Banana Cream Cups Recipe

Adorable Mini Banana Cream Cups Recipe You’ll Love to Make

Creamy mini banana cream cups bring pure joy to any dessert table with their delightful layers of sweet goodness.

Luscious bananas mingle perfectly with smooth vanilla pudding and crisp graham cracker bases.

Soft and rich textures create a magical experience for anyone craving something special.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make these little treats ideal for spontaneous gatherings.

Each bite promises a burst of classic comfort that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Whipping up these adorable cups takes less than thirty minutes, guaranteeing instant dessert satisfaction.

You’ll love how easily these miniature delights come together, impressing everyone with minimal effort.

Mini Banana Cream Cups for Quick Sweet Satisfaction

  • Creamy, smooth texture and sweet banana flavor make these mini desserts irresistible for children and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table will love them.
  • The no-cook cream filling comes together effortlessly, allowing you to create a luxurious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen or using complex cooking methods.
  • Easily dress up these mini cups with chocolate shavings, extra whipped cream, or fresh fruit, making them versatile for casual gatherings, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties.

Everything to Make Mini Banana Cream Cups

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: The classic foundation for a sweet and crunchy crust.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and filling.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
Cream and Dairy Ingredients:
  • Bananas: The star ingredient that gives the dessert its signature flavor and creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy base for the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, tangy richness to the filling.
  • Lemon Juice: Helps balance the sweetness and prevents banana browning.
Flavor and Binding Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cream filling.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Fresh Banana Slices, Chocolate Shavings: Optional toppings that add extra texture and visual appeal to the dessert.

Simple Steps for Mini Banana Cream Cups

Step 1: Create the Crunchy Base

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Press this delicious mixture firmly into a muffin tin or mini tart pans.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.

Let the crusts cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Banana Filling

In one bowl, mash ripe bananas into a smooth consistency.

In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks form.

Add to the whipped cream:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Blend everything until silky smooth.

Gently fold in the mashed bananas, creating a luscious, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Build Your Delectable Dessert

Carefully spoon the banana cream filling into the cooled crusts.

Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating a perfect surface.

Slide the cups into the refrigerator and chill for 2-3 hours until the filling sets beautifully.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top each mini cup with a dollop of whipped cream, delicate banana slices, and optional chocolate shavings.

Serve these heavenly treats straight from the refrigerator for maximum enjoyment.

Key Tips for Perfect Mini Banana Cream Cups

  • Avoid overbaking graham cracker base by watching carefully during 8-10 minute baking period to maintain crisp, golden-brown consistency.
  • Select perfectly ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in the filling.
  • Ensure heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve stable, fluffy peaks that hold structure in the dessert.
  • Sprinkle fresh lemon juice on sliced bananas to prevent oxidation and keep garnish looking fresh and appetizing.
  • Allow minimum 2-3 hours refrigeration time to help filling set properly and develop rich, creamy texture.

Store and Reheat Mini Banana Cream Cups Smoothly

  • Store mini banana cream cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • These desserts are best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy and cream filling lose its smooth texture.
  • Sprinkle lemon juice on banana slices before topping to prevent discoloration during storage.

Great Pairings with Mini Banana Cream Cups

Pairing Banana Cream Cups with Complementary Flavors

  • Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the creamy dessert with robust coffee notes.
  • Select Caramel Liqueur Splash: Drizzle amaretto or butterscotch liqueur alongside the mini cups to enhance banana's warm, rich undertones.
  • Match Nutty Wine Selection: Choose a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling with subtle almond and honey hints that complement the banana cream's smooth texture.
  • Elevate with Spiced Rum Float: Add a small shot of aged spiced rum next to the dessert, creating a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile that highlights the banana's natural warmth.

Mini Banana Cream Cups With Flavor Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Banana Cream Cups: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Vegan Banana Cream Cups: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and cashew cream cheese. Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup in place of sugar.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cream Cups: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Chocolate Banana Cream Cups: Add cocoa powder to the crust and sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the filling for a rich chocolate-banana flavor combination.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for a different flavor and texture.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe, spotty bananas with brown patches, as they are sweeter and have a more intense banana flavor, which works best for this dessert.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust to make the entire dessert gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare these mini cups in advance?

Yes, you can make these mini banana cream cups up to 2 days ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

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Banana Cream Cups Recipe

Banana Cream Cups Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky smooth banana cream cups promise pure dessert bliss with layers of creamy delight. Delicate graham cracker base and luscious banana filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whipped cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) sugar

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra banana slices (for garnish)
  • Shaved chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray for easy removal of mini desserts.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand-like texture.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into each muffin cavity, creating an even base for the dessert cups.
  4. Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a separate bowl until smooth and no large chunks remain.
  6. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
  7. In another bowl, blend cream cheese with vanilla extract, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until completely smooth.
  8. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a silky banana cream filling.
  9. Incorporate mashed bananas into the cream mixture, ensuring even distribution of fruit throughout.
  10. Carefully spoon the banana cream filling into the cooled graham cracker crusts, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  11. Refrigerate the mini cups for 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld together.
  12. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and optional chocolate shavings.
  13. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Customize the crust by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed nuts for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent banana browning by adding a splash of lemon juice when mashing, which helps maintain the bright, fresh flavor and appealing color.
  • Create a lighter version by using low-fat cream cheese and reducing sugar content without compromising the creamy texture and delightful taste.
  • Elevate presentation by using a piping bag to create elegant swirls of filling and garnish with mint leaves for a professional touch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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