Looking for a mouthwatering dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out this recipe for Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Cups.
Made with instant vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream, and topped with crunchy cookies.
Served in individual cups, this no bake dessert is definitely going to satisfy that craving for something sweet today!
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This Banana Pudding Cups recipe features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, homemade whipped cream, and crunchy Nilla Wafer Cookies.
It's a traditional dessert that will take you back to your childhood!
These delicious pudding cups are not only convenient to serve and enjoy, but they also make a great addition to a dessert buffet table, allowing guests to help themselves.
Here are a few of my favorite easy dessert recipes you may also enjoy: Oreo Pudding Pie Recipe and my Cheesecake Pudding Cups.
Table of Contents
Check out my fun twist on this recipe...you’ll love how easy (and delicious) it is!
Walking Banana Pudding
Banana Pudding Cups for Party
These sweet treats are a perfect no-mess, crowd-pleasing dessert. Served in individual portions, they’re easy to grab, eat, and enjoy—no scooping required.
- Fun and kid-friendly – Served in individual cups, it's an easy dessert to grab and go while mingling with guests.
- Quick and easy – No baking, minimal prep, and ready in minutes.
- Perfect for parties – Great for birthdays, cookouts, or any casual get-together.
- Customizable – Switch up cookies, pudding flavors, or toppings to suit any taste.
- Nostalgic with a twist – All the flavor of classic banana pudding in a playful, grab-and-go format.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Pyrex Rectangle Clear Glass Casserole Baking Dishes & Red Lids
Mixing Bowl, 4 quart, YellowWhisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless SteelPlastic Mixing Bowls Set
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Swap out the vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix.
- Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Add creamy peanut butter between the bananas and cookies to achieve a delightful combination of flavors.
- Graham Crackers: Replace Nilla wafer cookies with graham cracker crumbs or whole graham crackers for a different texture and taste.
- Oreo Cookies: Try adding crushed Oreo cookies in place of the wafer cookies.
Try my Individual Easter Banana Pudding Parfaits as part of your next holiday celebration!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Mix the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar together.
Step 2: Combine the milk and pudding mix. Refrigerate until needed.
Step 3: Beat the heavy cream mixture with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Gather all your ingredients and punch cups.
Step 6: Line the bottom of the cup with banana slices.
Step 7: Add vanilla pudding to each cup and spread until the banana slices are fully covered.
Step 8: Line the cup with Nilla Wafers, then add whipped cream.
Step 9: Top each cup with the remaining pudding.
Step 10: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and Nilla wafer.
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Recipe Tips that Worked for Me
- Using instant pudding mix to create a dessert is often easier and more convenient compared to making homemade pudding for a few reasons
- This recipe also calls for homemade whipped cream, but you can use Cool Whip Whipped Topping if you prefer.
- When I find myself in need of a generous amount of whipped cream, my go-to is my trusty Kitchen Aid Mixer. However, I've recently purchased this whipped cream maker that so easy to use!
- My husband even loves using it to make a little whipped cream to put on top of a bowl of ice cream.
Storage Tips
Because the bananas will brown, this recipe is best made and eaten the same day, but it can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
Yes, Nilla Wafers soften in banana pudding, creating a cake-like texture. For crisp cookies, serve immediately; for classic softness, chill before serving.
More Recipes to Love
Or you might enjoy this recipe for homemade Southern Banana Pudding. Check out my other recipe for Strawberry Pudding Cups.
Stress-Free Dinners for a Whole Month!
📖 Recipe Card
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 3.4 ounces package instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 large bananas peeled and sliced
- 36 Nilla Wafer cookies
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk with the instant vanilla pudding until thickened. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until needed.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and the vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Set 6 plastic 9-ounce punch cups on the counter or a cookie sheet. Place banana slices along the bottom of each cup around the sides so they are visible outside the cup.
- Scoop ¼ cup of the vanilla pudding into the bottom of each cup and spread out so the banana slices are fully covered.
- Place 4-5 Nilla Wafers in the cup on top of the pudding layer, but position the cookies facing out so each round cookie is visible through the sides of the cups.
- Scoop ¼ cup of the whipped cream into the cups and smooth out so the Nilla Wafers are fully covered with the whipped cream.
- Divide the remaining vanilla pudding evenly into each cup.
- Top with a dollop of the whipped cream and a Nilla Wafer for garnish. If serving immediately, add a slice of banana for garnish as well.
Notes
- Because the bananas will brown, this recipe is best made and eaten the same day. But it can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Banana lovers may wish to add more sliced bananas to the layers.
- The pudding usually used for banana pudding is actually vanilla, but banana flavored pudding mix can be used instead if preferred.
Val W says
Easy, beautiful and most definitely delicious.
Miz Helen says
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us this week. You were one of the Top Ten features this week at Full Plate Thursday, 678! Hope you come back to see us soon!
Miz Helen