Description
These adorable Banana Pudding Shots feature layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crushed vanilla wafers in individual cups. Perfect make-ahead party dessert that’s easy to serve and always impresses!
Ingredients
**For the Pudding Base:**
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
**For the Layers:**
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
2 tablespoons lemon juice
**For Garnish:**
Extra vanilla wafers for topping
Whipped cream
Caramel sauce (optional)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
**For Serving:**
24–30 clear plastic shot glasses or small dessert cups (2–3 oz capacity)
Instructions
1. In large bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk vigorously for 2 minutes until thick and smooth. Let sit 5 minutes to fully set.
2. In separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold whipped cream into thickened pudding using rubber spatula. Set aside.
4. Crush 2/3 of vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using food processor or sealed bag with rolling pin. Reserve remaining cookies whole.
5. Slice bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
6. Set up assembly station: arrange shot glasses on large tray, prepare pudding mixture, cookie crumbs, and banana slices.
7. First layer: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons crushed cookie crumbs into bottom of each shot glass, pressing gently.
8. Second layer: Add 2 tablespoons pudding mixture over cookie layer. Spread evenly or pipe with piping bag.
9. Third layer: Arrange 3-4 banana slices on pudding, pressing gently so they stick.
10. Repeat layers: Add another tablespoon cookie crumbs, more pudding, and final banana layer.
11. Top each shot with dollop of whipped cream and insert whole vanilla wafer at angle for garnish.
12. Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with extra cookie crumbs.
13. Cover entire tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours) before serving.
14. Serve chilled with small dessert spoons. Enjoy your Banana Pudding Shots!
Notes
Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
Assemble no more than 24 hours ahead for best appearance—bananas may brown after that.
Pudding mixture can be made 4 hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
Cookie crumbs can be prepared 2 days ahead and stored airtight.
Use clear cups to showcase beautiful layers.
For dairy-free: use plant milk, dairy-free pudding mix, and dairy-free whipped topping.
Whip cream to stiff peaks or pudding will be too runny for layering.
Let pudding sit full 5 minutes after mixing to thicken properly.
Store assembled shots covered in refrigerator up to 24 hours.
Plan for 1-2 shots per guest for appropriate portions.
Recipe easily doubles or triples for larger parties.
Add final whipped cream topping within 2-3 hours of serving.
This recipe makes 24-30 shots depending on cup size (2-3 oz cups).
Completely family-friendly with no restricted ingredients—just pudding, cream, bananas, cookies.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Dessert/Party Food
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot (2-3 oz)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Keywords: banana pudding shots, party dessert, mini desserts, layered dessert cups, banana pudding, football party food