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Banana Parfaits are an easy no bake version of banana pudding inside a cup! Easy to make with layers of instant banana pudding, freshly whipped cream, banana slices, and crushed Nilla Wafers.

For more desserts that use instant banana pudding try my Chessmen Cookie Banana Pudding and this Banana Cream Pie.

Banana Parfaits Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana pudding or banana cream pie then you are going to love these banana parfaits! They’re a handheld dessert in a cup and there is no baking involved.

These parfaits have layers of Nilla Wafers, a layer of banana pudding, a layer of fresh banana slices, and then a layer of freshly whipped cream.

Serve these parfaits in clear plastic cups, parfait cups, or glass cups for the best presentation.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the ingredients that you will need to make banana pudding parfaits in a cup. I also share some tips for some of the ingredients so that you can have success recreating this recipe in your own kitchen.

Heavy Cream – This is either sold as ‘heavy whipping cream’ or ‘heavy cream’ and either one works just fine. My store has heavy whipping cream so that is what I use. The whipped cream layer uses heavy cream as well as the banana pudding layer.
Powdered Sugar – This is the sweetener for the whipped cream layer and the instant banana pudding layer.
Vanilla Extract – I highly recommend using pure vanilla extract (in all baking recipes) rather than imitation vanilla. The taste is so much better!
Nilla Wafers – These need to broken or chopped into medium sized pieces. You can use a box of mini Nilla Wafers and leave them whole if wanted. It just depends on the size of Nilla Wafers that you want in the parfait cups.
Bananas – You need 4 medium sized bananas for this recipe. Once you slice them, drizzle some bottled lemon juice to prevent browning.
Cream Cheese – I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best taste and texture. You can use reduced-fat if wanted as well.
Instant Banana Pudding – One small box is what you need. Just dump in the dry contents and do not prepare it according to the package instructions.

How To Make Banana Pudding Parfaits with Instant Pudding

Learn how to make this easy, no bake dessert recipe with fresh layers of banana, pudding, Nilla Wafers, and whipped cream.

Prepare The Whipped Cream Layer : In a mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, or use a stand mixer, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This takes about 4-5 minutes. Start on low speed and increase speed as it thickens. You should end on high speed. Set this aside until assembly.
Nilla Wafers : Roughly chop or break these up into medium-sized pieces. You could also use mini Nilla Wafers and just use them as is in the banana parfaits.
Prepare The Banana Pudding Layer : In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract until creamy and combined. Add the instant banana pudding and beat together. It will look weird and chunky at this point, but we’ll fix that later. With the mixer on low speed, add the heavy cream, and beat until combined. Add the powdered sugar and beat to combine.
Banana Slices : Slice each banana and place them on a plate or a bowl. Sprinkle some bottled lemon juice over the banana slices to prevent browning.
Assembly : Start with a layer of Nilla Wafers. A layer of banana pudding. A layer of banana slices. A layer of whipped cream. Repeat until the cups is full.
Serving : These can be served right away OR you can refrigerate them for up to 2-3 hours before serving. I prefer to refrigerate them for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the Nilla Wafers to get a softer texture. If you serve them right away, the Nilla Wafers will still have that crunchy cookie texture.

Tips For Success

Here are a few of my helpful tips that will hopefully make this recipe easy to make for your own family.

Pretty Layers : To get those really pretty layers use a piping bag or Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. You can also just use a spoon and spoon some into the layer. I like to use a piping bag and a large 1A tip. You can also put the whipped cream and banana pudding into gallon-sized Ziploc bags and then snip the corner off, and pipe it into the cup that way.
Dairy Products : For best taste and texture I recommend using full-fat, regular cream cheese and not the reduced-fat cream cheese. But if wanted, yes you can use reduced-fat cream cheese with just fine results.
Use Mini Nilla Wafers : If you want to skip the chopping of the Nilla Wafers, use a box of mini sized Nilla Wafers instead.
Refrigerate Before Serving : These banana parfaits taste much better when they’re cold and when they have been refrigerated for at least a couple hours. The fridge time allows the parfait to chill, it also allows time for the Nilla Wafers to soften slightly, and the flavors will develop. Because you used lemon juice on the banana slices, the banana won’t overly brown during a 2-4 hour fridge time.