Luxurious Banana Mandarin Dream Pie
Indulge in this delightful Luxurious Banana Mandarin Dream Pie, a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This cool, creamy dessert combines the rich taste of whipped cream cheese with the sweetness of ripe bananas and zesty mandarin oranges. It's effortless to prepare and makes for an impressive dish for gatherings, picnics, or a special treat at home. Simply refrigerate before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Everyone is sure to love this refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crust
1 (Ready-made)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces (Not needed)
Lemon juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Not needed)
Bananas
3 medium (Sliced)
Mandarin oranges
1 (11-ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth.
2
Gradually blend in the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
3
Slice 2 of the bananas into thin rounds and drain the mandarin oranges well.
4
Evenly arrange 2/3 of the orange slices on the bottom of the graham cracker crust, followed by a layer of banana slices.
5
Carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the fruit layer, smoothing it out to ensure even coverage.
6
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
7
Before serving, slice the remaining banana and use it to decorate the top of the pie along with the reserved mandarin oranges for a beautiful presentation.
8
Optional: Add a dollop of whipped topping for extra creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Luxurious Banana Mandarin Dream Pie?
It is a cool, creamy dessert that combines whipped cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, bananas, and mandarin oranges in a graham cracker crust.
How many servings does this pie provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert that only requires refrigeration to set.
What kind of crust is used for this pie?
The recipe calls for a ready-made graham cracker crust.
How long does the pie need to refrigerate?
The pie should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or until it is fully set.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
How many bananas are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 medium bananas.
Do I need to cook the mandarin oranges?
No, the mandarin oranges should be drained and rinsed from an 11-ounce can.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature and beaten until fluffy and smooth.
How do I layer the fruit in the pie?
Arrange 2/3 of the mandarin oranges on the bottom of the crust, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.
When should I add the remaining fruit?
The remaining banana slices and mandarin oranges should be added to the top of the pie just before serving for decoration.
Is whipped topping included in the recipe?
Adding a dollop of whipped topping is an optional step for extra creaminess and flavor.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead dessert since it requires at least 4 hours of chilling.
How should I store leftover pie?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this pie?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the cream cheese filling and the fresh fruit.
Can I use a different type of crust?
While graham cracker is standard, you could try a shortbread or chocolate cookie crust for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?
The lemon juice in the filling helps, but it is best to slice the decorative top bananas right before serving.
What makes the filling thicken?
The chemical reaction between the acid in the lemon juice and the sweetened condensed milk helps the filling set.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly softer than if you used full-fat cream cheese.
What is the purpose of vanilla extract in this recipe?
Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the cream cheese filling.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, it is a refreshing chilled treat perfect for summer, though it should be kept cool in a cooler.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarins?
You can, but ensure they are very well-peeled and free of seeds and tough membranes.
How do I get the smoothest filling?
Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
For this specific recipe, sweetened condensed milk is a key structural ingredient and difficult to substitute.
Can I add nuts to this pie?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition to the top for added texture.
How long will the pie last in the fridge?
The pie is best consumed within 2 to 3 days, as the bananas will eventually begin to soften and brown.
Can I use other fruits like pineapple?
Yes, well-drained crushed pineapple would pair well with the existing flavors.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Absolutely, its sweet and creamy flavor profile is generally very popular with children.
Should I rinse the mandarin oranges?
The recipe recommends draining and rinsing them to remove the heavy syrup before adding them to the pie.