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This single serving no bake Banana Cream Pie features a layer of creamy homemade pudding, fresh banana slices, and a simple cookie crust for a quick and delicious classic dessert made just for one.
Featured Comment
“AMAZING! I don’t know if I have ever made homemade pudding. I may never buy boxed again. Super simple.”
– Denise
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this single serving banana cream pie easy for anyone to prepare.
- Perfect Portion: Made just for one, it’s the ideal size when you want a sweet treat without making a full pie.
- Homemade Flavor: The smooth, creamy banana pudding delivers a fresh, homemade taste you won’t find in store-bought versions.
- Customizable: Change it up with your favorite crust, toppings, or mix-ins for a dessert that fits your taste perfectly.
At One Dish Kitchen, we love every recipe we share, but this single serving Banana Cream Pie is one that always stands out. It’s a mini version of the classic dessert – creamy, rich, and filled with banana flavor in every bite.
Traditional banana cream pie is made with layers of fresh bananas, smooth vanilla pudding, and a flaky pie crust topped with whipped cream. In this simplified version, I’ve scaled it down for one and swapped the traditional crust for a quick cookie base. The result is a no bake banana cream pie that’s easy to make, perfectly portioned, and just as delicious as the original.
If you’re new to banana cream pie, this is a wonderful place to start. One bite of the creamy homemade pudding with slices of sweet banana, and you’ll see why this dessert is one of my all-time favorites.
Looking for single serving and small batchl banana recipes? Try our single serving banana nut bread recipe, mini hummingbird cake, easy banana muffin recipe, and bananas foster for one.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy banana cream pie recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Whole Milk: Use whole milk for a creamy, thick pudding. 2% milk will work, but the pudding will be much less thick and rich.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps the pudding set up nicely. You’ll see heavy cream in many of our single serving and small batch recipes like mini white cake, small batch strawberry scones, and butterscotch pudding for one.
- Cornstarch: The thickening agent that gives the pudding structure.
- Banana: The star ingredient. Use one firm-but-ripe banana for this single serving version.
- Vanilla Wafers: Create a quick no-bake crust. You may substitute your favorite cookie if you prefer.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations
Explore these creative and delicious variations to add a unique twist to your banana cream pie:
- Chocolate Banana Cream Pie: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips over the cookie crust before adding the bananas.
- Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie: Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the pudding for a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Caramel Banana Cream Pie: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the banana layer for extra sweetness and a rich finish.
- Berry Banana Cream Pie: Layer in fresh strawberries or blueberries under the bananas for a bright, fruity contrast.
- Coconut Banana Cream Pie: Replace the pudding with coconut cream pudding from our small coconut cream pie recipe for a light, tropical version.
How To Make Banana Cream Pie For One
Follow these step-by-step photos and instructions to see how easy it is to make this single serving banana cream pie with homemade pudding. Check the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full details.
- Warm the Milk: In a 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk with sugar and salt, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to steam, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Cornstarch and Cream: In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch together until smooth.
- Thicken the Pudding: Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the warm milk. Continue stirring as the mixture simmers. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until the butter melts completely.
- Cool the Pudding: Pour the pudding into a small bowl and let it cool. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Assemble the Pie: Line the bottom and sides of a small dessert dish or ramekin with vanilla wafers.
- Add Bananas: Slice one banana and layer the slices over the cookies.
- Add the Pudding: Spoon the cooled pudding over the banana layer. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to set.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream and extra banana slices, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Use Whole Milk: For the creamiest pudding, stick with whole milk. Lower-fat milk will make the filling thinner.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Fully whisk the cornstarch and cream before adding them to the warm milk. This prevents lumps and creates a silky pudding.
- Add Flavor Off the Heat: Stir in the butter and vanilla after removing the saucepan from the heat. This keeps the vanilla flavor rich and aromatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This single serving banana cream pie is a no bake recipe made with a cookie crust and stovetop pudding, so there’s no need to turn on the oven.
Lightly brush banana slices with lemon juice or cover them completely with pudding to help prevent browning.
Yes, you can use instant vanilla pudding for a faster option, but homemade pudding gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
Vanilla wafers make a perfect no bake crust, but graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies also work well.
Yes, simply double the pudding ingredients, use two bananas, and a few extra cookies to make two individual pies.
It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for the freshest flavor and texture.
More Single Serving and Small Batch Banana Recipes
Got one or two bananas on hand? Put them to delicious use with these easy and delightful banana recipes:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this individual banana cream pie or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Mini Banana Cream Pie For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-8 vanilla wafers or use your favorite cookies. (Use enough cookies to completely cover the bottom and sides of your dessert dish.)
- 1 banana
- whipped cream -optional for topping
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk with sugar and salt, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to steam, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch together until smooth.
- Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the warm milk. Continue stirring as the mixture simmers. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until the butter melts completely.
- Pour the pudding into a small bowl and let it cool. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Line the bottom and sides of a small dessert dish or ramekin with vanilla wafers.
- Slice one banana and layer the slices over the cookies.
- Spoon the cooled pudding over the banana layer. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to set.
- Top with whipped cream and extra banana slices, if desired.
Notes
- Use Whole Milk: For the creamiest pudding, stick with whole milk. Lower-fat milk will make the filling thinner.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Fully whisk the cornstarch and cream before adding them to the warm milk. This prevents lumps and creates a silky pudding.
- Add Flavor Off the Heat: Stir in the butter and vanilla after removing the saucepan from the heat. This keeps the vanilla flavor rich and aromatic.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Delicious! Loved it. ❤️😋
Could I substitute banana favouring for the vanilla?
Yes.