Banana Pudding Bites

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about banana pudding. It’s the dessert that feels like a warm hug, with its smooth, creamy texture and sweet banana flavor. But what if I told you that you could enjoy this classic Southern treat in bite-sized form? Yep, you heard that right! Banana Pudding Bites are the perfect little indulgence for anyone who loves banana pudding but wants a fun, portable twist.

These adorable bites are perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a sweet snack to enjoy on your own. They have all the creamy goodness of traditional banana pudding, but in a perfectly bite-sized form. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make, and I promise you that even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip up these banana pudding bites in no time. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a family favorite, and you’ll find yourself making them for every occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Bites

There’s so much to love about these Banana Pudding Bites. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe is an absolute must-try:

1. Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and prep time, these bites come together effortlessly. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll feel like a pro by the time you’re done.
2. Mini Dessert, Big Flavor: These bites pack all the flavor of traditional banana pudding into a cute, bite-sized version that’s perfect for sharing—or for keeping to yourself (no judgment here!).
3. Kid-Friendly: Whether you’ve got little ones or you’re bringing them to a family event, these banana pudding bites are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Make Ahead: You can prep these bites in advance, making them an ideal dessert for busy days or parties.
5. Customizable: Feel free to play around with ingredients, whether you prefer a different kind of cookie or want to add an extra layer of fun toppings.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a long list of favorite desserts, but banana pudding has to be near the top. It’s a comfort food classic that never fails to make you feel cozy. And these Banana Pudding Bites? Well, they take that comfort food to the next level, while being just the right size for easy enjoyment.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 12-15 bites

Nutrition Facts

Calories per serving: 150
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for these delicious Banana Pudding Bites. Nothing too fancy here—just some simple pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Ingredients List

• 1 box vanilla wafers (or gluten-free cookies, if preferred)
  Vanilla wafers are the iconic base for banana pudding, but you can easily swap them out for gluten-free cookies if needed.
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  Fresh, ripe bananas are key to giving these bites that sweet banana flavor we all love.
• 1 cup heavy cream
  For the luscious, creamy pudding texture.
• 1 cup whole milk
  Used in combination with the heavy cream to achieve a smooth, rich pudding consistency.
• ½ cup sugar
  Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bananas and cookies.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  Helps thicken the pudding, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  A touch of vanilla adds depth of flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• ½ cup whipped topping or whipped cream
  For the finishing touch of creamy sweetness on top of each bite.
• Optional: Crushed vanilla wafers or crushed graham crackers for garnish
  These provide a crunchy topping that complements the softness of the pudding.

Why These Ingredients Matter:

• Vanilla wafers: These are a classic choice for banana pudding bites. They hold their shape well when layered with the pudding and banana slices, and they add that signature flavor to every bite.
• Heavy cream and whole milk: Combining these two ingredients ensures the pudding has a rich, smooth texture. This combination is key to achieving that perfect creamy base.
• Cornstarch: This little ingredient is a game-changer—it helps thicken the pudding to the right consistency so that it doesn’t run when you bite into these delicious mini desserts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Don’t worry, this part is super easy and will only take about 25 minutes. Follow the steps below, and I promise you’ll have perfect Banana Pudding Bites in no time.

1st Step: Prepare the Pudding

• In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir everything together over medium heat until it starts to warm up, then whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
• Once it begins to thicken, continue whisking for another 2-3 minutes until the pudding reaches a nice, smooth consistency.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a beautiful depth of flavor that complements the bananas and wafers perfectly.

2nd Step: Cool the Pudding

• Let the pudding cool to room temperature. You can speed this up by transferring it to a shallow dish and placing it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.

3rd Step: Assemble the Banana Pudding Bites

• While the pudding cools, slice your bananas into thin, round slices. The banana slices should be just thick enough to layer easily between the wafers but not too thick that they become hard to bite into.
• In mini muffin tins or cupcake liners, place a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each slot. This will be the base of your bites.
• Spoon a layer of pudding over the vanilla wafer. Add just enough to cover the wafer without overflowing.
• Add a slice of banana on top of the pudding layer.
• Repeat the process, layering another vanilla wafer, more pudding, and another banana slice, creating mini stacks. You can do 2-3 layers per bite, depending on how tall you want your bites.

4th Step: Top with Whipped Cream

• Once your bites are assembled, top each one with a dollop of whipped topping or homemade whipped cream. This will give them a lovely, creamy finish that adds a bit of lightness and texture.
• If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers on top for garnish. It’s totally optional, but it adds a delightful texture contrast.

5th Step: Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the Banana Pudding Bites for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This will allow the pudding to set properly, and it gives the flavors time to meld together.
• When ready to serve, remove them from the fridge, and enjoy!

How to Serve These Banana Pudding Bites

• Serve these Banana Pudding Bites as a fun, bite-sized dessert at any event, or enjoy them as a treat for yourself on a cozy afternoon.
• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a little caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the top.
• These bites also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re looking for a truly decadent dessert.

Additional Tips for Success

To make sure these Banana Pudding Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

1. Use ripe bananas: The bananas should be ripe but not overly soft. This gives the bites that perfect sweetness and texture.
2. Layer carefully: Be gentle when layering the pudding, bananas, and wafers to avoid the layers falling apart.
3. Let them set: It’s essential to chill the bites for at least 1-2 hours to ensure they hold together and the flavors blend well.
4. Make ahead: These bites can be made the night before your event, which makes them an excellent option for busy days.
5. Toppings: Experiment with toppings! Try crushed graham crackers, coconut flakes, or even mini chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking to customize these Banana Pudding Bites, here are some ideas:

• Chocolate lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty: For a crunchy, nutty addition, sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream.
• Coconut: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a tropical vibe.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve these Banana Pudding Bites with other mini desserts, like chocolate mousse cups or fruit skewers, for a fun dessert platter.
• For kids: Serve with a glass of milk or a fruit smoothie for a sweet treat that’s also a crowd-pleaser.

Freezing and Storing Leftovers

• Storage: Store leftover Banana Pudding Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re great for snacks or leftovers after a party!
• Freezing: While I recommend eating these fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap each bite tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought whipped cream or whipped topping for these Banana Pudding Bites.

How can I make these bites gluten-free?
Simply swap out the vanilla wafers for gluten-free cookies or use gluten-free graham crackers.

Can I make these Banana Pudding Bites ahead of time?
Yes! These bites actually get better when they chill for a few hours or even overnight. So, feel free to make them a day ahead.

What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?
No problem! You can assemble these in small dessert cups or even on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Just make sure they’re easy to grab and enjoy!

Print

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these Banana Pudding Bites. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because, I know they’ll be a hit. Don’t forget to snap a picture when you make them and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how your bites turn out!

So, go ahead and give these a try. You’ve got this!