Mini Banana Cream Tarts Recipe

Dreamy Mini Banana Cream Tarts Recipe for Sweet Moments

Whipping up delectable mini banana cream tarts brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s heart.

Sweet memories of childhood treats dance through my kitchen while crafting these delightful mini pastries.

Creamy custard meets crisp, buttery shells in a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Fresh bananas add natural sweetness that makes these tarts irresistible to everyone.

Light and elegant, these mini desserts promise to impress without complicated techniques.

Pastry chefs and home bakers alike will adore how simple yet sophisticated these tarts become.

You’ll want to savor every delicate, luscious bite of these miniature delights.

Mini Banana Cream Tarts for Sweet Afternoon Treats

  • Craft Quick Dessert: Whip up these delightful mini banana cream tarts with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Customize Creatively: Swap ingredients, play with toppings, and make these tarts your own signature sweet treat that sparks joy.
  • Impress Without Stress: Surprise friends and family with restaurant-quality desserts that look professionally made but are surprisingly simple to prepare.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These miniature tarts work beautifully for casual gatherings, potlucks, elegant dinner parties, or a special weekend indulgence.

Ingredients List for Mini Banana Cream Tart Magic

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic flavor and texture for the tart shell.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps hold the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden color.
Custard Base Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a rich and creamy foundation for the custard filling.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the custard.
  • Egg Yolks: Add richness, color, and help create a smooth, silky custard texture.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the custard its perfect consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a deep, sweet flavor and creates a luxurious finish to the custard.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Bananas, Almonds: Fresh banana slices provide natural sweetness and freshness, while crushed almonds add a delightful crunch.
  • Additional Caramel Sauce: Provides an extra drizzle of indulgent sweetness to complete the tart.

Banana Cream Tart Instructions for Mini Bites

Step 1: Whip Up the Crust Base

Grab graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with:
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Stir everything until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together nicely.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Shells

Press the crumb mixture firmly into mini tart pans or a muffin tin.

Make sure to create an even layer across the bottom and sides.

Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact the crust smoothly.

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Shells

Pop the tart shells into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

Remove and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Create Silky Custard Base

In a saucepan, whisk together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Egg yolks
  • Cornstarch

Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously to prevent scorching.

Step 5: Transform Custard to Creamy Perfection

Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble.

This typically takes 5-7 minutes.

The custard should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Step 6: Enhance Custard Flavor

Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Caramel sauce

Let the custard cool slightly, maintaining a warm temperature.

Step 7: Fill Tart Shells

Carefully spoon the warm custard into the cooled tart shells.

Fill generously and smooth the tops with a spatula for a clean finish.

Step 8: Add Banana Brilliance

Layer fresh banana slices over the custard, covering the surface of each tart.

Step 9: Create Gorgeous Garnish

Sprinkle crushed almonds over the tarts and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a stunning presentation.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tarts for at least 1 hour, allowing the custard to firm up completely.

Step 11: Serve and Delight

Pull the tarts from the refrigerator and serve chilled.

Watch as everyone enjoys these miniature dessert masterpieces!

Pro Tips for Creamy Mini Banana Cream Tarts

  • Blind bake the graham cracker crust for a crisp base that holds up against the creamy custard.
  • Whisk constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • Cut bananas just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
  • Add caramel sauce sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the delicate banana cream.
  • Refrigerate tarts for at least an hour to allow custard to firm up and flavors to meld together.

Banana Cream Tart Variations for Your Next Bake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Cream Tarts: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Coconut Cream Tarts: Swap dairy cream with coconut cream, use plant-based milk, and replace egg yolks with cornstarch or agar-agar for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cream Tarts: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Tropical Fruit Variation: Replace bananas with mango or passion fruit slices for a different fruity flavor profile and exotic touch.

Mini Banana Cream Tart Serving Suggestions

  • Dessert Party Platter: Arrange tarts on a beautiful wooden board with fresh mint leaves and extra caramel drizzle for a stunning presentation.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these mini tarts with light champagne or freshly brewed coffee for an elegant weekend morning treat.
  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these portable tarts in individual clear containers for a delightful outdoor dessert that travels well and looks Instagram-worthy.
  • Family Sharing Style: Create a DIY tart station where guests can add their own toppings like chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or extra banana slices for interactive enjoyment.

Mini Banana Cream Tart Storage Tips for Freshness

  • Store tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and protect the delicate banana slices from browning.
  • Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Gently warm tarts at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the crust soggy and custard watery.
  • These tarts are most delicious when eaten within 24 hours of preparation, maintaining their crisp crust and creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Choose bananas that are yellow with small brown spots, which provide the best sweetness and smooth texture for the tarts.

  • Is it possible to make the custard ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the custard a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

  • Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

Replace the graham cracker crust with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds to create a gluten-free version of the dessert.

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Mini Banana Cream Tarts Recipe

Mini Banana Cream Tarts Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet mini banana cream tarts blend creamy filling with delicate pastry, offering a delightful dessert experience. Banana lovers will savor each bite of these petite, irresistible treats that provide pure comfort in one elegant mouthful.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
  • Crushed almonds, as needed
  • Caramel sauce, as needed

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a clean workspace for creating delicate mini tarts.
  2. Blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand.
  3. Gently press the crumb mixture into mini tart pans or muffin tin cavities, ensuring an even, compact layer across the bottom and sides.
  4. Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. Whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a saucepan, creating a smooth, uniform custard base.
  6. Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (approximately 5-7 minutes).
  7. Remove custard from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and caramel sauce, stirring until fully integrated and allowing to cool slightly.
  8. Carefully spoon the warm custard into the prepared crusts, filling each to the brim and smoothing the surface with a small spatula.
  9. Artfully arrange fresh banana slices atop the custard, covering the surface of each tart.
  10. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling crushed almonds over the banana layer and drizzling additional caramel sauce in an elegant pattern.
  11. Refrigerate the tarts for a minimum of 1 hour to set the custard and allow flavors to meld together.
  12. Serve chilled, presenting these delectable mini banana cream tarts as an irresistible dessert.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Toast crushed almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the tart topping.
  • Prevent banana browning by brushing slices with fresh lemon juice before arranging on custard, keeping them fresh and vibrant.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 353 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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