After School Snack Inspiration

After school snacks. We all had our favorites, and our children have theirs. But there have always been stand-bys that moms everywhere depend on, knowing they will be loved no matter how many times the little ones come home to them. Cookies and milk. Veggies with dip. Apple slices and caramel. Peanut Butter and bananas. They are what we turn to when the child walks through the door starving, and you want to make sure they get a little nosh, but don't ruin their supper. And the last one in that list was the inspiration for this dessert.

Oh, and have you seen the mini graham cracker pie shells in the baking aisle? They were also inspiration for this recipe. I've used them several times now and love them. They allow me to make mini desserts that are cute, simple and the perfect serving size! If you haven't, they are right there next to the other pre-made crusts!

Basically I had bought these mini pie shells but had no idea what I was going to do with them yet. Then I started thinking of new flavor combinations for pies, and with my brainstorming, this happened. If you love the flavors of banana and peanut butter together, you're gonna flip for this! Plus, something magical happens when the pudding meets the peanut butter and then they both meet the Cool Whip. It's a wonderful thing.

Now, I know some out there are going to look at this recipe and be critical of just how much help I took from the store. That's fine, go ahead and hate. But I'm okay with it, and I know many of my fellow crazy busy moms out there will appreciate it. If you have the time to make fresh banana pie filling, go for it! Or if you prefer to use a box of instant pie filling, go ahead. I actually probably would have done that myself had I not been able to find the canned variety.

These would be perfect if you're hosting a Halloween party later this week. Kids will enjoy the flavor and size. Adults will love the flavors reminding them of their childhood. It's a win win dessert...

Mini Peanut Butter and Banana Pies
12 mini graham cracker pie shells
1 (21 oz.) can banana cream pie filling
1 (4 serving) box instant vanilla pudding
1 c. cold milk
1 tub Cool Whip
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
Roasted Peanuts, chopped, for garnish

In a medium bowl combine pudding mix and milk. Whisk for 2 minutes. It will be thick. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Gently fold in Cool Whip. Divide pie filling among pie shells, about 2 TBS each. Add peanut butter mixture to a gallon sized plastic bag. Cut off tip, creating a pastry bag. Pipe peanut butter mixture evenly over each pie. Top with chopped peanut. Chill to set, about an hour. Refrigerate any leftovers. *NOTE* When measuring out the peanut butter, first run the measuring cup under hot water. This will allow the peanut butter to slide out easily.

Shared on The Country Cook November 1, 2013

Peanut Butter at Very Good Recipes