Name: Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies That Will Brighten Your Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 cup 1-minute oats (Can substitute with quick or regular oats); 1 cup bread flour (All-purpose flour works too); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Nutmeg or pumpkin spice can be used); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Can be left out for less light texture); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Ensure it's fresh for the best rise); 1/4 teaspoon salt (A tiny pinch is essential); 1/2 cup light brown sugar (Dark brown sugar is an alternative); 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (Unsalted butter can be used); 2 medium mashed bananas (Very ripe bananas for best flavor); 1/4 cup light corn syrup (Honey or maple syrup can work); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best flavor); 8 ounces cream cheese (Full-fat is best); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (Omit for a lighter version if desired); 2 cups powdered sugar (Adjust sweetness to taste); 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (Milk is a lighter substitute); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Essential for dessert-like taste)

As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of ripe bananas filled the air, immediately whisking me back to carefree afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. That nostalgia inspired my latest creation: delightful Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies. This recipe combines the chewy, wholesome goodness of oatmeal cookies with the natural sweetness of bananas, all wrapped up in a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for those craving a quick dessert solution, these treats come together in under an hour and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a warm embrace in cookie form. Have you ever baked something that instantly transports you to a cherished moment?

Why Are These Cream Pies Irresistible?

Quick and Easy: These Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies come together in under an hour, making them the perfect solution for last-minute dessert cravings.

Nostalgic Flavors: The combination of chewy oatmeal cookies and sweet bananas brings back memories of home-baked treats, just like the ones from your childhood.

Versatile Delight: Customize the filling or swap bananas for pumpkin for a seasonal twist, making them appropriate for any occasion.

Impressive Presentation: With their fluffy cream cheese frosting, these pies not only taste divine but also look fabulous on any dessert table.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the balanced sweetness, making them a hit at any gathering or picnic. For more delightful dessert ideas, check out these Lemon Oatmeal Bake or Bubblegum Ice Cream recipes!

Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Ingredients

For the Cookies

1-minute oats – A chewy texture is essential; you can substitute with quick or regular oats if needed.
Bread flour – This gives the cookies structure; all-purpose flour works too, but expect slight changes in texture.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth; nutmeg or pumpkin spice are wonderful substitutes for a different twist.
Cornstarch – Helps achieve a tender bite; can be left out, though the texture may be less light.
Baking powder – Make sure it’s fresh for effective leavening; it makes the cookies rise beautifully.
Salt – Balances the sweetness; a tiny pinch is essential for flavor harmony.
Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; feel free to use dark brown sugar instead.
Vegetable shortening – Delivers a buttery flavor and tender texture; unsalted butter can be used as an alternative.
Mashed bananas – The star ingredient! Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
Light corn syrup – Helps keep the cookies moist and bind everything together; honey or maple syrup makes great alternatives.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese – A rich, creamy filling; full-fat cream cheese is best for flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness to your frosting; for a lighter version, feel free to omit it entirely.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust to your taste preference for sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream – Adjust the frosting consistency, but milk is a lighter substitute if desired.
Vanilla extract (for frosting) – Essential for that dessert-like taste; don’t skip this ingredient!

These Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies ingredients promise a delightful dessert that’s both nostalgic and rejuvenating! Enjoy the baking process—it’s all part of the magic!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly covered for easy cookie removal later. This will help create perfectly baked Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies that don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1-minute oats, bread flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry blend will provide the flavorful backbone of your cookies. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated, creating a uniform, aromatic mixture that will elevate your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies with warm and comforting notes.

Step 3: Cream the Shortening and Sugar
Using a stand mixer, cream together ½ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup vegetable shortening in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, turning a pale golden color. This step adds airiness to your cookies, ensuring they have a lovely texture when baked.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add in the mashed bananas, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Continue to mix until everything is thoroughly combined, approximately 1 minute. The bananas should create a smooth and slightly thick batter that infuses your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies with delightful moisture and sweetness.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually incorporate the dry blend into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; the dough should look slightly lumpy and cohesive. This careful blending helps maintain the chewiness of your cookies while keeping the banana flavor front and center in your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon; this ensures even baking. The cookies will expand slightly, so give them ample room to spread as they bake into delicious Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the cookies are soft and just set. They should appear pale and puffy rather than browned. Once baked, remove them and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, mixing until the frosting reaches a fluffy and spreadable consistency. This luscious frosting will perfectly complement your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Step 9: Assemble the Cream Pies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, turn half of them upside down. Pipe or spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. These lovely Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies are now ready to share or enjoy as a delightful treat any time!

