Banana Pudding Cups

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These banana pudding cups are a family favorite (my mom is obsessed!), and once you taste them you will understand why. Creamy layers of no-bake vanilla pudding folded with whipped cream, sweet banana slices, and vanilla wafers, all layered into individual jars for the cutest, most crowd-pleasing dessert. They are unbelievably easy to make, completely no-bake, and perfect for making ahead!

Pro tip

The make-ahead dessert everyone loves

The secret to that dreamy, thick texture is chilling the pudding base until firm before folding it into the whipped cream. It takes a little planning, but the payoff is a light, luscious pudding that holds its layers beautifully. Serve them in individual jars and they are always the first thing to disappear.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz) for that rich, sweet base.
  • Cold water: 1½ cups, to loosen the pudding base before it sets.
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix: 1 package (about 3.4 oz).
  • Heavy cream: 3 cups, whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy pudding.
  • Vanilla wafers: about 1 box. Use gluten-free vanilla wafers to keep these gluten-free.
  • Bananas: 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cups

Pro tips

Recipe tips & variations

  • Do not skip chilling the pudding base. It needs to firm up before folding into the whipped cream, or the pudding will be too loose.
  • Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for clean, controlled layering.
  • Slice the bananas just before assembling so they stay fresh and bright.
  • This recipe fills about 12 small jars. Scale it down for a smaller batch (it halves easily).
  • Make one big dish instead of jars if you prefer, layering everything in a trifle bowl.

Storage

  • Fridge: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. The wafers soften more over time, which many people love. For the freshest look, add the crushed wafer topping just before serving.

More easy desserts to try:

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Banana Pudding Cups

Makes: 12 cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Recipe by Dalya Rubin

Ingredients
 

  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ cups cold water
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix, about 3.4 oz - double check that it's gluten-free, if required
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 box gluten-free vanilla wafers
  • 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced

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Instructions
 

  1. Whisk the 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk and 1 ½ cups cold water for 1 minute. Add the 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk 2 more minutes. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours, until firm.
  2. Whip the 3 cups heavy cream to stiff peaks. Add the chilled pudding mixture, breaking up chunks, and fold until smooth and combined.
  3. Layer each jar: 2 vanilla wafers, 3 to 5 banana slices, 2 to 4 tablespoon cream mixture. Repeat until filled.
  4. Top with a final layer of cream and crushed vanilla wafers. Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours before serving.

Test Kitchen Notes

Store covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Fills about 12 small jars; halves easily. A piping or zip-top bag makes layering neat.

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