3-Ingredient Banana Pudding Jars: Creamy Bliss in Minutes

Name: 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding Jars: Creamy Bliss in Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup whipped topping; 3 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed

Author: lia

Published: November 18, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest obsession—banana pudding jars! These adorable little desserts have saved my sanity more times than I can count. You know those days when you need a sweet treat but don’t want to fuss with a big dessert? That’s when I grab my mason jars and whip up these creamy, dreamy banana pudding jars. I first made them for a picnic last summer when my niece kept begging for “something special,” and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than ice cream in July. Now they’re my go-to for potlucks, lunchbox treats, and those “I deserve dessert” moments.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Jars

Trust me, these banana pudding jars are about to become your new favorite dessert. Here’s why:

Portable perfection: Take them anywhere—picnics, work, or even just to the couch for a cozy treat.
No-bake magic: No oven required! Just mix, layer, and chill. It’s almost too easy.
Creamy dreamy texture: The combo of silky pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy cookies is pure bliss in every bite.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids, adults, picky eaters—everyone goes crazy for these jars. They’re always a hit at gatherings!

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Jars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly banana pudding jars:

Pudding Base:
- 2 cups cold milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped topping (thawed if frozen)
Layers:
- 3 ripe bananas (sliced ¼-inch thick)
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies (crushed into small pieces)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Got a swap in mind? No problem! Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping for a tangy twist, or grab gluten-free cookies if needed. And don’t skip the ripe bananas—they’re sweeter and softer, which makes all the difference. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some caramel or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. Trust me, it’s worth it!

How to Make Banana Pudding Jars

Ready to make magic happen? Let’s layer up these dreamy banana pudding jars step by step—it’s so easy, you’ll be tempted to make a double batch!

Whip up the pudding base: Grab a big bowl and whisk together the cold milk and pudding mix for a full 2 minutes (set a timer—it makes all the difference!). You’ll see it thicken right before your eyes. Now gently fold in the whipped topping until just combined. Don’t overmix—we want it fluffy, not flat!
Prep your jars: I like using 8-ounce mason jars, but any small glasses work. Give them a quick rinse and dry so everything sticks nicely.
Layer like a pro: Start with a spoonful of pudding, then add banana slices (about 5 per layer), and a sprinkle of crushed cookies. Repeat until the jar’s nearly full, ending with pudding on top. Pro tip: tap the jar gently on the counter after each layer to settle everything without squishing.
The waiting game: Pop the lids on and chill for at least 1 hour—though if you can resist for 2-3 hours, the cookies soften just enough to be *chef’s kiss* perfect. The hardest part? Not eating them straight away!

Pro Tips for Perfect Layers

Slice bananas evenly (about ¼-inch thick) so they layer beautifully without sinking. Crush cookies coarsely—bigger pieces give that satisfying crunch! And here’s my secret: chill empty jars for 10 minutes before assembling. Cold jars keep the pudding from sliding around while you layer. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Serving and Storing Banana Pudding Jars

These little jars of joy taste best when served chilled—I like to pull them from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving so they’re cool but not icy. For the absolute best texture, enjoy them within 24 hours (though let’s be real—they never last that long in my house!). Store any leftovers (ha!) with airtight lids to keep everything fresh. Feeling fancy? Right before serving, I sometimes add a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of extra cookie crumbs—that extra crunch makes everyone ooh and ahh!

Banana Pudding Jars Nutrition Info

Just a quick heads up—nutrition varies slightly depending on your brands, but each jar averages about 320 calories with 10g fat and 52g carbs. Not bad for such a decadent little treat, right? Now go enjoy every creamy bite!

FAQ About Banana Pudding Jars

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the banana pudding jar mysteries solved:

“Can I make these ahead?” Absolutely! Assemble them the night before—just hold off on the very top cookie layer until serving so it stays crunchy. The flavors actually get better after chilling overnight!
“Homemade pudding okay?” Yes! Use your favorite cooked pudding recipe, but let it thicken completely before layering. If it’s too runny, your layers will slide—trust me, I learned this the messy way!
“Bananas browning too fast?” Toss slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice first. The acid slows browning without affecting taste. Or just embrace it—slightly brown bananas taste sweeter anyway!
“Can I freeze them?” Nope, the texture turns weird. But honestly, they’re so delicious, freezing shouldn’t even be necessary!
“No vanilla wafers?” Try graham crackers, shortbread, or even animal crackers in a pinch—they all bring that perfect crunch!

Share Your Banana Pudding Jars

I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media if you share them—nothing makes me happier than seeing your happy jar-filled photos. You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest!