Banana Pudding Cups – Creamy No-Bake Individual Dessert
These Banana Pudding Cups are the kind of dessert that disappears fast. Creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and soft vanilla wafers layered into individual cups — simple, nostalgic, and perfect for parties.
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- What You Need to Make This Recipe
- How to Make This Recipe
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Full Recipe
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Note: You’ll find the exact measurements in the full recipe card at the end.
- Cold milk
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ripe bananas
- Vanilla wafers (whole or crushed)
How to Make This Recipe
This is a simple no-bake layering dessert: you whisk the pudding, whip the cream, fold them together, then layer wafers, bananas, and pudding in cups. Chill until set.
Note: The detailed step-by-step method is included in the full recipe card at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cups chilled and finish with crushed wafers, a swirl of whipped cream, or a fresh banana slice on top. These are perfect for parties, BBQs, birthdays, and holiday tables. Pair them with coffee, iced tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Tips
- Use very cold milk so the pudding thickens quickly.
- Fold gently when mixing in whipped cream to keep the texture light.
- Layer neatly if you’re using clear cups for a prettier look.
- Use jars or glass cups for easy grab-and-go serving.
- Cover well so the pudding doesn’t absorb fridge odors.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cup)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
FAQs
Can I make banana pudding cups ahead of time?
Yes. You can make them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated.
How do I keep bananas from turning brown?
Lightly coat banana slices with a little lemon juice, or assemble the cups closer to serving time.
Can I use homemade pudding instead?
Absolutely. Homemade vanilla pudding works great — just let it cool before layering.
What cookies can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
Shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or butter cookies all work really well.
Can these be frozen?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the pudding and bananas change texture after thawing.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Cups are a classic dessert made easy, modern, and perfectly portioned. With creamy layers, fresh bananas, and softened vanilla wafers, they bring comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this no-bake recipe is simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Banana Pudding Cups
Prep: 15 mins |
Cook: 0 mins |
Chill: 2 hrs |
Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
Yield: 12 cups (approx.)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups vanilla wafers (whole or crushed)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a bowl, whisk cold milk and pudding mix for about 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside for a few minutes to firm slightly.
- Whip the cream: In another bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Fold the whipped cream into the pudding (all of it for a lighter texture, or half if you want it more classic and thick).
- Assemble: Layer wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture in cups. Repeat layers until filled, finishing with pudding on top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours so flavors meld and wafers soften.
Notes
For best results, use ripe but firm bananas. If making ahead, lightly toss banana slices with a little lemon juice to slow browning.