Heavenly Banana Mousse Tart – A Creamy, Dreamy Dessert You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a light, creamy, and absolutely divine dessert, this Heavenly Banana Mousse Tart is exactly what you need. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy banana mousse, and a delectable whipped topping, this tart is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, dinner party, or just a self-indulgent treat.

The banana mousse filling is airy yet rich, with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly complemented by vanilla and a touch of citrus. The crispy, cinnamon-spiced crust adds the ideal crunch, while the topping of fresh bananas and optional chocolate shavings takes it to the next level. Ready to make this irresistible dessert? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Requires minimal baking and simple ingredients.
• Perfectly balanced – A light, creamy texture with a crunchy base.
• Banana lover’s dream – Packed with natural banana flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser – Great for parties, birthdays, and special occasions.
• Make-ahead dessert – Can be refrigerated and served later for convenience.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Banana Mousse:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents bananas from browning)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Topping:

• 1 banana, sliced
• ½ cup whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings or caramel drizzle (optional, but highly recommended!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, cinnamon (if using), and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden and set.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely before adding the mousse.

Step 2: Make the Banana Mousse

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms.
2. Microwave the gelatin mixture for 10 seconds, just until dissolved.
3. In another bowl, mash two ripe bananas and mix them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Stir the dissolved gelatin into the banana mixture, ensuring it is evenly incorporated.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mousse.
7. Pour the banana mousse into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is fully set.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

1. Once set, remove the tart from the refrigerator.
2. Arrange sliced bananas on top and add a generous dollop of whipped cream.
3. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or drizzle with caramel for an extra decadent touch.
4. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Banana Mousse Tart

• Use ripe bananas – The riper, the better for natural sweetness and enhanced banana flavor.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice – It helps prevent the bananas from browning and adds a slight tangy balance to the sweetness.
• Chill properly – Let the mousse firm up in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
• Serve fresh – The banana topping is best added just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.
• Use high-quality vanilla extract – This makes a big difference in flavor!

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Banana Mousse Tart – Add melted chocolate to the mousse for a richer taste.
• Nutty Crunch Tart – Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts (like pecans or almonds) over the top.
• Caramel Banana Tart – Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the mousse before serving.
• Coconut Banana Tart – Fold in toasted coconut flakes into the mousse for a tropical twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! This tart is perfect for making ahead. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

2. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made graham cracker crust works just as well.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that banana slices may brown over time.

4. Can I freeze banana mousse tart?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the mousse may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the crust separately and make the mousse fresh.

5. Can I substitute the gelatin?

Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian option, use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Follow the package instructions for the proper substitution ratio.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Banana Mousse Tart is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves light, creamy, and refreshing treats. With its buttery graham cracker crust, silky banana mousse, and delectable toppings, every bite is pure bliss. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or looking for an easy yet impressive dessert, this tart is a guaranteed winner. Try this recipe today and indulge in the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and banana goodness!

Print