If you’re craving a taste of Southern comfort in treat-sized form, you’re going to fall in love with this Banana Pudding Cups Recipe. Every bite bursts with creamy vanilla pudding, layers of ripe bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and a dreamy cloud of whipped cream. It’s a no-bake dessert that looks as good as it tastes, and because each serving is tucked in its own little cup, it’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on your own whenever the sweet tooth strikes.

Banana Pudding Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pudding:
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
For layering:
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 3–4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- whipped cream or crushed cookies for topping (optional)

How to Make Banana Pudding Cups Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

Start by grabbing your favorite large mixing bowl, and whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes—just until the mixture begins to thicken and loses its grainy look. You want everything well incorporated and creamy at this stage so it sets up beautifully later.

Step 2: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Once your pudding is looking smooth, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and that splash of vanilla extract. This ups the sweetness, adds richness, and intensifies the vanilla aroma, taking your Banana Pudding Cups Recipe to the next level. Mix gently until fully blended—you don’t want any streaks.

Step 3: Whip and Fold in the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, using either a hand mixer or some good old-fashioned elbow grease and a whisk. This whipped cream gives your dessert an airy texture. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, being gentle so you don’t deflate all that lovely fluff.

Step 4: Assemble the Cups

Now for the fun part: layering! Place a few vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of each cup or jar, followed by a layer of banana slices. Spoon on a heaping dollop of your pudding mixture, spreading it gently. Repeat these layers until your cups are full, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top.

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Cover the cups with plastic wrap or their lids and refrigerate for at least two hours. This resting time lets all the flavors mingle and the cookies soften into cake-like goodness. When you’re ready to serve, add a swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for a delightful finishing touch to your Banana Pudding Cups Recipe.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Cups Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly irresistible presentation, top each cup with a flourish of whipped cream, a dusting of cookie crumbs, or even a slice of banana. If you’re feeling fancy, a little drizzle of caramel or a pinch of cinnamon takes things over the top—making your Banana Pudding Cups Recipe look like it came straight from a bakery.

Side Dishes

Since these pudding cups are sweet and creamy, pair them with something light and fruity—think fresh berries, a citrus salad, or even a pitcher of iced tea. Their bright flavors balance out the richness of the dessert without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual cups or small mason jars make serving a breeze, but don’t hesitate to play with presentation! Try layering your Banana Pudding Cups Recipe in clear stemless wine glasses, tiny trifle bowls, or even shot glasses for fun, party-ready bites. A little ribbon or a cute spoon on the side adds an extra special touch when serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any uneaten Banana Pudding Cups Recipe directly in the refrigerator with their lids or a layer of plastic wrap. They’ll keep for up to three days—just know the cookies continue to soften over time, turning into a cake-like layer that some folks absolutely adore.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze these pudding cups, but the bananas may brown and the texture might change once thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the pudding mixture on its own and add fresh bananas and cookies just before serving for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold and creamy, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, chilling only deepens the flavors and helps create that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

How do I keep bananas from browning?

Lightly coat your banana slices with a splash of lemon juice before layering to help prevent discoloration, especially if making the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe in advance.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade vanilla pudding recipe, go for it. Just make sure it’s fully cooled and thickened before layering in the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe.

What’s the best way to whip the cream?

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for convenience, but a chilled bowl and whisk work just as well. Whip until stiff peaks form for light, fluffy results—don’t overbeat or it can turn grainy!

Are there other cookie options I can use?

Definitely! Shortbread, graham crackers, or even chocolate wafers add a fun twist to the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe if you want to experiment with flavors and textures.

Can the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, simply use dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milks, and coconut cream whipped for the layers. Check your wafer cookies to make sure they’re vegan or dairy-free as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face, this Banana Pudding Cups Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of treat you’ll turn to again and again, so gather your ingredients, share with friends and family, and enjoy every creamy, banana-filled bite!

Banana Pudding Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Banana Pudding Cups, a layered dessert featuring creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. Perfect for any occasion, these individual treats are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the pudding:

1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

For layering:

1 box vanilla wafer cookies
3–4 ripe bananas (sliced)
whipped cream or crushed cookies for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the pudding mixture.
Assemble the cups: Layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture in small clear cups or jars. Repeat layers until the cups are full, ending with pudding. Top with whipped cream or crushed cookies, if desired.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and cookies to soften.