How to Store and Freeze Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies

Fridge: Keep the Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled cream pies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pies in the fridge overnight, then heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting slightly, if desired.

Flavor Enhancement: Let the cream pies sit for a day in the fridge to deepen the flavors, creating even more irresistible Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies!

What to Serve with Delightful Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies?

These delicious treats make the perfect centerpiece for a delightful dessert spread, inviting everyone to indulge in sweet comfort.

Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cream pies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, enhancing their indulgence. Imagine the melting ice cream slowly dripping down the warm pie!
Coffee or Tea: Sip on a warm cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea for a perfect balance that elevates the sweetness and warmth of your pies.
Crunchy Nut Topping: Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and soft cookies.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel over the cream pie elevates its flavor to a whole new level, providing a decadent finish to every bite.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings for a touch of sophistication, complementing the sweet and wholesome flavors while adding a little bitterness.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy coconut whipped cream adds a tropical twist that beautifully harmonizes with the banana and cream cheese frosting, enriching the overall experience.

Let these pairings inspire a memorable dessert occasion while enjoying your delightful Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients together and refrigerating the dough (this allows the flavors to deepen and prevents browning). The cookies themselves can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their chewy texture, place a slice of bread in the container. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip up the cream cheese frosting fresh and assemble the pies, ensuring they’re just as delicious and inviting on the day of indulgence.

Expert Tips for Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies

Banana Selection: Use bananas with dark brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. Fresh bananas may lead to underwhelming results.
Storage Trick: Allow the pies to sit in an airtight container for a day before serving. This enhances their flavor and texture, making the Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies even more delightful.
Fresh Baking Powder: Always check the freshness of your baking powder. Old baking powder can lead to flat cookies without the right rise.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the frosting to achieve your desired thickness. Too much liquid can make it runny, while too little can make it difficult to spread.
Cookie Size Variation: Consider using a larger cookie scoop for bigger cream pies or smaller scoops for bite-sized treats, catering to different occasions and preferences.

Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Variations

Feel free to let your culinary creativity soar as you explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe!

Pumpkin Spice: Substitute the mashed bananas with pureed pumpkin for a seasonal treat that sings of autumn flavors.
Nutty Addition: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for extra crunch and flavor.
Flavored Extracts: Switch up the vanilla extract in your frosting for almond or maple for a fun twist on the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of vegetable shortening and non-dairy cream cheese for a delicious plant-based version of these pies.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie mixture for a surprising yet delightful heat.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a luscious chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Oat-Free: Swap the oats with finely shredded coconut for a unique texture that still packs a delicious punch.
Giant Cream Pies: Use a larger cookie scoop for bakery-style, oversized cream pies that are perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Whether you opt for a subtle variation or a more bold twist, these ideas are sure to enhance your experience. For more delightful recipes, consider trying out these lovely Chocolate Zucchini Cream or Creamy Chicken and Rice dishes!

Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the sweetest and most flavorful Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies, opt for bananas with dark brown spots. These indicate ripeness and sweetness. Fresh, yellow bananas lacking those spots may not provide the rich flavor and moisture needed for these delightful treats.

How should I store the Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies?
To keep your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor and texture. They’ll taste even better on the second day!

Can I freeze Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the assembled cream pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a soft frosting.

What if my cream cheese frosting is too runny?
If you find your cream cheese frosting is too runny, you can fix it by gradually adding more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, chilling the frosting in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes can help it firm up as well.

Can I use substitutes for the ingredients in the recipe?
Very much! If you need to adjust the ingredients, consider using all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, and unsalted butter instead of vegetable shortening. Honey or maple syrup can replace light corn syrup, and you can even swap out the bananas for pureed pumpkin for a different seasonal flavor! Just remember, these adjustments may affect the overall texture and taste slightly.

Are Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies safe for pets?
No, it’s important to remember that while these pies are delicious for humans, they are not suitable for pets. Ingredients like chocolate, xylitol (found in some sweeteners), and even certain nuts can be toxic to dogs and other animals. Always keep your snacks out of reach of curious paws!