You're going to love these delicious, classic Banana Pudding Cups! With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, whipped cream, and crunchy vanilla wafers, these dessert cups are the perfect balance of creamy sweetness with satisfying textures.
Banana pudding cups are a classic dessert that is loved by many!
This sweet and creamy treat is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. We love it, and so do the kids!
The combination of creamy, silky pudding, sliced bananas, whipped cream. and vanilla wafers make for a delicious dessert that is sure to please. The textures and tastes are out-of-this-world good!
This is so easy to make, and it's great for serving a crowd.
You can even make some of it ahead of time, and then just slice the bananas and assemble it on the day.
Want to take them on the go for a tailgate or picnic? Just make them in jars with lids!
Serving them for a dinner party? Make them fancy by serving them layered in wine glasses.
If you love no-bake layered desserts, be sure to also try Walnut Granola Breakfast Parfait, Cookie Cheesecake Parfait with Berries, or Easy Pear and Gingerbread Parfait!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to make banana pudding cups! Here are just a few:
- They're delicious! With layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, these dessert cups are the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
- They're nostalgic. Banana pudding cups are a classic dessert that many people grew up enjoying, so making them can bring back happy memories of childhood.
- They're easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch of banana pudding cups in no time.
- They're a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving them at a party or just sharing them with your family, banana pudding cups are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
- They're customizable. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes by adding different flavors or ingredients, such as chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. I love using pistachio pudding, and adding a few crushed pistachios to the top!
- They're portable. Banana pudding cups are the perfect dessert to take on the go, whether you're packing them in a lunchbox or bringing them to a picnic.
- They're perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, banana pudding cups are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to make some delicious banana pudding cups!
Ingredients
- Milk - For best results, use whole milk.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding - make sure it's instant! You can substitute banana pudding mix instead, but vanilla is the classic choice.
- Heavy cream - I use freshly whipped cream from heavy cream (aka double cream), but you can also use spray cream or frozen dessert topping.
- Confectioner's sugar - powdered sugar.
- Vanilla extract - I like to use pure vanilla extract.
- Bananas - make sure they're ripe, but not too soft or brown.
- Vanilla wafer cookies - I use Nilla Wafers.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Whisk the cold milk and instant pudding in a medium mixing bowl until thickened. Refrigerate while you make the rest of the ingredients.
Add the cream, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla to a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Slice the bananas and place them decoratively around the bottom edge of 6 cups. You will have leftover banana slices for decorating the top.
Spoon some of the vanilla pudding into the cup and level it out with a spoon.
Place vanilla wafer cookies around the edge of the cups, then fill the inside with the whipped cream and spread to the edge.
If you have more room in the cups, add more vanilla pudding or whipped cream layers.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and add banana slices and nilla wafers.
Serve chilled.
Flavors that go with bananas
If you're looking for other variations on these banana pudding cups, then check out this list of flavors and foods that pair well with bananas, for some inspiration!
- Almond - try adding a little almond extract to the whipped cream.
- Cardamom - a little sprinkle of cardamom in the vanilla pudding will add a new flavor dimension.
- Cherry - Add a layer of cherry pie filling or quick cherry compote.
- Chocolate - switch the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding. Or add a drizzle of cold chocolate sauce.
- Coconut - Add some flakes of coconut to your banana pudding cups. A little coconut essence in the whipped cream would be great too.
- Pineapple - Add a layer of pineapple compote for a more tropical flavor.
Storage
Store: After making banana pudding cups, cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tip: Make sure to keep the banana pudding cups chilled until serving time, especially if you plan to transport them.
Make ahead: Banana pudding cups can be made ahead of time, up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. To ensure that the toppings (such as sliced bananas or crushed vanilla wafers) stay fresh (and the bananas don't brown), slice and add them just before serving.
Top tip
Don't add the bananas until just before serving. If making ahead, layer the banana pudding cups, cover them, and store them in the fridge. Before serving, add the banana slices and nilla wafers to the top.
FAQ
If it's not practical to add the banana slices just before serving, you can toss the slices of banana in lemon juice.
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📖 Recipe
Banana Pudding Cups
Equipment
- Cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy cream aka double cream or whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 bananas peeled and sliced
- 36 Nilla Wafer cookies
Instructions
- Whisk the cold milk and instant pudding in a medium mixing bowl until thickened. Cover the bowl and refrigerate while making the other elements of the recipe.
- Add the cream, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla to a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Slice the bananas and place them decoratively around the bottom edge of 6 cups. You will have left over banana slices for decorating the top.
- Spoon some of the vanilla pudding into the cup and level it out with a spoon.
- Place vanilla wafer cookies around the edge of the cups, then fill the inside with the whipped cream and spread to the edge.
- If you have more room in the cups, add more vanilla pudding or whipped cream layers.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and add banana slices and nilla wafers.
- Serve cold!
Notes
- Because the bananas will brown, this recipe is best made and eaten the same day. But it can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Banana lovers may wish to add more sliced bananas to the layers.
- The pudding usually used for banana pudding is actually vanilla. But banana flavored pudding mix can be used instead if preferred.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
TAYLER ROSS
I looooove banana pudding, and so do the kids! Couldn't wait to make these pudding cups with them this weekend, so made them last night for a mid-week treat! Perfection!
Kathleen
These were perfect for our church gathering! I made lots of them really small and they were a huge hit.
Jen
Very simple recipe, but super fun. I made them for a church activity and they were well received!
Shelby
I love banana desserts, and these are such a delicious treat!
Beth
I adore this recipe. I make banana pudding for all the holidays and throughout the year, too. I love it too much to wait for special occasions. This individualized idea is fantastic!