These banana pudding cups are a classic dessert and the ultimate comfort food. Made with creamy pudding, homemade whipped cream, and fresh banana slices, that are layered in individual dessert cups, and topped with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers.
Banana pudding is part and parcel of any gathering. From holidays to potlucks, you’ll almost always see some version of banana pudding on the dessert table. I took that classic dessert idea and gave it a twist by turning it into single-serve treats. These are perfect for a fun weeknight dessert, backyard cookout, potluck, or any gathering. The best part is that they’re just as easy, if not easier, than classic banana pudding!
Banana Pudding Cups
These delicious cups start with vanilla pudding mix and a few extra ingredients to make it super thick and rich. I layer sliced bananas, the pudding, whipped cream, and Nilla wafers in cups, and then I just watch my little desserts disappear. That’s all there is to it! The entire recipe only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to make, along with chilling for a few hours, making it as easy as it is delicious. These are perfect for a last-minute dessert or potluck treat, and everyone always loves them.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Cup Recipe
- Banana pudding is a classic dessert that everyone loves and is always a favorite.
- The combination of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, homemade whipped cream, and vanilla wafers is delicious.
- They are the perfect size and are ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a delicious individual treat.
Banana Pudding Cup Ingredients
- Vanilla Pudding: Vanilla pudding is the base for the banana pudding layer.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream adds body and thickness to the pudding and is the base for the homemade whipped cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk further thickens the pudding and adds extra richness and sweet flavor.
- Sliced Bananas: You can’t have banana pudding without bananas!
- Vanilla Wafers: Vanilla wafers top these pudding cups, completing that classic banana pudding flavor.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cups
Making these delicious banana pudding cups is super easy. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps, and you’ll be all done!
Step 1: Make Whipped Cream for the Pudding
Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
Step 2: Make the Pudding Base
Whisk the milk and pudding mix in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Pudding
Add the sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream to the vanilla pudding and whisk until blended.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Layer the Banana Pudding Cups
Place a layer of sliced bananas on the bottom of your cups. then, top with the pudding mixture and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat until the cups are full, finishing with a layer of whipped cream. Top with vanilla wafers and more banana slices and chill for 4-6 hours or overnight. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Beat your whipped cream until stiff peaks form and no further. Overmixing will deflate the whipped cream.
- Gently blend your pudding ingredients until combined but no further. You don’t want to lose the body the whipped cream gives the pudding.
- Slice your bananas just before making the cups so they don’t turn brown.
Variations
- For more banana flavor, use banana pudding in place of vanilla pudding.
- Use whipped topping for the layers between the pudding if you prefer.
- Toss your banana slices with just a bit of lemon juice to avoid browning.
- Try topping your cups with your favorite nuts for more flavor and crunch.
What to Serve with Banana Dessert Cups
These delicious banana pudding cups pair well with fresh fruit and other sweet treats. They make a great addition to a larger dessert spread with all your other favorite desserts at any party.
Recipe FAQ
Banana pudding cups are a variation of classic banana pudding. They use alternating layers of banana pudding and whipped cream like a parfait.
Try mixing shredded coconut into the pudding for a tropical twist. You can also top your banana pudding cups with chopped nuts for more flavor and crunch. If you use larger cups, you can even add extra layers of Vanilla wafers and bananas.
You can and should make these cups in advance. They’re best when chilled overnight before serving.
These banana pudding dessert cups will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be aware that the longer they are stored, the softer the cookies get. There’s also a possibility of the bananas turning a bit brown.
Freezing any sort of pudding is never recommended. It will break when defrosted, making a watery, grainy mess.
How to Store Leftover Pudding Cups
Store these banana pudding cups covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Do not freeze them.
Try This Easy Banana Pudding Cup Recipe Today
These banana pudding cups are as easy as they are delicious. With alternating layers of pudding and whipped cream, these little banana pudding parfaits are full of classic flavor, and they only take about 15 – 20 minutes to make. Give them a try, and I know you’ll make them a permanent part of your dessert rotation.
More Delicious Banana Desserts You’ll Enjoy
Here is a deliciously moist Banana Layer Cake that has two layers of banana goodness, and is frosted with a scrumptious cream cheese frosting that is simply irresistible.
Banana Pudding Cups
Ingredients
Banana Pudding
- 5.1 ounce box vanilla instant pudding
- 2 cups whole milk
- 12 ounce sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 bananas, sliced
- 11 ounce box vanilla wafers, (will not use all of the wafers)
Homemade Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Pudding
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form (this whipped cream gets added into the pudding mixture).
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until smooth.
- Add in sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, whisking until evenly blended together. Set aside.
Homemade Whipped Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, using and electric mixer, beat together the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Place a layer of sliced bananas into the bottom of the plastic cups.
- Add a layer of pudding mixture, followed by a layer of whipped cream and repeat until the cup is full, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Top with vanilla wafer cookies and additional banana slices.
- Chill pudding cups in the refrigerator overnight and serve once completely set up.
Notes
- Beat your whipped cream until stiff peaks form and no further. Overmixing will deflate the whipped cream.
- Gently blend your pudding ingredients until combined but no further. You don’t want to lose the body the whipped cream gives the pudding.
- Slice your bananas just before making the cups so they don’t turn brown.
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Fantastic! These are the perfect party treat!
Hi Heidi, Yes, they make a great party treat! Thanks so much for the 5-star rating! 🙂