Caramel Banana Pudding Cups

by

Here’s a long-form, detailed, and delicious recipe for Caramel Banana Pudding Cups—including its origin, methods, history, and more. This is a dessert for true pudding lovers who want every spoonful to be decadent, creamy, and indulgent.

Caramel Banana Pudding Cups

Subtitle: Extra Cookies, Extra Decadence, and No-Bake Bliss!

Introduction:

The classic banana pudding is a beloved American dessert that has graced Southern tables for generations. But this version—elevated with drizzled caramel, extra cookies, and layers of silky homemade pudding—brings a new level of luxury to the nostalgic favorite. With a balance of sweetness, crunch, creaminess, and banana bliss, these Caramel Banana Pudding Cups are perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet personal indulgence.

No oven. No stress. Just layers of love.

History of Banana Pudding:

Banana pudding became a household staple in the Southern United States in the early 20th century, especially after Nabisco introduced Nilla Wafers. Over time, recipes evolved—from baked versions with meringue to layered parfaits with whipped cream or custard. Caramel banana pudding is a modern twist, inspired by the flavor profiles of Banoffee Pie and Southern caramel cakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • No-Bake and super easy to assemble
  • Make-ahead friendly for events
  • Extra creamy and luscious from the homemade pudding
  • Caramel drizzle adds deep flavor and richness
  • Customizable for cup sizes and portion control

Ingredients (Makes 6–8 servings):

For the Pudding:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Layers:

  • 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 3 cups vanilla wafers or butter cookies, crushed slightly
  • 1 ½ cups whipped cream or Cool Whip (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Toppings:

  • Extra cookie crumbs
  • Banana slices
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Chopped toasted pecans (for crunch lovers)

Method & Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Pudding

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps.
  3. Whisk in the egg yolks until fully combined.
  4. Place over medium heat and cook while whisking constantly, about 6–8 minutes, until thickened (it should coat the back of a spoon).
  5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill until cool (about 1 hour in the fridge).

Step 2: Prepare Your Layers

  • Slice your bananas just before assembly to keep them fresh.
  • Slightly crush your cookies so you get both chunks and crumbs for texture.
  • If using homemade caramel, make it ahead (melt 1 cup sugar until amber, add 6 tbsp butter, then ½ cup heavy cream—careful, it bubbles!).

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

  1. In clear dessert cups or jars, start with a layer of cookie crumbs.
  2. Add a spoonful of pudding.
  3. Layer on banana slices.
  4. Drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce.
  5. Add a dollop of whipped cream.
  6. Repeat until the cup is full, ending with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  • Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.
  • Garnish with extra banana slices, cookies, and caramel just before serving.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Use ripe but not overripe bananas for best texture.
  • For added decadence, mix cream cheese or mascarpone into the whipped layer.
  • Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

The Lovers of This Dessert:

This dessert wins hearts across all age groups. Kids love the creamy, cookie-filled delight, while adults swoon over the rich caramel twist. It’s often seen on Southern holiday tables, potlucks, and even wedding dessert bars.

Whether you’re a banana pudding purist or a caramel devotee, this dish is a sweet harmony of tradition and indulgence.

Conclusion:

These Caramel Banana Pudding Cups are more than a dessert—they’re a layered story of comfort, creativity, and culinary charm. Every spoonful blends the buttery crunch of cookies, the freshness of bananas, the silkiness of pudding, and the indulgent kiss of caramel. No baking, no fuss—just pure joy in a cup.

Go ahead. Make them. Love them. Share them. Or keep them all to yourself.

Would you like a printable or shareable version for parties or socials?

Leave a Comment