If you’re craving a treat that’s both nostalgic and delightfully easy to make, Banana Pudding Cups are your new go-to dessert. These portion-sized wonders channel the creamy, dreamy flavors of classic Southern banana pudding, but with a no-fuss approach and the perfect presentation for parties, picnics, or cozy nights in. Each layer is packed with vanilla-scented pudding, luscious bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafer crumbles, making these cups irresistible for all ages. If you adore silky, fruity desserts with just the right touch of sweetness, you’re in for a real treat with Banana Pudding Cups!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pudding:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for topping)
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
How to Make Banana Pudding Cups
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, add your instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Grab a whisk and blend with gusto for about two minutes. You’ll notice it begins to thicken quickly—keep whisking until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. This is the luscious base that gives Banana Pudding Cups their signature creaminess.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Once the pudding mixture is smooth, pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until fully combined, making sure all that rich, sweet goodness is evenly mixed in. This layer will bring that Southern banana pudding heritage right into your kitchen.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, whip until stiff peaks form—meaning when you pull the beaters out, the cream holds its shape without drooping. The fluffier, the better!
Step 4: Fold the Cream into the Pudding
Now, using a spatula, gently fold the freshly whipped cream into your pudding mixture. Use slow, deliberate strokes to keep the mixture light and airy. You’ll end up with a pudding that’s utterly irresistible—rich yet cloud-like.
Step 5: Assemble the Banana Pudding Cups
Set out your cups or small jars and begin with a base layer of crushed vanilla wafers. Follow with a layer of banana slices, then a generous spoonful of the creamy pudding. Repeat the layers once more, ending with silky pudding on top and a final sprinkling of vanilla wafers. If you want to go over the top, crown each cup with a big dollop of whipped cream!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the assembled cups and transfer them to the refrigerator for at least one hour. This crucial resting time allows all the flavors to blend and the pudding to set up just right—trust me, your patience will be hugely rewarded when you dig in.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cups
Garnishes
Garnishing Banana Pudding Cups is half the fun! A generous cloud of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra crushed wafers, and a few banana slices on top bring beautiful color and hint at the delicious layers beneath. For a little flair, you might even add a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce—everyone will swoon.
Side Dishes
Since these cups are rich and craveable on their own, I love to serve them alongside something simple and refreshing, like fresh berries or fruit salad. Iced tea or coffee makes a great beverage pairing, balancing out the sweetness and making dessert feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
You can really have fun displaying Banana Pudding Cups! Layer them in mason jars for a rustic vibe, shot glasses for a one-bite party treat, or elegant stemless wine glasses for a dinner party. Try mini trifle bowls or even hollowed-out orange halves for a playful twist that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Banana Pudding Cups covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though the wafers will begin to soften as they soak up those creamy layers. They’re still totally delightful even as the texture changes a bit!
Freezing
Banana Pudding Cups aren’t the best candidates for freezing, as freezing can make the bananas mushy and alter the creamy texture of the pudding when thawed. For best results, assemble and enjoy them fresh within a couple of days for peak flavor and consistency.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your cups have been sitting out for a while, a quick chill in the fridge will bring them right back to that perfectly refreshing temperature.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant mix?
Absolutely! If you have the time and want an even more homemade touch, you can make a classic stovetop vanilla pudding. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before assembling your Banana Pudding Cups.
What if my bananas turn brown?
Bananas naturally oxidize and darken, but the pudding’s creamy layers help slow this process. For the best look and flavor, slice your bananas right before layering, and be sure to chill the cups soon after assembling.
Can I make Banana Pudding Cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, chilling them for a few hours or even overnight lets all the flavors meld beautifully. Just know that the longer they sit, the softer the wafer layers become—it’s a big part of their charm!
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Definitely. Swap the vanilla wafers with a gluten-free cookie alternative and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this switch keeps the dessert just as tasty for everyone.
What are some tasty variations?
If you’re in the mood to experiment, try adding a layer of chocolate chips, a swirl of caramel, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut between the layers. These little twists can make your Banana Pudding Cups truly your own signature dessert!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Banana Pudding Cups before, I can’t recommend them enough—simple, stunning, and absolutely scrumptious. Whether you make them for a crowd or just to treat yourself, these little cups are guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to dig in. Go give them a try and treat yourself to a bite of creamy, banana-filled bliss!
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Banana Pudding Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Banana Pudding Cups, a no-bake dessert that combines creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy wafers for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Pudding:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for topping)
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
- Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until light and fluffy.
- Assembly: Layer crushed vanilla wafers in the bottom of small cups or jars. Add a layer of banana slices, followed by a generous spoonful of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers once more, ending with pudding on top. Sprinkle with additional crushed wafers and top with whipped cream if desired.
- Chill: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up.
Notes
- Best enjoyed within 2 days.
- For added texture, add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Use store-bought whipped topping for a quick shortcut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
