When I first decided to experiment with my ripe bananas, I had no idea I was about to stumble upon the ultimate comfort food: Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies. The combination of the chewy oatmeal cookies enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling instantly transported me back to my childhood, where homemade treats were the highlight of any gathering. The subtle sweetness of the bananas, balanced by the warm hint of cinnamon, creates a flavor profile that dances on your palate, reminding you that dessert can be both indulgent and wholesome.
These delightful pie cookies are perfect for when you’re craving something homey yet special. Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking to spoil yourself after a long day, this recipe will win hearts and satisfy sweet tooth cravings without any of the guilt that often comes with store-bought desserts. Plus, they come together in just 27 minutes, making them a quick and rewarding project in any busy kitchen. Let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these charming treats that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies
- These Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies are incredibly easy to make, taking just 27 minutes from start to finish.
- The delightful combination of chewy oatmeal cookies and creamy filling creates a flavor explosion that everyone will adore.
- Their versatility means they can be enjoyed as a sweet snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat.
- Plus, the gorgeous golden-brown cookies filled with luscious cream cheese are sure to impress your friends and family, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Ingredients
Craft your own delightful treats with these ingredients!
For the Cookies
- 2 ripe bananas – these bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture for the cookies.
- 1 cup rolled oats – adds heartiness and fiber, making these pies more satisfying.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – helps bind the ingredients together for the perfect cookie texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – enhances the flavor with a hint of caramel undertone.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – balances the sweetness of the bananas for a delightful treat.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – gives the cookies a little lift for that soft and chewy consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – infuses warmth and a comforting aroma into the cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors beautifully.
For the Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – creates a rich and creamy texture for the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – complements the flavors and adds a delightful scent.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – provides a luscious base for the filling, perfect for sandwiching between cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the cream cheese to balance the flavors of the Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial for ensuring those cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.
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Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth. You’re aiming for a creamy texture that will add natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
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Combine oats, flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly dispersed, creating a hearty dough.
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Beat in the softened butter and vanilla extract until fully combined. You want a rich and creamy mixture that will enhance the flavor of your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each dollop so they can spread a little while baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
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Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. This step is key, as it allows the cookies to firm up before adding the creamy filling.
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Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in another bowl until smooth and fluffy. This luscious mixture will be the delicious glue holding your pies together.
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Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture between two cookies to form your delightful pies. Gently press them together for the perfect balance of cookie and cream.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of warmth and beauty.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can make the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking — simply cover it tightly to maintain freshness. The cookies can also be baked in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For the cream cheese filling, prepare it in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days as well, making sure it’s well covered to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, just spread the cream cheese mixture between the cookies and savor these delightful treats exactly as they were intended – just as delicious and convenient!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies
Room Temperature: Store uneaten pies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and fresh while maintaining their delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate the Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies in a sealed container for up to 1 week. This step helps preserve their cream filling and keeps everything deliciously cool.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the pies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or slowly heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh the soft, chewy texture.
What to Serve with Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies?
Your delightful dessert deserves the perfect companions to create a well-rounded meal experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits enhances sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cold, it perfectly complements the warmth of the oatmeal cookies, making each bite a blissful experience.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal infuser like chamomile or peppermint balances the sweetness and provides a calming finish to your meal.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate drizzle adds decadence and a touch of elegance, elevating your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies to gourmet status.
- Milk or Almond Milk: A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk amplifies the flavor of the pies while providing a delightful contrast in texture.
- Coffee: The robust flavor of coffee cuts through the sweetness, pairing beautifully with the dense, chewy texture of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp and creamy cheeses introduces savory notes that balance the sweet filling, creating a delightful dessert board.
With these mouth-watering options, your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies will shine even brighter at the dining table!
Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful treats, making each bite uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture without sacrificing flavor. These will still be soft and chewy!
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Nutty Touch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie batter for added crunch and depth. The nuts bring a warm, rustic feel to the pies.
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Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a rich, sweet surprise. The combination of chocolate and banana is simply divine!
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese to make this indulgence plant-based. You won’t miss the dairy with these creamy filling and sweet cookies!
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Spiced Flavor: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger in addition to cinnamon for a cozy twist. The spices will elevate the warmth of the treat, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Peanut Butter Cream: Replace the cream cheese filling with confectioners’ sugar mixed with peanut butter for a nutty and satisfying alternative. It’s like a classic combo that never gets old!
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Berry Burst: Add a layer of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to the cream filling for a fruity surprise. The berries add a refreshing tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Extra Sweetness: Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the assembled pies for a decadent twist. This adds an extra level of indulgence that turns these cookies into a show-stopping dessert!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies, ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture which makes for a better cookie texture.
- Avoid overmixing the cookie dough as this can lead to tough cookies; just mix until ingredients are combined.
- For consistent cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop to drop the dough on the baking sheet, keeping the portions uniform for even baking.
- Always allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from melting and making a mess of your pies.
Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe FAQs
What kind of bananas should I use?
Absolutely! Use very ripe bananas that are speckled with brown spots. These bananas are naturally sweeter and will add the perfect moisture to your cookies. Just remember, the darker the banana, the sweeter your pies will be!
How should I store leftover Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies?
You can keep these delightful treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will ensure they stay soft and fresh. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for up to 1 week!
Can I freeze Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies?
Yes, you certainly can! First, lay the pies out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
What if my cookies turn out too hard?
No worries! If your cookies end up a bit hard, that could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. To fix that, make sure to mix just until combined and spoon the dough lightly onto the baking sheet. If you’re finding them tough, you could add a little extra cream cheese filling for added moisture.
Can I make these pies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your oats are labeled gluten-free as well, as cross-contamination can happen. This allows everyone to enjoy these tasty treats!
Are there alternatives for the cream cheese filling?
Yes, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Both options provide a delicious and creamy filling without the dairy while keeping the flavor delightful and satisfying!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- mixer
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 pcs ripe bananas provides natural sweetness and moisture
- 1 cup rolled oats adds heartiness and fiber
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour helps bind ingredients together
- 1/4 cup brown sugar enhances flavor with caramel undertone
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar balances sweetness of bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda gives cookies lift
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon infuses warmth and aroma
- 1/4 teaspoon salt enhances flavors
For the Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup butter, softened creates a rich texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract complements flavors
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened provides a luscious filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Combine oats, flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl. Mix well.
- Beat in the softened butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture between two cookies.
