Velvety Banana Bliss Cups

Velvety Banana Bliss Cups are a dreamy, bite-sized dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a creamy, velvety filling. These individual cups are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while offering a light and delicious treat. Here’s how to make these irresistible mini desserts:

Velvety Banana Bliss Cups

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Filling:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to keep the bananas fresh and bright)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor depth)

For the Topping:

• Sliced bananas
• Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream
• A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce (optional)
• Crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar (if using). Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
   • Spoon the crust mixture into mini tart or muffin pans (you can use silicone molds or a regular muffin tin).
   • Press down the mixture firmly to form a solid crust at the bottom of each cup. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down evenly.
   • Refrigerate the crusts for 15-20 minutes to set.
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
   • Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Beat until the mixture is thick and creamy, forming stiff peaks.
   • Gently fold in the mashed bananas and lemon juice, mixing until well combined. This will give the filling a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of banana flavor.
3. Assemble the Cups:
   • Once the crusts are set, spoon or pipe the creamy banana filling into each crust, filling them almost to the top. Smooth out the top with a spatula or spoon.
   • Place the banana cups back in the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill and set properly.
4. Decorate and Serve:
   • Just before serving, top each Velvety Banana Bliss Cup with a few fresh banana slices. You can drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
   • Optionally, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings to add texture and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect combination of banana sweetness and creamy goodness in each bite!

Tips:

• Banana Variations: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the bananas with peanut butter or Nutella to create a banana-peanut butter or banana-chocolate version.
• Crust Variation: For a twist, you can use crushed cookies (like vanilla wafers or shortbread) instead of graham crackers for a different base flavor.
• Make-Ahead: These cups can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days.

These Velvety Banana Bliss Cups are the perfect individual desserts to impress your guests or to treat yourself to a rich and satisfying sweet indulgence. The creamy banana filling combined with the crunchy crust creates the ultimate balance of textures and flavors!