Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups Recipe

Looking for a fun and decadent twist on traditional banana pudding? These Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups combine the creamy, comforting flavors of classic banana pudding with a rich chocolate coating for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for individual servings at parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat, these pudding cups are easy to make and bursting with flavor. The smooth banana pudding is layered with crushed vanilla wafers and bananas, and topped with a luscious layer of chocolate. Read on for the complete recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to create these delightful treats!

What are Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups?

Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups take the beloved banana pudding to a whole new level by adding a chocolate coating on top of individual pudding servings. Each cup features layers of creamy banana pudding, fresh banana slices, and vanilla wafer crumbs. The crowning glory is a rich, glossy chocolate ganache that creates a shell-like top when chilled, adding a beautiful contrast to the soft pudding beneath. These individual-sized treats are perfect for parties or anytime you want a grab-and-go dessert that’s both nostalgic and modern.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups

For the Banana Pudding:

1. 1 (5.1-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix – The base of the banana pudding for a quick and easy preparation.
2. 2 cups whole milk – Creates a creamy, rich pudding texture.
3. 1 cup heavy cream – Adds extra creaminess and richness to the pudding.
4. 2 large ripe bananas, mashed – Adds authentic banana flavor to the pudding.
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the pudding.
6. ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional) – Optional, depending on how sweet you like your pudding.

For the Layers:

1. 20-24 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed – Classic vanilla wafers provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy pudding.
2. 2 large ripe bananas, sliced – Adds fresh banana slices for extra flavor and texture.

For the Chocolate Topping:

1. 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The base for a rich chocolate topping.
2. ¾ cup heavy cream – Helps create a smooth and glossy ganache.
3. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Adds shine and smoothness to the chocolate ganache.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or cookies in place of the regular ones.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk, heavy cream, and butter with dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan butter.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the chocolate ganache for a chocolate-peanut butter topping.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Instead of a full chocolate topping, you can sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers for a lighter chocolate element.
• Extra Crunch: Add a layer of crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans between the pudding layers for added texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Pudding

1. Mix the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and heavy cream until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the bananas and vanilla: Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl and stir them into the pudding mixture. Add the vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
3. Optional sweetener: If you prefer your pudding sweeter, stir in ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
4. Chill the pudding: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pudding for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Wafer and Banana Layers

1. Crush the vanilla wafers: Place the vanilla wafers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands until they form small crumbs. You want some fine crumbs and a few larger pieces for texture.
2. Slice the bananas: Slice the remaining two bananas into thin rounds. Set aside for layering.

Step 3: Assemble the Banana Pudding Cups

1. Layer the vanilla wafers: In each cup or jar (small glass cups or mason jars work well), add a spoonful of crushed vanilla wafers as the base layer.
2. Add pudding: Spoon a layer of banana pudding over the wafer crumbs, about 2-3 tablespoons.
3. Add banana slices: Arrange a few banana slices over the pudding layer.
4. Repeat layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafer crumbs, followed by more banana pudding and banana slices. Repeat until the cups are about ¾ full, finishing with a layer of banana pudding on top.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
2. Add chocolate chips: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
3. Stir the ganache: Add the butter to the mixture and stir until smooth, glossy, and fully combined. If the ganache is too thick, you can add a little more warm cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Top and Chill the Pudding Cups

1. Top with chocolate ganache: Spoon or pour a generous layer of chocolate ganache over the top of each pudding cup, spreading it out evenly to cover the surface. The ganache should form a smooth, glossy layer.
2. Chill the pudding cups: Place the pudding cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve chilled: Once the pudding cups are fully chilled and the chocolate topping has set, they’re ready to enjoy! You can serve them as-is, or garnish with whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers, or fresh banana slices.

How to Cook Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make the pudding: Combine instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, heavy cream, and mashed bananas for a rich, creamy banana-flavored pudding.
2. Layer the pudding cups: Layer crushed vanilla wafers, pudding, and banana slices for the perfect balance of textures.
3. Top with chocolate ganache: Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and butter to create a smooth, shiny ganache that tops the pudding cups.
4. Chill and enjoy: Let the cups chill in the fridge so the layers can set and the chocolate topping can harden slightly for the perfect dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not chilling the pudding long enough: Make sure to chill the pudding for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken and set properly.
2. Skipping the mashed bananas in the pudding: The mashed bananas add an extra layer of flavor to the pudding, so don’t skip them!
3. Overheating the cream for the ganache: Don’t let the cream boil when making the chocolate ganache. If it gets too hot, it can cause the chocolate to seize up and lose its smooth texture.
4. Using underripe bananas: Make sure the bananas are fully ripe for the best flavor. Overripe bananas work well in this recipe, as they provide maximum sweetness and banana flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• How to Serve Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups: These pudding cups are best served chilled. For a little extra flair, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate shavings on top.
• Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups: For a fun and elegant presentation, layer the pudding in clear glass cups or mason jars to show off the beautiful layers of pudding, bananas, and chocolate. Garnish each cup with a banana slice or a small piece of chocolate.

Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the pudding cups up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them, and they’ll be ready to go when you are!
• Storage: Store the pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover them tightly to keep the pudding fresh.
• Freezing: These pudding cups don’t freeze well due to the bananas and cream, but they keep nicely in the fridge for several days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
A: Yes! If you prefer, you can make your own homemade vanilla pudding instead of using instant pudding. Just make sure to let it cool completely before assembling the cups.

Q: Can I make this dessert in one large dish instead of individual cups?
A: Absolutely! You can layer the ingredients in a 9x13-inch dish or similar-sized baking dish instead of individual cups. Simply layer the vanilla wafers, pudding, and bananas as you would in the cups, and then top with the chocolate ganache.

Q: What type of chocolate should I use for the ganache?
A: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for a balanced flavor, but you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter ganache or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.

Q: Can I add whipped cream to the layers?
A: Yes! You can add a layer of whipped cream between the pudding and the chocolate ganache or serve the cups topped with whipped cream for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

There you have it—delicious Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups that combine the creamy comfort of banana pudding with a rich, decadent chocolate topping. This fun and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With layers of crushed vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, smooth pudding, and glossy chocolate ganache, these pudding cups will satisfy any sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!

Print