…at least this week. I have to say I have a weakness for banana cream pie, and would always look forward to my Mom whipping-up a batch of banana pudding when I was a kid. Nilla Wafers? Priceless. This is such an easy dessert to make that I wonder why I only have this on rare occasions. Well….the time has come & what could be more perfect for summertime than these beautiful Banana Pudding Cups?
A retro dessert upgraded into single servings, which will be sure to delight your guests, or maybe just your inner-child post dinner. This one makes a nice alternative to ice cream & we only need a few ingredients.
Pudding, wafers, bananas, whipped topping? Oh yes, let’s…

- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tub whipped topping, defrosted in fridge (like Cool Whip)
- 1 box mini vanilla wafers
- *drizzle of coconut syrup, optional
- 1 package vanilla pudding mix (Cook & Serve, not instant)
- 3 cups milk (whole is best)
- Slice 2 small bananas.
- In glass dessert cups, arrange layer of Mini Nilla Wafers to the bottom of cup and balance some around side as possible.
- To arranged wafer layer, add layer of a few banana slices over bottom of wafers.
- In small pot on stove, cook pudding with milk according to package directions, whisking constantly to avoid burning.
- To the Nilla wafer/banana-lined dessert cups, pour warm pudding ~3/4 way into each cup.
- Now push some banana slices underneath top of pudding about ½ way down, covering.
- Around sides of each cup, insert wafers around the rim of glass, showing top half (See pics below).
- Place dessert cups in fridge to cool & set pudding (about 40 min-1 hour)
- (You can cover with plastic wrap as long as it does not touch pudding surface).
- Remove cups from fridge and top with generous dollop of whipped topping to center, top of cup.
- Garnish with a wafer in the center & enjoy!
The mini Nilla Wafers were the perfect size for small, individual serving cups. These are at most grocery stores.
**If you want to add a drizzle of a light coconut syrup into the warm pudding before assembling, that will add a subtle, more tropical taste!
I definitely recommend using the full, Cook & Serve pudding mix, over instant. It is creamier and works better! If you don’t have small, glass dessert cups, not to worry. You can use any small bowls or dishes, but I prefer glass so you can see all of the banana-laden layers. The mini variety of Nilla Wafers fit perfectly in our small dessert dishes, not to mention they are slightly addicting. This dessert is definitely easier than making a pie and has the same flavors going on.
Whip up some wafer-goodness this week & save hot oven baking for a cooler day!