silky vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream in buttery graham cracker crusts. A quick and refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 mini graham cracker pie crusts
- 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- Crushed graham crackers or banana slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Place a few banana slices at the bottom of each mini pie crust.
- Spoon the pudding mixture over the bananas, filling each crust evenly.
- Top each pie with a dollop of whipped topping or additional whipped cream.
- Garnish with banana slices or crushed graham crackers.
- Chill the pies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- To prevent bananas from browning, lightly brush slices with lemon juice before layering.
- Substitute vanilla pudding with banana pudding for a stronger banana flavor.
- Best served the same day for the freshest banana texture.
- Use mini Oreo crusts for a chocolate twist.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mini graham cracker pie crusts – Ready-made crusts make this dessert quick and convenient while adding a buttery, crumbly base.
Instant banana pudding mix – The foundation of that creamy, banana-infused filling. It’s smooth, flavorful, and sets quickly.
Cold milk – Helps the pudding mix set and gives it the perfect creamy texture. Whole milk works best for richness.
Whipped topping – Adds volume and lightness to the pudding mixture, creating a fluffy, mousse-like filling.
Fresh bananas – Sliced bananas add natural sweetness and a soft, fruity layer to each pie. Choose ripe but firm bananas for the best texture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the banana flavor and adds depth to the pudding base.
Powdered sugar – Lightly sweetens the whipped cream topping without making it heavy.
Crushed vanilla wafers (optional) – Add an extra layer of crunch and nostalgic flavor on top.
Whipped cream (for topping) – A generous dollop on top makes the pies feel complete and creamy.
Directions
Prepare the pudding by whisking together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl for about two minutes until smooth and thick. Let it rest for five minutes to firm up slightly.
Fold in the whipped topping and vanilla extract gently until the mixture is light and airy.
Place a few slices of fresh banana in the bottom of each mini crust. Spoon or pipe the banana cream filling over the bananas, smoothing the tops evenly.
Cover the pies and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill and set completely.
Before serving, top each mini pie with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, and a banana slice for garnish.
I like to drizzle a touch of caramel sauce over mine for a little extra indulgence—it pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6–8 mini pies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the mini pies covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the bananas from browning, assemble them close to serving time or brush the banana slices lightly with lemon juice. These pies are best enjoyed chilled—do not freeze or reheat.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Banana Cream – Add a layer of chocolate ganache or pudding before the banana layer for a rich twist.
Peanut Butter Banana Bliss – Mix a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the pudding mixture for a nutty, indulgent flavor.
Coconut Dream – Use coconut pudding mix instead of banana and top with toasted coconut flakes.
Salted Caramel Drizzle – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt over the whipped cream topping.
Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top for texture.
Cookie Crust Swap – Try using crushed vanilla wafers or Oreos for a different crust flavor.
Bourbon Banana Cream – Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the filling for a subtle, sophisticated edge.
Fruit Fusion – Layer with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Mini Tart Version – Press graham crumbs into tart molds if you prefer a homemade crust.
Dairy-Free Option – Use non-dairy milk and coconut whipped topping for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
FAQs
Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated.
Do I need to bake the crusts?
No, pre-made graham cracker crusts are ready to use.
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s fully cooled before assembling.
How do I keep bananas from browning?
Brush slices with lemon juice or assemble the pies just before serving.
Can I make this in a large pie pan instead of minis?
Yes, use one 9-inch crust and follow the same steps.
What’s the best way to get smooth pudding?
Whisk continuously to avoid lumps and use cold milk.
Can I freeze these pies?
Freezing is not recommended, as the bananas and pudding can separate.
How do I make them less sweet?
Use unsweetened whipped cream and reduce caramel or topping sugar.
Can I add a crust layer on top?
Yes, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or wafers before chilling.
What’s the best way to serve these pies?
Serve chilled with extra banana slices or a light drizzle of caramel.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are the perfect blend of ease and elegance. With their creamy filling, fresh banana slices, and buttery crust, they bring all the comfort of a classic banana cream pie in a simple, no-bake format. They’re effortless, refreshing, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving—proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most delightful.
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