Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups Recipe

Craving a delicious dessert that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Look no further than Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups! These delightful treats combine the rich creaminess of banana pudding with a decadent chocolate topping, creating a dessert that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a quiet evening treat, these pudding cups will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Keep reading to learn how to make these irresistible Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups, with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and some creative presentation ideas!

this Recipe

What Are Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups?

Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups are a layered dessert consisting of smooth banana-flavored pudding, fresh banana slices, and a crispy layer of melted chocolate on top. The combination of creamy banana pudding, crunchy chocolate, and the natural sweetness of bananas is a perfect match. These pudding cups can be served individually, making them a convenient and elegant choice for entertaining or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re versatile, allowing you to customize them to suit your preferences with different variations and substitutions.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups

Before we get into the step-by-step guide, let’s review the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious dessert cups. Here’s a list of everything required for the base banana pudding layer:

1. Banana Pudding
   • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
   • 2 cups cold milk
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
2. Bananas
   • 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced into thin rounds
3. Whipped Cream
   • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or use store-bought whipped cream for convenience)
   • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
   • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4. Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers
   • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers (for a crunchy base)
5. Chocolate Topping
   • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or any chocolate of your choice)
   • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter (to help with smooth melting)

Ingredients List for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups (Optional Variations)

Feel free to add a personal touch to your Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups with the following optional ingredients:

1. Peanut Butter
   • ¼ cup peanut butter (swirled into the banana pudding for a peanut butter banana twist)
2. Chocolate Sauce
   • Store-bought or homemade chocolate sauce to drizzle on top for extra indulgence
3. Crushed Nuts
   • ¼ cup chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans for added crunch and flavor
4. Caramel Sauce
   • A drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the dessert’s sweetness

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups is that they are incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or accommodate dietary restrictions. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:

1. Dairy-Free Option:
   If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk in the pudding mix. Use coconut cream instead of whipped cream and choose dairy-free chocolate chips for the topping.
2. Gluten-Free Version:
   To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free, including the chocolate chips and pudding mix.
3. Healthier Option:
   Want to lighten the recipe? Use a sugar-free pudding mix, opt for dark chocolate (70% or higher cacao), and substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
4. Different Pudding Flavors:
   While banana pudding is classic, you can experiment with other pudding flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even caramel to switch things up!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups is easier than you might think! Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can follow along with ease.

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and sets. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to fully set while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Slice the Bananas
   While the pudding is setting, slice your ripe bananas into thin, even rounds. Make sure the slices aren’t too thick, as you want them to layer well within the pudding cups.
3. Whip the Cream
   In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. You can also skip this step if you’re using store-bought whipped cream.
4. Crush the Vanilla Wafers/Graham Crackers
   Place the vanilla wafers or graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they’re finely crumbled. These crumbs will form the base of your pudding cups, adding a satisfying crunch.
5. Layer the Ingredients in Cups
   Grab your serving cups or dessert glasses and begin layering. Start with a tablespoon of crushed vanilla wafers at the bottom of each cup. Next, add a layer of banana slices, followed by a generous scoop of banana pudding. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, leaving some room at the top for whipped cream and chocolate.
6. Top with Whipped Cream
   Add a dollop of whipped cream to each pudding cup, smoothing it out to create a nice, even layer.
7. Melt the Chocolate
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
8. Add the Chocolate Layer
   Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the top of each pudding cup, ensuring it covers the whipped cream completely. This will form a hard chocolate shell as it cools.
9. Chill the Pudding Cups
   Place the pudding cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to harden and the pudding to set. Once chilled, they’re ready to serve!

How to Cook Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these pudding cups involves assembling the layers with care, but there’s no baking required. Just follow the process of layering banana pudding, bananas, whipped cream, and melted chocolate to create a beautiful and indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Chilling the Pudding Long Enough:
   If you don’t let the banana pudding set properly before layering, it may be too runny and cause the layers to blend together.
2. Overheating the Chocolate:
   Be careful when melting the chocolate in the microwave—overheating can cause it to burn. Stir regularly and melt it slowly.
3. Bananas Turning Brown:
   Bananas can turn brown if left out too long, so slice and layer them right before assembling the pudding cups.
4. Not Letting the Chocolate Set:
   Make sure to refrigerate the pudding cups long enough for the chocolate topping to harden into a crisp shell before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve made your Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups, let’s talk about serving and presentation. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert:

1. How to Serve Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups
   These pudding cups are best served chilled. Use individual glass jars, ramekins, or small dessert cups for a neat and visually appealing presentation. Garnish with a small mint leaf or a dusting of cocoa powder to make the dessert even more inviting.
2. Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups
   For a professional touch, drizzle a little extra chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the chocolate layer. Alternatively, top with a slice of banana or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture.

Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead:
   You can prepare these pudding cups a day in advance. Just be sure to cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
2. Portion Control:
   Use small cups or shot glasses for a mini version of this dessert, perfect for parties or gatherings.
3. Experiment with Toppings:
   Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings. Try adding shaved chocolate, crushed cookies, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze these pudding cups?
A: While the pudding itself may not freeze well, the chocolate-covered topping will harden in the freezer. If you want a frozen treat, you can freeze them and serve as frozen banana pudding cups.

Q: How long do these pudding cups last in the fridge?
A: These pudding cups will stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups are a show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly simple to make. With layers of creamy banana pudding, fresh bananas, and a crispy chocolate shell, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore fun variations, you’ll love how easy it is to create something so delicious. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these delightful pudding cups with family and friends!

Print