Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that combines wholesome oats, luscious bananas, and a dreamy cream filling, look no further than these Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, chewy cookies with a creamy, slightly tangy center that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet surprise for friends, these Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite you’ll return to time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential in creating the perfect texture and flavor that make Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies truly irresistible. Each element plays a crucial role, from the chewy oats to the creamy filling that brings everything together.

• 1-minute oats (3 cups, 300g): Adds heartiness and a satisfying chew to the cookie base.
• Bread flour (3 cups, 389g): Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, 8g): Brings a warm, cozy spice that complements the banana perfectly.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, 9g): Ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons, 6g): Helps the cookies rise just right, adding lightness.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon, 5g): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Light brown sugar (1½ cups, packed, 313g): Adds rich sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
• Butter flavored vegetable shortening or butter (1 cup, 189g): Creates a tender and flavorful base for the cookies.
• Mashed banana (1 cup, about 2½ bananas, 255g): Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful banana flavor.
• Light corn syrup (¼ cup, 85mL): Helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon, 11mL): Adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened, 62g): Gives the creamy filling a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the banana cookies.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened, 56g): Adds smoothness and enhances the frosting’s texture.
• Powdered sugar (2½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting for that classic cream pie feel.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 to 2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to perfectly pipeable softness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the frosting with additional warmth and aroma.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, bread flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures your cookie dough will have an even distribution of textures and flavors.

Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Shortening

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the light brown sugar and vegetable shortening on medium speed for about 2 minutes. This process creates a fluffy foundation, ensuring your cookies will be soft and tender once baked.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the mashed bananas, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract at high speed until the mixture becomes light and airy. The banana brings natural sweetness and moisture, while the corn syrup helps keep your cookies perfectly chewy.

Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry oat mixture, about one cup at a time, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can toughen cookies, so take care to combine gently but thoroughly for a soft dough that bakes up beautifully.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Gently press each cookie down to about ½ inch thick, either with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes, keeping in mind the cookies will look slightly soft in the middle—that’s exactly what you want!

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 1 to 2 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential for the frosting to spread and hold properly.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually beat in half of the powdered sugar, then add the remaining sugar along with heavy cream and vanilla extract. Continue beating at high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for spreading or piping. Add a bit more cream if needed for the ideal consistency.

Step 8: Assemble the Cream Pies

Use a piping bag or a spoon to spread about 1½ tablespoons of frosting onto the bottom side of half the cookies. Place the remaining cookies on top to create delightful sandwich-style Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies with a luscious filling center.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies

Garnishes

Enhance your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies by sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon or a few finely chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and a touch of rustic charm. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes an elegant finish, especially when serving at gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cream pies shine on their own but pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch or dessert tables, serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the indulgence with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking three Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies for a mini cake effect, secured with a skewer and tied with a ribbon for a charming gift idea. Alternatively, cut them into halves or quarters and serve on a dessert platter for sharing at parties — they disappear fast either way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, making them an excellent option for a make-ahead treat that keeps its delightful texture.

Freezing

To keep Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cream pies slightly warm, allow them to come to room temperature first. Then, gently warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the filling to separate or melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of 1-minute oats?

Old-fashioned oats can be used, but they will make the cookies chewier and slightly coarser in texture. If you prefer a less chewy bite, stick to 1-minute oats as in the recipe.

Is it necessary to use both cornstarch and baking powder?

Yes, both ingredients play unique roles: cornstarch lends a tender, delicate crumb, while baking powder helps the cookies rise and maintain a light, soft texture.

What can I substitute for butter flavored vegetable shortening?

You can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter for shortening, which will add a richer flavor but may slightly affect the cookie’s softness and shape during baking.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. This ensures maximum sweetness and the best banana flavor for the cookies.

What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?

Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip gives you control and a professional finish. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off works just as well!

Final Thoughts

Making these Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, flavorful hug that invites smiles with every bite. They’re simple enough to whip up on a whim yet sophisticated in their layers of texture and taste, proving that comfort food can also be a little special. I can’t wait for you to bake them and discover just how wonderfully satisfying these creamy, chewy treats are — trust me, they’re going to be your new go-to dessert!

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