Walking Banana Pudding is a playful, no-bake dessert twist on the classic banana pudding. Served in individual mini wafer bags, it’s a perfect portable treat layered with pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped topping—ideal for parties, picnics, or kids’ events.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—just 10 minutes of prep
- No cooking or baking required
- Fun and mess-free individual servings
- Customizable with different pudding flavors or toppings
- Great for on-the-go or large gatherings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Instant vanilla or banana cream pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Individual snack-sized bags of vanilla wafers
- Fresh bananas, sliced
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip or Reddi-Wip)
Directions
- Prepare the pudding by mixing the instant pudding mix with cold milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Open each mini wafer bag by cutting the top or folding down the sides.
- Layer in a few banana slices and a spoonful of pudding into each bag.
- Top with whipped topping.
- Serve immediately for crispy cookies or chill for 30 minutes for a softer texture.
Servings and timing
- Servings: About 12 individual bags
- Prep time: 8–10 minutes
- No cooking required
Variations
- Use chocolate, cheesecake, or coconut pudding for flavor twists
- Add toppings like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts
- Replace vanilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread cookies
- Use dairy-free pudding and whipped topping for a vegan version
- Add caramel drizzle or peanut butter chips for extra indulgence
storage/reheating
- Best served fresh to keep the wafers crispy
- For softer texture, chill assembled bags up to 1 hour
- Store unassembled components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Do not freeze or microwave
FAQs
How long does pudding take to set?
About 5 minutes after mixing with cold milk.
Can I use premade pudding cups?
Yes, they work perfectly for convenience.
How do I prevent banana slices from browning?
Lightly coat them with lemon juice to slow oxidation.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, but for best texture, assemble just before serving.
What if I don’t have mini wafer bags?
Use small zip-top bags or cups with crushed cookies.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free vanilla wafers and check the pudding mix label.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Use non-dairy milk, pudding mix, and whipped topping.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes, try strawberries, blueberries, or peaches.
Are these good for kids’ parties?
Absolutely—fun, portioned, and easy to eat.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pudding and toppings separately in the fridge.
Conclusion
Walking Banana Pudding offers the comfort of classic banana pudding in a fun, portable format. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or need a quick dessert, these individually portioned treats are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
PrintWalking Banana Pudding
A playful twist on classic banana pudding served in a portable ‘walking’ format—layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and fresh bananas in individual cups perfect for picnics or on‑the‑go treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No‑Bake/Assemble and Chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (12‑oz) package vanilla wafers
- 1 (5.1‑oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8‑oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: crushed wafers for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Gently fold whipped topping into pudding until smooth and creamy.
- In 6–8 portable cups or jars, layer: vanilla wafers (broken to fit), pudding mixture, and banana slices. Repeat until container is nearly full, ending with pudding.
- Top with a few banana slices and optional crushed wafers.
- Seal with lids or cover with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Grab a spoon and enjoy your walking banana pudding on the go!
Notes
- Use banana slices just before serving to prevent browning, or toss with a little lemon juice.
- Substitute homemade vanilla pudding if desired.
- Make ahead up to one day in advance; stash in cooler for portability.
- For extra texture, add a layer of chopped nuts or toffee bits.
- Use single‑serve clear cups for a fun presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200 g)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg