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creamy banana cream pie bars - featured image

Creamy Banana Cream Pie Bars

  • Author: Lilya
  • Total Time: 45 minutes active plus 2 hours chilling
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Rich, creamy banana cream pie bars with a buttery shortbread-like crust, silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and a light whipped cream topping. These make-ahead dessert bars are easy to assemble, travel well, and taste better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1–2 discs refrigerated pie dough
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for crust)
  • 2 boxes (approx. 5.1 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups whole milk, divided
  • 1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for cream)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3–4 medium ripe bananas
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Crushed vanilla wafers (optional)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out pie dough and press into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prick the bottom with a fork.
  2. Line crust with parchment or foil and fill with pie weights. Blind bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Remove weights and let cool completely.
  3. While crust cools, whisk instant pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
  4. Slice 2 bananas into rounds and toss with lemon juice. Mash the remaining 1-2 bananas.
  5. Whip heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
  6. Spread the whipped banana cream over the pudding layer. Arrange banana slices on top. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until set.
  8. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor. Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice to prevent browning. Blind baking the crust is essential to prevent sogginess. Bars do not freeze well as the cream and pudding may separate upon thawing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: banana cream pie bars, make ahead dessert, easy dessert, banana bars, cream pie bars, party dessert, quick dessert

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Find it online: https://platelyn.com/creamy-banana-cream-pie-bars-5-easy-make-ahead-desserts/