Looking for a fun, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or family nights?
This recipe for Walking Banana Pudding is a playful twist on the classic, served right in individual cookie bags for an easy, grab-and-go treat everyone will rave about.
With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together in minutes and is totally customizable to fit your favorite flavors.
Made with layers of creamy pudding, fresh banana slices, and whipped topping, this fun dessert is easy to assemble, perfect for parties, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Looking for more "Walking" type Easy Dessert Recipes? Try my Walking Strawberry Shortcake, Walking S'mores or my Walking Apple Pie...yum!
Want to dress it up a bit? Go with the classic version instead…
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Cups
Table of Contents
- Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Cups
- Why You'll Love this Dish
- Kitchen Tool Spotlight
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Recipe Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Before You Begin!
- Recipe Tips that Worked for Me
- Recipe FAQ's
- How to Store, Freeze and Reheat
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love this Dish
Fun way to serve dessert – A playful twist on a nostalgic favorite.
Quick and easy – No baking, minimal prep, and great for last-minute gatherings.
Portable and mess-free – Served in individual bags, perfect for parties, picnics, or entertaining kids.
Customizable – Easy to switch up toppings or use different cookies.
Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for large crowd entertaining! Creamy, sweet, and familiar flavors that everyone enjoys.
Kitchen Tool Spotlight
Taco Holder Stand Set of 6, Colorful Taco Holder Plate, Wave Shape Taco Tray, Taco Shell Holder Stand for Party, Hold 4 Tacos Each, Very Hard and Sturdy, Dishwasher Top Rack Safe
Nilla Wafers Mini Cookies, Vanilla Wafers, 48 Total Snack Packs (4 Boxes)MT Products Candy Colored Medium Weight Polystyrene Plastic Tea spoons in Pink, Green, Orange, Yellow, Purple -Pack of 50 - Colors may varySnack-Pack Banana Cream Pie Pudding 8 Cup Bundle - 2 Packs, Each with 4 Individually Sealed 3.25 Ounce Pudding Cups - For Work or School Lunches, Snacks, Movies - In a Cornershop Confections Box
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Recipe Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- You can skip the pudding cups and use a box of banana cream instant pudding instead.
- Use chocolate pudding instead of banana cream and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Can't find the Mini Nilla Wafer snack bags? Try Teddy Graham snack bags.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides 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: Cut open the bags along the side, reserve 4 cookies per bag for garnish, then stir the pudding and spoon half into each bag over the cookies.
Step 2: Place 3 or 4 slices of banana on top of the pudding, then pipe or spoon whipped topping on top of the bananas. Garnish with the reserved cookies and banana slices.
Step 3: Add a spoon and serve!
Before You Begin!
If you give this a try, please leave a review and star rating! This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Recipe Tips that Worked for Me
Slice bananas just before assembling – This keeps them fresh and prevents browning.
Stir the pudding well before spooning it in – It makes it easier to layer smoothly and evenly.
Use snack-size cookie bags – They’re the perfect portion and make serving super easy.
Assemble just before serving – For the best texture, build the bags right before guests eat them so the cookies stay a little crunchy.
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!
Yes, Nilla Wafers do get soggy in banana pudding—but in the best way! As they sit, they absorb moisture from the pudding and bananas, softening into a cake-like texture that’s part of what makes the dessert so comforting and delicious. If you prefer them crisp, serve the pudding right after assembling.
Yes, you can use vanilla pudding for banana pudding. The bananas add enough flavor, and it still tastes just like the classic dessert.
How to Store, Freeze and Reheat
Refrigerate: Transfer the contents from the bags into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days, as the cookies will continue to soften.
Freezer: I do not recommend freezing any leftovers.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my other recipe for Strawberry Pudding Cups. Or you might like this recipe for Banana Pudding Ice Cream.
📖 Recipe Card
Walking Banana Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (1 ounce) bags Mini Nilla Wafers
- 1 (3.25 ounce) Banana Cream Pie pudding cup
- 1 banana, sliced (about 10 slices)
- ½ cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Turn each bag of Mini Nilla Wafers on their side, and use scissors to cut off the edge.
- Take four cookies out of each bag and set them aside to use as a garnish for later.
- Open the pudding cup and mix it.
- Spoon half of the pudding cup into each bag, on top of the cookies.
- Place about 3-4 slices of fresh banana on top of the pudding in each bag.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, dollop about ¼ cup whipped topping into each bag, on top of the bananas.
- Top each bag with two slices of banana and three cookies, if desired. Use the final cookie left out of each bag to crumble it and sprinkle it over each dessert for a bit of added garnishing.
- Add a spoon and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- For crunchy cookies: Assemble and serve immediately—don’t make ahead.
- For softer cookies (like classic banana pudding): Chill assembled bags in the fridge for about 1 hour.
- Don’t store longer than 1 hour: Cookies may become too soggy.
- Pudding options: Use 6 pudding cups or substitute with 1 box of banana cream instant pudding.
- Customizable layers: Add more bananas, whipped topping, or adjust ingredients to your taste.
- For a 12-pack of mini Nilla Wafers: You'll need 6 pudding cups, 6 bananas, and a 16 oz container of whipped topping to fill all bags.
Food Safety Tips:
- Use separate utensils and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination when handling raw ingredients.
- Wash hands thoroughly after working with raw ingredients like eggs or dough.
- Avoid leaving no-bake treats or raw components at room temperature for extended periods.
- Ensure all utensils, bowls, and surfaces are clean before starting.
- Store no-bake recipes, such as pudding pies and candy, in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe.
- Provide good ventilation when using a gas stove for melting or heating chocolate, butter or other ingredients.
Paula says
Lois, what a unique idea! This is so neat
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.