Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crushed Nilla Wafers are all you need for these banana pudding cups the perfect grab-and-go dessert. They’re easy to prep for a crowd or enjoy as a single-serve treat. For more fruit in a cup, try fruit pico de gallo!
What are Mini Banana Pudding Cups?
Banana pudding cups are a single serving of banana pudding in a glass jar or small cup. Ours combines creamy vanilla pudding, crushed Nilla cookies, and bananas. They are an easy and convenient way to enjoy the classic dessert. The easy-to-make banana cups are perfect for dessert on the go, whether you make them for a party, game day, or a family reunion.
Key Ingredients
Make the pudding cups ahead of time for an event or gathering. Here’s everything you need to get started.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: Using store-bought vanilla pudding mix saves time and effort in the kitchen. The pudding mix contributes to the overall texture of the no-bake dessert and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Thicken and sweeten the dessert with sweetened condensed milk.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Add heavy cream to the pudding for a homemade custard-like consistency.
- Nilla Wafers: Crisp Nilla wafers are a classic component of banana pudding, but that hasn’t always been the case. Before the widespread availability of Nilla cookies in the 1940s, other recipes called for homemade cookies, sponge cake, and ladyfingers. However, Nilla wafers add the perfect crunch between the layers of creamy pudding and sliced bananas.
- Bananas: Select ripe bananas with a vibrant yellow peel and a few brown spots. Bananas begin to brown right away, so avoid using overly ripe bananas.
Additions and Substitutions
Enhance the flavor of the vanilla pudding by including cardamom simple syrup, almond extract, honey lavender simple syrup, or freshly ground cardamom for a pop of flavor. Replace the banana slices with pineapples, cherries, blueberries, or a strawberry compote.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cups
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Whisk vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and water in a mixing bowl until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove from the fridge and stir in the heavy whipping cream.
Step 2: Add the vanilla pudding mixture to the bottom of the serving cups.
Step 3: Follow up with the cookies and sliced bananas. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Finish the cups with whipped cream topping and cookie crumbles.
Expert Tips
- Use mini vanilla wafers or break the whole cookies into smaller pieces. Add the cookies to a resealable bag and crush them using a rolling pin. You can also pulse the cookies in a food processor.
- Transfer the pudding cups to the refrigerator for at least an hour until they set.
If you enjoy this sweet treat, try one of these summer recipes!
Toppings for Banana Pudding Cups
Finish the banana pudding cups with whipped cream and sprinkle crumbled cookies over the top. You can also try chocolate shavings, toasted coconut flakes, chocolate chips, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce.
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover cups in the refrigerator for for 1-2 days.
- Should you freeze banana pudding? Freezing banana pudding alters the taste and texture of the pudding, causing it to become watery and mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mini banana pudding cups in advance?
Assemble the cups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and keep them in the refrigerator. Before serving, remove the cups from the fridge and add your toppings, such as whipped cream and crushed cookies.
How do you keep the bananas from turning brown?
If you want to keep the bananas looking fresh and prevent browning, assemble the cups just before serving to minimize the exposure to air and prolong freshness.
More Dessert Recipes:
Banana Pudding Cups
- 4-6 Serving Cups
- 1 box (3.5 ounce) vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk,
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups Nilla wafers, crushed, plus more for garnish
- 2-3 bananas, slightly underripe, cut into thin rounds
- whipped cream, for garnish
- Whisk vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and water in a mixing bowl until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove from the fridge and stir in the heavy whipping cream.
- Add the vanilla pudding mixture to the bottom of the serving cups, followed by the cookies and sliced bananas. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Finish the cups with whipped cream topping and cookie crumbles.
- Use mini vanilla wafers or break the whole cookies into smaller pieces. Add the cookies to a resealable bag and crush them using a rolling pin. You can also pulse the cookies in a food processor.
- Transfer the pudding cups to the refrigerator for at least an hour until they set.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.