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–+ servings
Banana Pudding Dessert Cups With Fresh Strawberries

Banana Pudding Dessert Cups With Fresh Strawberries – A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Treat

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Vanilla pudding: 3.5–5.1 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix (or 2 cups homemade vanilla pudding).
  • Milk: 2 cups cold milk for instant pudding (use the amount your box calls for).
  • Bananas: 3–4 ripe, firm bananas, sliced.
  • Strawberries: 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced.
  • Cookies: 2–3 cups vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or graham crackers (whole or lightly crushed).
  • Whipped cream: 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping.
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon, optional, to boost flavor.
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, optional, to keep banana slices from browning.
  • Powdered sugar: 1–2 tablespoons, optional, to lightly sweeten strawberries if they’re tart.
  • Mint leaves: A few for garnish, optional.
  • Serving cups: 8–10 small clear cups (6–8 oz each) or 6 larger cups.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the fruit: Hull and slice the strawberries. If they’re not very sweet, toss with a teaspoon or two of powdered sugar and let sit 5 minutes. Slice the bananas just before assembling. For extra insurance against browning, lightly toss banana slices with lemon juice.
  • Make the pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes. Let it thicken for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract if using. If using homemade pudding, make sure it’s fully chilled.
  • Crush or sort the cookies: Leave some cookies whole for layers and lightly crush the rest for texture. You want small chunks, not fine crumbs.
  • Set up a layering station: Arrange cups, pudding, bananas, strawberries, cookies, and whipped cream within reach. This keeps assembly quick and tidy.
  • First layer – cookies: Add a layer of cookies to the bottom of each cup. This creates a base that softens into a cake-like bite.
  • Second layer – pudding: Spoon a generous layer of vanilla pudding over the cookies. Tap cups gently to settle.
  • Third layer – fruit: Add banana slices, then a few strawberry slices. Keep a few pretty slices for the top.
  • Repeat layers: Add another round of cookies, pudding, and fruit until cups are nearly full. Leave space for whipped cream on top.
  • Top with whipped cream: Spoon or pipe whipped cream over each cup. Garnish with a strawberry slice, a banana coin, a cookie, and a mint leaf if you like.
  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour so the flavors meld and the cookies soften slightly. They’re best within 24 hours.
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