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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Published: Jun 8, 2023 ·Updated: Jun 8, 2023 by Sabra · Leave a Comment

    Banana Pudding in a Jar

    Jump to Recipe Rate this Recipe
    mason jars filled with layered banana pudding and topped with cool whip and a vanilla wafer

    Experience a taste of the South with this Southern Banana Pudding in a Jar. Layers of velvety vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and classic vanilla wafers, all conveniently packaged in a mason jar for easy serving make this classic dessert even more accessible and perfect for any occasion.

    homemade banana pudding in glass mason jars

    This Mom's Menu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links but all opinions are my own. I may earn money from purchases made through the links shared here (at no additional cost to you)

    Banana pudding is definitely in my top 10 list of favorite desserts. It requires no cooking at all which makes it my go-to in the hot summer months and serving it in a jar makes it perfect for easy serving at barbecues and picnics.

    Be sure to also check out my banana split pie and my recipe for delicious s'mores bars for more great summer dessert options.

    Jump to:
    • Banana Pudding Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations of Banana Pudding
    • How to Store Banana Pudding
    • FAQs
    • Top tip:
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Banana Pudding Ingredients

    Even though banana pudding is a classic dessert, there are about a billion ways to make it. Each family and region have their own spin. I have listed two common recipes which are both delicious and easy!

    some of the ingredient options for homemade banana pudding in mason jars including glass jars, nilla wafers, bananas, vanilla pudding mix, cream, and sweetened condensed milk.
    • Bananas - Ripe bananas that still have a little green on the stem, but fully yellow bodies with a few small brown spots will work best.
    • Vanilla Wafers - You can swap with shortbread cookies or any crisp vanilla cookie that you like.
    • Cool Whip, Milk, and Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix OR Heavy Whipping Cream, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Vanilla instant pudding mix

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    This recipe is seriously easy. It only takes a few minutes and absolutely zero cooking.

    vanilla pudding in a glass bowl with bananas on the side

    Start out by whisking together the pudding mix with the mix until there are no lumps. Let this mixture chill in the fridge for a few minutes while you slice the bananas and break up the vanilla wafers.

    Cool whip being folded into vanilla pudding in a large glass mixing bowl.

    Once the pudding has chilled for at least 5 minutes, gently fold in the cool whip until it is smooth and completely mixed together.

    Tip: I used just under ¼ cup of vanilla wafers, 4-5 slices of banana, and just over ¼ cup of pudding for each layer.

    three mixing bowls filled with crushed vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and vanilla pudding

    To assemble the banana pudding place a third of the vanilla wafers, a third of the banana slices, and a third of the pudding into each jar. Repeat the layers 2 more times.

    4 jars filled with homemade banana pudding.

    Let the jars chill for at least 4 hours before serving. After 8 hours the bananas may begin to brown, but they will still taste great. Top with additional whipped cream and vanilla wafers to serve if desired.

    The alternate inspired by the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, is included in the recipe carb below.

    Tip: To make filling the jars super easy, place the pudding in a piping bag or even a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Squeeze it into the jars for each pudding layer.

    Variations of Banana Pudding

    Here are some of my favorite ways to change up this recipe:

    • Low Carb/Sugar Free Banana Pudding - Swap this recipe for my low-carb banana pudding. It is delicious and tastes so much like the real thing!
    • Try it with other fruit - Try swapping the bananas for fresh berries or sliced peaches to completely change up this simple recipe.
    • Peanut Butter and Banana Pudding - Use nutter butter cookies in place of the vanilla wafers and mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the vanilla pudding if desired.

    See this keto banana pudding for a great low-carb treat!

    How to Store Banana Pudding

    Store the banana pudding jars, with the lids on in the fridge for up to 5 days. After the first day, the bananas will begin to brown and the jars won't be as pretty, but they will still taste great!

    I do not suggest freezing banana pudding.

    FAQs

    Will banana pudding last longer in jars?

    While I don't have any scientific proof, anecdotally I have noticed that the bananas do seem to brown at a slower rate when banana pudding is made in a jar and stored in the fridge with the lid on. If you try it, I would love to know if you have the same experience!

    Can I use different types of cookies in banana pudding?

    While traditional banana pudding uses vanilla wafers, you can experiment with different cookies if desired. Some popular alternatives include shortbread cookies or ladyfingers. The choice of cookie can add a unique twist to the dessert.

    Top tip:

    • To make filling the jars super easy, place the pudding in a piping bag or even a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Squeeze it into the jars for each pudding layer.

    📖 Recipe

    Layers of banana slices, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers in a jar

    Banana Pudding in a Jar

    Sabra - This Mom's Menu
    Experience a taste of the South with this Southern Banana Pudding in a Jar. Layers of velvety vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and classic vanilla wafers, all conveniently packaged in a mason jar for easy serving make this classic dessert even more accessible and perfect for any occasion.
    5
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 8 Servings
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Chilling Time: 4 hours hrs

    Equipment

    • 8 16-Ounce Mason Jars

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 Ripe Bananas
    • 11 oz Vanilla Wafers
    • 3 cups Cold Milk
    • 5.1 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
    • 8 oz Cool Whip thawed, plus additional for serving

    Alternate Pudding Recipe:

    • 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 1 ½ cups Cold Water
    • 3.4 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
    • 3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl whisk together the milk and pudding mix until there are no lumps. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes while you peel and slice the bananas in ¼ inch slices.
      5.1 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix, 3 cups Cold Milk
    • Gently fold the cool whip into the pudding mixture until it is fully combined.
      8 oz Cool Whip
    • Break the vanilla wafers into pieces. Place ⅓ of the vanilla wafers into the bottom of the mason jars, top with ⅓ of the banana slices, followed by ⅓ of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers 2 more times. Top the final pudding layer with vanilla wafer crumbs if desired.
      I used just under ¼ cup of vanilla wafers, 4-5 slices of banana, and just over ¼ cup of pudding for each layer.
      4 Ripe Bananas, 11 oz Vanilla Wafers
    • Cover the jars and chill for 4-8 hours. After 8 hours the bananas will begin to brown.

    Alternate Pudding Method:

    • In a large bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk and water.
      14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1 ½ cups Cold Water
    • Whisk the pudding mix into the water and condensed milk until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until it is firm.
      3.4 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
    • In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it has nearly doubled in volume and stiff peaks form.
      3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
    • Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until it is smooth and fully combined.

    Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.

    The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 JarCalories: 409kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 334mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 149IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 0.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thismomsmenu or tag #thismomsmenu

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    Hi! I am Sabra and I'm the face behind This Mom's Menu. I live just outside of Louisville Kentucky with my husband and four kids. Here at This Mom's Menu, you can expect to find family-friendly, healthy recipes plus articles about what is helping me get through my daily to-do list with a little sanity to spare! My favorite things right now are fresh flowers, eggs, and re-runs of The Office ...

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