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!
Recipe Essentials
With just a few simple ingredients, these banana pudding cups couldn’t be easier to make. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Bananas – You can’t have banana pudding without 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.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – I like to use unsalted butter to be able to control the salt content of these banana pudding cups. But I also add fine sea salt to help bring out the other flavors.
- Seasonings – Give the pudding a warm flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Sauces – Add a layer of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce to the cups. you can even use our honey cinnamon fried bananas. Spoon peanut butter in for a smooth layer of nuttiness.
- Swaps – 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.
- Senses – Creamy vanilla pudding layers with soft bananas and fluffy whipped topping, giving each spoonful a silky, sweet bite with a hint of comforting banana aroma.
Banana Pudding Dessert 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 4 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 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt , stirring to combine.
- Turn the heat to low and then stir in the eggs and 2 cups 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 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons 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 8 ounces shortbread cookies, then 3 banana slices . 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 for Topping 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
Storage and Freezing
You can store leftover pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days covered with foil or plastic wrap.
Unfortunately, pudding cannot be frozen. The ingredients will separate and the texture will not remain the same.
Your Questions, Answered
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 for dessert as much as we do? Take a peek at these delectable pudding recipes!
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.