If you’re looking for a dessert that instantly transports you to comfort-food heaven, this Banana Pudding Cups Recipe is IT. Imagine billowy vanilla pudding, sweet slices of banana, luscious clouds of whipped cream, and that classic crunch from vanilla wafers, all layered into individual serves that look as beautiful as they taste. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just as a satisfying treat on a Tuesday night, these mini banana pudding cups are joy in a jar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the pudding:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- whipped cream (for topping)
- crushed wafers and banana slices (for garnish)
How to Make Banana Pudding Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Base
Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold whole milk in a large bowl. Give it a solid two minutes of whisking until the mixture thickens up—think silky, pourable custard. This step sets the creamy stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Mix in the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully blended. This adds a luscious sweetness and extra smoothness to your pudding, taking the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe to the next level. Don’t skip this step—trust me, it’s dessert magic!
Step 3: Whip the Cream with Vanilla
Grab another mixing bowl and pour in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until you get stiff peaks—the kind that don’t slump over when you lift the beater. This homemade whipped cream is what makes every bite fluffy and cloud-like.
Step 4: Fold Whipped Cream Into the Pudding
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding base using a spatula. Scoop and fold, being careful not to deflate all that lovely air you whipped in. Your pudding should now be extra airy, creamy, and full of vanilla fragrance.
Step 5: Slice the Bananas
Slice your ripe bananas into coins just before layering. For extra insurance against browning, toss them lightly with a little lemon juice—this small step keeps them looking beautiful till it’s time to serve.
Step 6: Layer the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe
It’s time to assemble! In clear cups or jars, start with a layer of crushed vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices, and then a generous scoop of your pudding mixture. Repeat the layers as your cup allows, finishing with pudding on top for that luscious final flourish.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Dollop with whipped cream, then scatter extra crushed wafers and a few banana slices for a show-stopping garnish. Chill the assembled cups for at least 1 hour before serving—this helps the flavors mingle and the wafers soften just enough.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Banana Pudding Cups Recipe with a swirl of whipped cream, extra cookie crumbles, and a bright banana slice adds that bakery-level polish. For a fun twist, sprinkle a little grated chocolate or a light dusting of cinnamon right before serving.
Side Dishes
The creamy, sweet nature of these pudding cups shines best when paired with something light and refreshing. Try serving them alongside a fruit salad, iced coffee, or a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling breakfast-y, a little side of crispy bacon is a cheeky but delicious contrast!
Creative Ways to Present
Individual glass jars make the Banana Pudding Cups Recipe portable and picnic-friendly. For parties, use mini plastic cups for easy grab-and-go treats or layer in wine glasses for an elevated dinner party vibe. You can even use tiny mason jars with lids for adorable party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Pudding Cups Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay dreamy and delicious for up to two days, though the bananas may soften and the wafers will get cakier over time—some say that’s the best part!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dessert, as the texture of both the pudding and sliced bananas tends to suffer. If you must freeze, stick to just the pudding base (without bananas or wafers), then assemble fresh upon thawing for the best result.
Reheating
This is a no-bake, cold dessert, so no reheating is needed! Simply let chilled cups sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Pudding Cups Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making them a day in advance lets the flavors meld together deliciously. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
Toss the banana slices with a little fresh lemon juice before layering. The acidity slows browning so your Banana Pudding Cups Recipe looks gorgeous for hours.
Can I substitute store-bought whipped topping?
You can! While homemade whipped cream has an unbeatable fresh flavor, store-bought topping works in a pinch. Just fold it in gently as you would the homemade version.
What’s the best type Dessert
Clear plastic cups, glass jars, or even stemless wine glasses are all perfect choices. Anything transparent lets you show off those beautiful, tempting layers.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely—try layering in sliced strawberries or blueberries for a colorful twist. Just make sure to keep the banana as the star so it stays a true Banana Pudding Cups Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Banana Pudding Cups Recipe—every bite just feels like a hug in dessert form. It’s easy, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Gather your ingredients and give it a whirl; you’ll fall in love with how simple and scrumptious this treat really is!
PrintBanana Pudding Cups Recipe
Indulge in these delicious Banana Pudding Cups, a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for parties or a sweet treat any day. Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy wafers make these individual cups a delightful and easy-to-make dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- whipped cream (for topping)
- crushed wafers and banana slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
- Layer the cups: In individual clear cups or jars, layer crushed vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with a layer of pudding.
- Top and garnish: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with crushed wafers and a banana slice. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before layering.
- These are perfect for parties and can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
