Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes – Like the Pie, But More Fun
If banana cream pie had a little cupcake cousin, this would be it.
These banana cream pie cupcakes bring the creamy, nostalgic flavor of the pie—only in cupcake form.
I suggest starting with moist banana cake as the base, then hollowing out the centers and filling them with smooth banana pudding.
You top it all off with whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers. I like to use instant pudding for ease, but homemade works too if you’re feeling fancy.
Prep & Bake Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Course | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 18 mins | 43 mins | 12 | Dessert | American |
Ingredients for 12 & 6 Cupcakes
| Ingredient | 12 Cupcakes | 6 Cupcakes | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashed ripe banana | 1 cup | 1/2 cup | Applesauce or Greek yogurt |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups | 2/3 cup | Gluten-free mix |
| Eggs | 2 | 1 | Flax eggs |
| Sugar | 2/3 cup | 1/3 cup | Honey or maple syrup |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Vegan butter |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1/2 tsp | Banana extract |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp | 3/4 tsp | Do not skip |
| Banana pudding (instant) | 1 cup prepared | 1/2 cup prepared | Homemade pudding |
| Whipped cream | As needed | As needed | Cool Whip or coconut whipped cream |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin + liners | Greased silicone cupcake molds |
| Mixing bowls | Any large bowls |
| Electric mixer | Whisk + elbow grease |
| Apple corer or spoon | Knife or melon baller |
| Piping bag or zip bag | Spoon for manual filling |
How to Make These Cupcakes
Before diving into the steps, I prefer having the banana pudding chilled and ready. It makes the filling process smoother and faster.
Step 1: Make the Cupcake Batter
Cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar until fluffy. Mix in 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir in 1 cup mashed ripe banana.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, then add it gradually to the wet mix.
Step 2: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin and fill each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool fully.
Step 3: Fill with Banana Pudding
Once cooled, use an apple corer or spoon to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
Fill the center with banana pudding using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 4: Top and Garnish
Pipe whipped cream over the filled cupcakes. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and banana slices if serving immediately.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Serve with mini banana slices and a dusting of crushed wafer for presentation.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or melted white chocolate for extra flair.
- Keep chilled before serving for the best texture.
Variations to Try
- Banoffee Pie Cupcakes: Add a layer of caramel under the pudding and top with shaved chocolate.
- Chocolate Banana Cream: Use chocolate cupcakes instead of vanilla and fill with banana cream.
- Mini Pie Versions: Bake these in mini cupcake tins and serve as bite-sized banana cream pie treats.
Storing Tips
- Store cupcakes in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid topping with banana slices ahead of time—they brown quickly.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes (no pudding) for up to 1 month.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Filling too warm | Makes the cupcakes soggy | Chill pudding before using |
| Overfilling | Pudding overflows or softens cupcake | Use just 1 tsp per center |
| Not cooling cupcakes first | Filling melts and makes a mess | Cool completely before coring and filling |
FAQs
Can I make these the night before?
Yes, store in the fridge and top with whipped cream right before serving.
Do I have to fill them?
Filling is part of the fun, but you could skip and use pudding as frosting instead.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Absolutely. Just go for banana or vanilla and jazz it up with mashed bananas.
Do they taste like pie?
Yes! Especially when chilled—they’re soft, creamy, and just like the classic pie.
What pudding brand works best?
JELL-O banana cream pudding or any thick-setting banana-flavored instant mix.
Let’s Whip Up These Little Pies!
These banana cream pie cupcakes are the perfect blend of cozy pie flavor and handheld cupcake joy.
I suggest giving them a go—whether you’re baking for a picnic, party, or just banana lovers at home. Once you try them, come back and let me know how they turned out!
