This simple and tasty dessert has it all: crunchy shortbread cookies, smooth and rich vanilla pudding, and of course fresh bananas. These Banana Pudding Cups won’t disappoint!
Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, this pudding couldn’t be easier to make.
- Eggs – Use large eggs and let them come to room temperature before adding them.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar gives the pudding sweetness.
- Flour – Flour helps to give the pudding structure.
- Fine Sea Salt – Using salt helps to bring out the flavor of the pudding’s other ingredients.
- Milk – Choose whole milk for a rich texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Butter helps to make the pudding silky smooth.
- Vanilla Extract – Using this extract balances all of the flavors. You can use one from the grocery store or make your own vanilla extract at home.
- Bananas – Be sure to use perfectly ripe bananas and slice them uniformly.
- Shortbread Cookies – I prefer shortbread cookies like Chessman but you can also use Nilla Wafers.
- Whipped Cream for Topping – You can make your own whipped cream or use a store-bought variety.
Variations
This is the perfect recipe for exercising your culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas for inspiration.
- Trifle – If you want to make the classic banana pudding trifle recipe you absolutely can. Follow all the recipe instructions, but instead of layering in individual cups, just use a large trifle dish instead. If you do not have a trifle dish, a 9×13 baking dish can also be used.
- Sauce – Add a layer of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce to the cups.
- Peanut Butter – Spoon peanut butter in for a smooth layer of nuttiness.
- Berries – For a pop of color and fresh, sweet flavor, add blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries.
- Spices – Give the pudding a warm flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cups
You may never go back to store-bought pudding after making this simple banana pudding!
- Prep the eggs. Separate the yolks from the whites of 3 eggs and whisk them together in a medium bowl with the entire 4th egg.
- Make the pudding. Pour the sugar, flour, and salt into a medium pot. After stirring the dry ingredients together, pour in the egg and milk and stir again. Then heat the pudding mixture while whisking, avoiding boiling. When it becomes thick, take the pot off the stove and add the butter and vanilla. For the smoothest texture, you can pour the pudding through a fine mesh strainer, if desired.
- Transfer and chill. Transfer the pudding to a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge to thicken further.
- Assemble. Place a bit of the pudding into the bottom of the cups. Top with cookies and bananas. Repeat until the cup is filled, then do the same with the remaining cups.
- Chill. Put the cups into the refrigerator and allow them to chill.
- Serve. Top the pudding cups with whipped cream, cookies, and bananas and serve.
Storage and Freezing
Since they contain dairy, these pudding cups need to be refrigerated. But they will last for several days!
Make Ahead
You can make the vanilla pudding several days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the cups. When you do, cover it in plastic wrap and press the wrap into the top of the pudding. This prevents the layer from forming on top. If you forget, simply peel this off before spooning it into the cups.
Additionally, the banana pudding cups can be assembled and stored in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead of time. I often make these the night before and enjoy them the next day.
How to Store
You can store leftover pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days covered with foil or plastic wrap.
Can I Freeze Banana Pudding Cups?
Unfortunately, pudding cannot be frozen. The ingredients will separate and the texture will not remain the same.
Common Questions about Banana Pudding Cups
To avoid browning during storage, cover the surface of the bananas with other ingredients and gently press them against the sides of the cup.
I like to use Chessman cookies but you can also experiment with other options like graham crackers or lady fingers.
The best way to avoid sogging banana pudding cups is to assemble them shortly before serving.
More Pudding Recipes to Enjoy
Love pudding as much as we do? Take a peek at these delectable pudding recipes!
Banana Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- 4 eggs , divided
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 bananas , sliced
- 8 ounces shortbread cookies , such as chessman or nilla wafers
- Whipped Cream for Topping
Instructions
- Separate the yolks for the whites on 3 of the eggs. Place the yolks in a large mixing bowl and discard the whites (or save for another recipe, see note). In the prep bowl add in the last whole egg (both yolk and whites). Whisk together and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt, stirring to combine.
- Turn the heat to low and then stir in the eggs and milk.
- Heat the pudding in the saucepan over low heat for 10 minutes whisking continuously. This will help the pudding stay smooth. Do not not boil the pudding- it could curdle.
- Once the pudding starts to thicken, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Optional: Run the pudding through a sieve to remove any small lumps and make the pudding smooth. This does not affect the flavor, just the texture. If you do not have one or your pudding already smooth, that is okay and you can skip this step.
- Pour the finished pudding into a large bowl, cover it then store in the fridge to chill for 1 hour or until thickened.
- To assemble the pudding cups, evenly divide the vanilla pudding between 8 small cups, top with one hand crumbled shortbread cookie, then 3 banana . Repeat this pattern 2-3 times depending on how large your dishes are. Store in the fridge for at least an hour (the longer the better to allow the cookies to soften).
- When ready to serve, top with a dollop of whipped cream and more crumbled shortbread cookies or fresh banana slice, if desired.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!
Nutrition
Made this for dessert last night and it didn’t disappoint! Easily, a new favorite dessert; my whole family loved it!
I love this recipe! It was really easy to make and has the best flavor. I will definitely be making again and again!
That looks really yummy, looking foward to trying these, we always have too many bananas on hand.
I love banana desserts and this looks amazing. I bet the kids would love it too.
I absolutely agree with that banana pudding is the most yummy and comforting thing on the planet.
This simple and classic dessert always comes to my rescue and I am never disappointed.