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