Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

The Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the wholesome goodness of oats, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and the indulgent creaminess of a luscious filling. With soft, perfectly spiced oatmeal cookies sandwiching a dreamy cream cheese frosting, these pies are incredibly satisfying and irresistibly soft. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a nostalgic homemade snack, this recipe offers a charming balance of texture and flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe. Each component plays a unique role, from adding moisture and sweetness to providing the signature chewy texture and spiced aroma that makes these treats stand out.

• 1-minute oats (3 cups, 300g): The heart of the cookie, offering a chewy texture and earthy flavor.
• Bread flour (3 cups, 389g): Adds structure and a sturdy crumb to the cookies.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, 8g): Infuses warm spice notes, enhancing the banana’s sweetness.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, 9g): Helps tenderize the cookies for a soft bite.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons, 6g): Ensures the cookies rise just right.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon, 5g): Balances the sweetness, elevating flavors.
• Light brown sugar (1½ cups, packed, 313g): Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Butter flavored vegetable shortening or butter (1 cup, 189g): Offers richness and a tender crumb.
• Mashed banana (1 cup, about 2½ bananas, 255g): Adds natural sweetness and moistness to the cookies.
• Light corn syrup (¼ cup, 85mL): Keeps cookies soft and chewy.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon, 11mL): Rounds out flavor with a comforting aroma.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened, 62g): Creates a tangy, smooth frosting base.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened, 56g): Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 to 2 tablespoons): Lightens up the frosting with a creamy touch.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor profile beautifully.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick. This initial setup ensures smooth baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, bread flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until well mixed. This blend is what will give your cookies their perfect chewy texture and warmth from the cinnamon.

Step 3: Cream the Sugar and Shortening

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the packed light brown sugar and butter flavored shortening for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your cookies tender.

Step 4: Add the Banana, Corn Syrup, and Vanilla

Mix in the mashed banana, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract at high speed until everything is fully combined and fluffy. The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the corn syrup helps keep the cookies soft even after baking.

Step 5: Blend in the Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredient mixture one cup at a time to the banana batter, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Overmixing here can make cookies tough, so gentle mixing is key!

Step 6: Scoop and Flatten the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your lined baking sheet leaving about 3 inches between each. Gently press down each cookie with your fingers or the bottom of a glass until they’re about half an inch thick – this helps them bake evenly and get that classic cookie shape.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 6 to 7 minutes. They will still look soft in the center when you take them out, this is perfect because they will firm up as they cool lending them a soft, chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the baked cookies to cool on the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Fully cooled cookies are essential for the frosting step to avoid melting.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, blend softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth using your mixer. This creates a rich, creamy base for the filling.

Step 10: Sweeten and Whip the Frosting

Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined, then add the rest of the sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat at high speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. You may add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream if the frosting feels too thick.

Step 11: Assemble the Cream Pies

Pipe about one and a half tablespoons of frosting onto the bottom of half of the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with the remaining cookies to form a sandwich. These cream pies are now ready to enjoy or share!

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe by adding thin banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for a beautiful finishing touch. Toasted oats sprinkled underneath can add a rustic texture contrast too.

Side Dishes

These cream pies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the cream pies in a tiered dessert stand for a party or slicing them in half to showcase the creamy filling inside. Wrapping individual pies in parchment paper and tying them with ribbon makes an adorable gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve softness. Refrigeration is optional but can firm up the frosting if you prefer a slightly chilled treat.

Freezing

To freeze, place assembled cream pies on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

While these pies are delicious cold, warming them slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds can revive their fresh-baked softness and bring out the banana flavor even more. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour, though bread flour gives a chewier texture. The difference is subtle, so your cream pies will still be delicious.

Can I make these pies gluten-free?

To make these Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and replace bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Texture might vary slightly but the flavor will be just as wonderful.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots. This will enhance the natural sweetness and make the cookies moist.

Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?

Absolutely! Butter will add a richer flavor, while shortening helps keep the cookies tender. Either works well depending on your preference.

How long can the cream pies be stored once assembled?

They are best enjoyed within 3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated. The frosting’s freshness is key to their delightful taste.

Final Thoughts

The Banana Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is truly a treasure worth adding to your baking repertoire. Its unique combination of wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and creamy frosting makes every bite a joy to savor. I encourage you to bake a batch soon and share these scrumptious treats with your loved ones — I promise they will become a new favorite that always brings smiles around the table.

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