Introduction
Mini Banana Cream Tarts with Graham Cracker Crust are creamy, delicious, and perfectly portioned desserts that blend the richness of banana cream filling with the crunchy, buttery goodness of graham cracker crust. These bite-sized treats are great for parties, family gatherings, or when you want a satisfying yet light dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Perfectly Portioned – Mini tarts make for a great individual serving.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no complicated techniques.
- Classic Banana Flavor – A rich and creamy banana filling that melts in your mouth.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for parties, tea-time, or an after-dinner treat.
- No-Bake Option – Can be made without baking for a quick dessert fix.
Origin of Banana Cream Tarts
- The banana cream pie originated in the United States in the 19th century, evolving from traditional custard pies.
- As bananas became more widely available in the U.S., they were incorporated into various desserts.
- Mini versions of pies and tarts became popular for easy serving and portion control.
- Today, banana cream tarts are a beloved dessert worldwide, often paired with graham cracker or pastry crusts.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Banana Cream Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Banana slices
- Crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings
How to Make Mini Banana Cream Tarts
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) (if baking the crust).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture into mini tart pans or muffin tins.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, then let cool. (For a no-bake version, refrigerate for 1 hour instead of baking.)
Step 2: Make the Banana Cream Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk, heavy cream, and sugar until warm.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking to prevent curdling.
- Return to heat and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and mashed banana, then let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
- Spoon the banana cream filling into the cooled graham cracker crusts.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Top each tart with whipped cream and banana slices before serving.
- Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Tips:
- For extra crunch, bake the crust instead of chilling it.
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
- Chill the filling properly to ensure it sets before serving.
- Cover the filling with plastic wrap while cooling to prevent skin from forming.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking the filling – This can make it lumpy instead of smooth.
- Not chilling the tarts long enough – They may be too runny if not set properly.
- Using unripe bananas – The flavor won’t be as rich or naturally sweet.
- Not pressing the crust firmly – It may crumble when removing the tarts from the pan.
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Serve with iced coffee or hot tea for a delightful combination.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Bananas – Rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, great for heart health.
- Milk & Cream – Provide calcium and protein for strong bones.
- Egg Yolks – Contain essential vitamins and healthy fats.
- Graham Crackers – A source of whole grains when made with whole wheat.
Interesting Facts About Banana Cream Tarts
- Banana cream pie was voted one of America’s favorite pies.
- The world’s largest banana cream pie weighed over 1,500 pounds!
- Bananas weren’t widely eaten in the U.S. until the late 1800s, making banana-based desserts relatively modern.
- The combination of bananas and graham cracker crust is a classic pairing, also used in cheesecakes.
Summarized Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 mini tarts
Ingredients:
Graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, banana, whipped cream.
Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar, then press into mini tart pans. Bake or chill.
- Make banana cream filling by heating milk, sugar, and whisking with egg yolks and cornstarch. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in vanilla and mashed banana, then let cool.
- Fill tarts with banana cream and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream, banana slices, and serve!
Final Thoughts
Mini Banana Cream Tarts with Graham Cracker Crust are a delightful, creamy, and crunchy treat that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a party favorite, or a nostalgic banana-flavored treat, these mini tarts are guaranteed to satisfy!
