Banana pudding cups are as beautiful as they are simple. These individual servings offer creamy layers of vanilla pudding, banana slices, whipped chantilly cream and crunchy vanilla wafers — a classic Southern treat that’s easy to assemble and always crowd-pleasing.
Banana pudding is a year‑round favorite. While it’s perfect for casual family dinners, its pretty presentation makes these cups ideal for special occasions, potlucks and summer gatherings.
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- Instant pudding mix keeps the filling smooth and consistent; it’s quick and blends well with the whipped cream.
- Served in individual glasses, these banana pudding cups look elegant and make serving effortless.
- They’re great for summer parties and easy to adapt for kids by using plastic cups.
- This dessert is comforting and satisfying — creamy, fruity and a little crunchy from the wafers.
- Perfect when you need single servings that look special without a lot of fuss.
- A family favorite that’s simple to scale up for larger groups.
Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the steps. For the full recipe with exact quantities, see the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl until smooth, then chill for about 5 minutes to begin setting.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form to make chantilly cream.
- Step 3: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip for neat layering (or spoon it in if preferred).
- Step 4: Assemble each glass with a layer of pudding, banana slices, piped whipped cream and vanilla wafers. Repeat layers as space allows and finish with cream and crumbled wafers. Chill 30–60 minutes before serving so flavors meld.
Hint: Seal the top layer so sliced bananas aren’t exposed to air and won’t brown quickly. If you plan to garnish with fresh banana slices, dip them briefly in lemon or orange juice first.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Cool Whip – an easy swap for homemade chantilly cream.
- Mini Vanilla Wafers – bite‑sized wafers are convenient for layering.
- Homemade pudding – make a cooked custard if you prefer from-scratch pudding.
- Graham crackers – use crushed graham crackers for a different crunchy layer.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
A stand mixer makes whipping cream quick and easy, but an electric hand mixer works well too.
You’ll also want mixing bowls and attractive glasses or mason jars for serving individual portions.
More banana pudding recipes I think you’ll love
- Banana Pudding Brownies
- Banana Pudding Tacos
- Creamy Banana Pudding Cupcakes
- Banana Pudding Popsicles
- Walking Banana Pudding
- Southern No Bake Banana Pudding
- Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (similar to banana pudding).
How to store leftovers
Cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 days. If using mason jars, screw the lids on for easier storage.
Mel’s kitchen notes
You can prepare the layers ahead of time but wait to add the final decorative topping. Wrap each cup tightly and refrigerate; they often taste better after a few hours. Finish decorations just before serving.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a food photographer and home cook who shares tested recipes and tutorials on this blog. She brings a love of comfort food and Southern flavors to approachable recipes.
Her work has appeared on news outlets and she competed on Food Network’s “100 Cooks.”
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
Keep banana slices from direct exposure to air by sealing the top layer with whipped cream or plastic wrap. For garnishes, dip slices briefly in lemon, orange or pineapple juice to slow browning.
Mason jars are a great alternative — they’re sturdy and can be closed if someone wants to save their serving for later.
Yes. Any biscuit, wafer or cake that provides a crunchy or tender contrast will work—graham crackers, shortbread or crushed cookies are all good options.
If you’ve tried this Banana Pudding Cups Recipe, please leave a comment below — I love hearing how your version turned out!
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Banana Pudding Cups
ANNOUNCEMENT
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Equipment
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Glass Mixing Bowls
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Stand Mixer (or hand mixer)
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Glasses or Mason Jars for serving
Ingredients
- 2 (3 Ounce) Boxes Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 4 Cups Whole Milk cold
- 1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
- ⅓ Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Each Bananas sliced
- 1 Box Vanilla Wafers
Instructions
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In a large bowl whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to begin setting.
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While the pudding chills, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Spoon a layer of pudding into the bottom of each chosen glass.
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Top with a layer of banana slices.
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Pipe or spoon a layer of whipped cream over the bananas.
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Add a layer of vanilla wafers, then repeat layering as space allows.
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Finish with a final layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crumbled wafers.
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Chill the assembled cups for 30–60 minutes so the layers set and the flavors combine.
Notes
Nutrition
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