If you have a soft spot for creamy, dreamy desserts and crave something uniquely delightful, the Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies combine the irresistible flavors of banana cream pie with a tender, buttery cookie base, topped with luscious pudding filling and crisp Nilla wafer crumbs. It’s like indulging in a portable slice of pie that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe brings that classic, nostalgic comfort food right to your kitchen in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting these Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies is all about simple ingredients that each play a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the richness of butter and the light crispness of Nilla wafers to the smoothness of pudding and fresh bananas, every component works together like a dream, making the whole process incredibly rewarding.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and tender crumb to your cookie base.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and soft without weighing them down.
- Imperial Sugar Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and helps achieve that slight crisp edge on cookies.
- Imperial Sugar Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Contributes to a delicate texture and subtle sweetness.
- Egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients while adding structure to the cookie dough.
- Butter Vanilla Emulsion (2 tsp): Intensifies the vanilla aroma with a buttery twist.
- Flour (2 1/3 cups): The foundation of the dough that creates the perfect cookie body.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps cookies rise slightly for a soft, fluffy bite.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (1/2 package): Creates that signature creamy pudding filling that defines this recipe.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the pudding mix to a luscious consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds an extra layer of warm, inviting flavor to the pudding filling.
- Cool Whip (4 oz): Lightens the pudding filling and adds a silky texture.
- Banana (1 medium, slightly ripe, chopped roughly): Brings fresh sweetness and classic banana cream pie appeal.
- Nilla Wafers (for topping): Provides crunch and a nostalgic finish reminiscent of a traditional pie crust.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Cream Pie Filling
First, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract (if using), and instant vanilla pudding mix until it thickens slightly – about 2 to 3 minutes. When it’s creamy and smooth, gently fold in the cool whip to make the filling extra silky. Then stir in your roughly chopped, slightly ripe banana pieces for that perfect burst of fresh banana flavor. Cover this mixture with saran wrap and chill it in the refrigerator while you move on to the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a smooth bake and easy cleanup. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until every bit is light and fluffy. Add the egg and butter vanilla emulsion for that signature flavor, mixing until fully combined. Then slowly incorporate the flour, salt, and baking powder to create a soft, pliable dough ready to be shaped into cookies.
Step 3: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Using a large cookie scooper, portion out nine equal cookie balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie ball to about an inch thick, then press the center with a 1/4 measuring cup to form a little well – this is where your luscious banana cream filling will later nestle. Bake these beauties for 10 minutes, until they’re just set, then allow them to cool fully on the baking sheet so they hold their shape for that filling stage.
Step 4: Assemble Your Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Once cooled, spoon generous dollops of the chilled banana pudding filling into each cookie’s center. Top with crushed Nilla wafer crumbs for that satisfying crunch, and finish by placing a mini Nilla wafer right in the center for a picture-perfect presentation and delightful texture contrast. These cookies are best enjoyed soon after assembly to savor the fresh flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the beauty and taste of your cookies with a few thoughtful garnishes. Fresh banana slices can add extra natural sweetness, while a light dusting of powdered sugar gives them a delicate, inviting look. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg atop the cream filling—they complement banana perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the creamy richness. For an extra special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create an indulgent dessert platter that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies on a beautiful cake stand or tiered dessert tray for a lovely display at parties or gatherings. You can also present them in individual mini dessert jars layered with extra pudding and crushed wafers for a fun deconstructed take on the classic cookie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if), store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the banana cream filling fresh and prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. They should stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Because of the creamy banana filling, these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cookie bases before adding the filling. Freeze them in a sealed container or bag, then thaw, bake if needed, and add the banana cream topping just before serving to maintain that fresh flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies again at their best, warm just the cookie base for a few seconds in the microwave before adding the chilled banana cream topping. This creates a delightful warm-cold contrast that’s absolutely irresistible!
FAQs
Can I substitute the instant pudding mix with homemade pudding?
Absolutely! You can make your own vanilla pudding from scratch using milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Just make sure it’s thickened and cooled before folding in the whipped topping and bananas for the right consistency.
What if I don’t have butter vanilla emulsion?
No worries! You can substitute it with vanilla extract or even almond extract in a pinch. The emulsion gives a richer buttery vanilla flavor, but vanilla extract works well and still yields delicious results.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses traditional all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking—just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, whipped cream is a wonderful alternative that adds a light, airy texture to the filling. Make sure it’s stabilized or added just before serving, so it holds up well in the cookie filling.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Use slightly ripe bananas with a few brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor without being too mushy. This ensures the filling has natural banana flavor without becoming too watery.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the Crumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe that makes you want to bake them over and over. They perfectly capture the comforting essence of banana cream pie in an easy-to-share cookie form that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. If you love classic flavors with a fresh twist, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will be asking for the recipe again and again!
PrintCrumbl Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe
These Crumbl-style banana cream pie cookies combine a soft, buttery cookie base with a creamy banana pudding filling, topped with crunchy Nilla wafer crumbs for a delightful texture contrast. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and bursting with banana flavor, these cookies are an irresistible treat for banana cream pie lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 9 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Banana Cream Pie Filling
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 package instant vanilla pudding mix (about 1.7 oz)
- 4 oz cool whip
- 1 medium banana (slightly ripe, chopped roughly)
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1/2 cup Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Imperial Sugar powdered sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp butter vanilla emulsion
- 2 & 1/3 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Nilla wafers (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Cream Pie Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and instant vanilla pudding mix until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in Cool Whip and Bananas: Gently fold in the cool whip until fully integrated, then mix in the roughly chopped bananas. Cover the mixture with saran wrap and refrigerate it to chill while you prepare the cookie base.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cream Butter, Oils, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable or canola oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla Emulsion: Beat in the egg and butter vanilla emulsion until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a large cookie scooper, portion out 9 evenly sized cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie to about 1 inch thick. Then, using a 1/4 measuring cup, press down the center of each cookie to create a well for the filling.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Add Filling and Toppings: After the cookies have fully cooled, spoon the chilled banana pudding mixture into the wells of each cookie. Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafer crumbs on top and place a mini Nilla wafer in the center for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious banana cream pie cookies immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure your egg is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
- Chilling the banana pudding filling helps it set and maintain texture on the cookies.
- If you prefer a stronger banana flavor, use a riper banana or add a few drops of banana extract.
- Pressing the centers to create a well prevents the filling from spilling during baking.
- Store the cookies covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the filling fresh.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cool whip and milk with suitable dairy-free alternatives.