Description
These Mini Banana Pudding Cups are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy homemade vanilla and banana pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfect for individual servings, they’re chilled for a few hours to set, then topped with whipped cream and garnished for a luscious treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Crust
- 36 vanilla wafers (divided)
Pudding
- 1 (5-ounce) package vanilla pudding mix (Cook & Serve, not instant)
- 1 (3-ounce) package banana pudding mix (Cook & Serve, not instant)
- 5 cups milk
Toppings
- 2 cups heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks (or 8 ounces whipped topping)
- 4 ripe bananas
Instructions
- Crush Wafers: Place 24 vanilla wafers in a zip-top bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin to create the crumb base for the cups.
- Distribute Crumbs: Divide the crushed vanilla wafers evenly among 12 serving cups to form the base layer.
- Cook Pudding: In a large saucepan, combine the vanilla pudding mix, banana pudding mix, and 5 cups of milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent lumps, until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Fill Cups: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool for 5 minutes. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of the warm pudding into each cup over the crushed wafers. Use a thin knife to gently run through the pudding’s surface to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Chill: Allow the pudding-filled cups to cool to room temperature. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days to allow the pudding to fully set.
- Add Banana Slices: When ready to serve, remove the cups from the refrigerator and plastic wrap. Slice three of the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds and layer them over the pudding in each cup.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Quickly dollop a generous spoonful of whipped cream on top of the banana slices in each cup. This step prevents the bananas from browning and adds a rich texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the remaining banana into 12 slices. Garnish each pudding cup with one banana slice and one whole vanilla wafer. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, crunchy dessert.
Notes
- Use Cook & Serve pudding mixes, not instant varieties, for proper thickening and texture.
- Whipped cream can be substituted with store-bought whipped topping if preferred.
- To prevent bananas from browning, add whipped cream promptly after layering banana slices.
- These pudding cups can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the bananas before topping with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
