Description
Delicious and creamy banana pudding cups layered with whipped topping and vanilla wafers, perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (or banana cream pudding for extra banana flavor)
- 3 cups cold whole milk (or 2% for lighter pudding)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, for flavor boost)
- For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- For the Layers:
- 4–5 ripe bananas (yellow with light brown speckles, not overly mushy)
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 oz; Nilla Wafers work best)
- For Garnish:
- Extra whipped cream or topping
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices (fresh, added before serving to prevent browning)
- Caramel drizzle (optional, for extra indulgence)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 5 minutes while preparing the other components.
- Make the Creamy Cheesecake Layer: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and lump-free. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until well combined. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into ¼-inch thick rounds. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss them in a little lemon juice, but be careful not to overdo it or the flavor will alter.
- Layer the Banana Pudding Cups: You can use clear plastic cups, mason jars, or small trifle bowls. Bottom Layer: Place a few vanilla wafers at the bottom of each cup. You can leave them whole or lightly crush them. Banana Layer: Add a layer of banana slices on top of the wafers. Creamy Layer: Spoon or pipe in a layer of the cream cheese mixture. Pudding Layer: Add a layer of vanilla pudding. Repeat the layers until the cup is filled, finishing with whipped topping or pudding on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Top with extra whipped cream, crushed wafers, banana slices, or a drizzle of caramel. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight for best results) before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter pudding, use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
- To enhance the banana flavor, use banana cream pudding mix.
- Make sure to refrigerate for enough time to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately after garnishing to prevent bananas from browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg