Caramel Banana Pudding Cups

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Creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly sweet — these Caramel Banana Pudding Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert. With layers of buttery cookie crumbs, smooth banana pudding, sweet caramel, and fresh banana slices, every spoonful is pure comfort. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick make-ahead treat!

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Dessert

  • No-Bake & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes of prep.
  • Portable & Party-Perfect – Serve in cups, jars, or mini dessert bowls.
  • Make Ahead – Flavors get even better after chilling.
  • Customizable – Play around with toppings, cookies, and flavors.

📝 Ingredients

For the Caramel Banana Pudding:

  • 1 box (3.4 oz / 96g) instant banana pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whipped cream or Cool Whip

For the Layers:

  • 2–3 ripe bananas – sliced
  • 1 sleeve vanilla wafers or graham crackers – crushed
  • 1 ½ cups whipped cream or Cool Whip (for layering and topping)

🥣 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pudding

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together banana pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
  2. Stir in caramel sauce and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Gently fold in ½ cup of whipped cream or Cool Whip to make the pudding light and airy.

2️⃣ Layer the Cups

  1. In dessert cups or small jars, add a spoonful of crushed cookies as the base.
  2. Spoon in a layer of caramel banana pudding.
  3. Add fresh banana slices on top.
  4. Add a fluffy layer of whipped cream or Cool Whip.
  5. Repeat layers until the cups are filled to the top.

3️⃣ Top It Off

  1. Finish each cup with a dollop of whipped cream.
  2. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
  3. Garnish with a banana slice, cookie crumble, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

4️⃣ Chill & Serve

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the texture set.

📌 Tips & Variations

  • Caramel Upgrade: Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty twist.
  • Extra Crunch: Lightly toast the crushed cookies before layering.
  • Nutty Flavor: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts between layers.
  • Chocolate Touch: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for added indulgence.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: Top with colorful sprinkles for a playful presentation.

🍽 Serving Ideas

  • Serve these in mason jars for picnics or barbecues.
  • Make mini shooter versions for dessert buffets.
  • Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

💛 Final Thoughts

These Caramel Banana Pudding Cups are the kind of dessert that disappears fast — smooth, creamy, and layered with sweet nostalgia. Whether you make them for a crowd or just for yourself, they’ll be a guaranteed hit.

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