Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups Recipe

Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dessert that combines creamy banana pudding with the richness of chocolate? These chocolate-covered banana pudding cups are the perfect treat! With layers of smooth banana pudding, crunchy vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and a decadent chocolate shell, they make for a delightful single-serving dessert that’s great for parties, family gatherings, or even a fun weeknight treat. Not only do they look impressive, but they’re also super easy to make. Want to know how to whip up these tasty little cups of joy? Keep reading for the full recipe!

this Recipe

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What are Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups?

Chocolate-covered banana pudding cups are a twist on the classic banana pudding dessert. Instead of serving banana pudding in a large dish, these are portioned into individual cups and topped with a layer of rich, melted chocolate that hardens to form a crunchy shell. Each cup has layers of creamy banana pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all enclosed in a chocolate coating. They offer the perfect balance of textures—creamy, crunchy, and smooth—with the added indulgence of a chocolate topping.

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Ingredients List for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups

Banana Pudding:

• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream topping)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

• 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed or whole (for layering)

Chocolate Coating:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable oil (to help the chocolate harden smoothly)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles
• Whipped cream for garnish

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Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or cookies to make the dessert gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk for almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free whipped topping instead of heavy cream. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate for the coating.
• Pudding Flavor Variations: Try using vanilla or chocolate pudding instead of banana for a twist. You could even mix the two for a layered pudding effect.
• Add Peanut Butter: Mix a little peanut butter into the chocolate coating for a chocolate-peanut butter twist that pairs beautifully with the bananas.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Pudding:

• Make the Pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened, then let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
• Make the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
• Combine: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the banana pudding to make it extra creamy and light. Reserve the other half of the whipped cream for topping later.

2. Assemble the Banana Pudding Cups:

• Layer the Ingredients: In small serving cups or dessert glasses, layer the pudding, followed by a layer of crushed vanilla wafers, and then a few banana slices. Repeat this process until your cups are filled, ending with a layer of banana pudding on top.
• Chill the Cups: Place the assembled pudding cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Make the Chocolate Coating:

• Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable oil) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
• Cool Slightly: Let the melted chocolate cool for a few minutes to avoid melting the pudding when you pour it on top.

4. Cover the Pudding Cups with Chocolate:

• Add the Chocolate Layer: Remove the chilled pudding cups from the refrigerator. Pour a generous spoonful of melted chocolate over the top of each pudding cup, completely covering the pudding layer. The chocolate will harden as it cools, forming a crunchy shell.
• Chill Again: Return the cups to the fridge for another 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully harden.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Add Toppings: Before serving, top the chocolate-covered pudding cups with a dollop of whipped cream, extra crushed vanilla wafers, or shaved chocolate if desired.
• Serve: Serve these delicious chocolate-covered banana pudding cups chilled for the best flavor and texture.

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

1. Make Creamy Banana Pudding: Whisk the pudding mix with milk and let it thicken. Lighten it up with homemade whipped cream for an ultra-smooth and creamy texture.
2. Layering Technique: Alternating layers of pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
3. Chocolate Shell: The secret to getting a smooth chocolate shell is melting the chocolate slowly and adding coconut oil. This makes it easy to pour and ensures a glossy, firm coating.
4. Chill for Success: Chilling the pudding and chocolate layers allows the dessert to set properly and creates distinct layers with contrasting textures.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas can get mushy in the pudding and affect the texture. Use bananas that are ripe but still firm for the best results.
• Not Chilling Enough: Make sure to chill the pudding cups long enough so the flavors can meld together and the chocolate has time to harden. Rushing this step can lead to a runny pudding or soft chocolate shell.
• Burning the Chocolate: When melting chocolate, go slow! Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate. Adding coconut oil also helps with smoothness and shine.
• Overfilling Cups: Don’t fill the cups too high with pudding, leaving room for the chocolate topping and any garnish.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups:

• Chilled: Serve these pudding cups chilled, straight from the fridge. The cold pudding combined with the firm chocolate shell makes each bite satisfying.
• Perfect for Parties: These pudding cups are ideal for parties or gatherings because they’re individually portioned and easy to serve.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups:

• Layered Glass Jars: Serve the pudding cups in clear glass jars or dessert cups to show off the beautiful layers of banana pudding, cookies, and chocolate.
• Whipped Cream Garnish: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top just before serving for an extra creamy and indulgent look.
• Extra Drizzle of Chocolate: If you want to go all out, drizzle a little extra melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a fancy finish.

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Chocolate Covered Banana Pudding Cups Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pudding cups in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the chocolate layer just before serving to ensure it stays crunchy.
• Banana Prevention: To keep the banana slices from browning, lightly brush them with lemon juice before layering them into the pudding.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes about 6 small pudding cups. If you’re serving a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these pudding cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the banana pudding cups a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add the chocolate layer and garnishes before serving.

What type of chocolate should I use?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works best for the topping, but you can also use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste.

Can I use pre-made pudding?
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought banana pudding to save time. Just assemble the cups with the other ingredients and follow the same steps.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pudding cups in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

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Conclusion

These chocolate-covered banana pudding cups are a fun and delicious twist on a classic dessert. The combination of creamy banana pudding, crunchy vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a rich chocolate shell makes this dessert truly irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or just want to treat yourself, these easy-to-make pudding cups are sure to satisfy. With the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, these treats will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

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