Mini Mason Jar Banana Puddings

Growing up, banana pudding was the dessert that always made an appearance at summer barbecues, family reunions, and church potlucks.

This version puts a fun, portable twist on the classic: Mini Mason Jar Banana Puddings. They’re creamy, layered, and easy to serve—no slicing or scooping needed!

The recipe is simple and quick, requiring just a few ingredients, including whipped topping and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

You can also garnish with crushed Nilla wafers or banana slices for an appealing presentation.

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Recipe Highlights

These adorable banana puddings are built in individual mason jars for convenience, presentation, and portion control.

They’re made with layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, Nilla wafers, and a fluffy whipped topping that’s hard to resist.

You can make them ahead and keep them chilled until it’s time to serve—perfect for busy summer days or feeding a crowd.

Each jar captures that perfect nostalgic combo of soft bananas, crunchy cookies, and velvety pudding.

Highlights:

• Classic banana pudding flavor in a single-serve jar
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• Chill-and-serve convenience—great for making ahead
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• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
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• No slicing or scooping needed
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• Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks

Delightful Presentation of Mini Banana Puddings

Mini mason jars filled with layers of creamy banana pudding create a charming dessert that is perfect for any gathering. These jars are not only visually appealing but also easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions.

The combination of instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and sliced ripe bananas forms the base of this delightful treat. Topped with whipped topping and garnished with crushed Nilla wafers or banana slices, each jar offers a burst of flavor and texture that is sure to impress your guests.

Layering the Ingredients

Creating these mini banana puddings is a straightforward process that involves layering ingredients in each mason jar.

Start with a layer of Nilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, and then a generous layer of creamy vanilla pudding.

This layering technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures that every bite is a delicious combination of flavors.

Repeat the layers until the jars are filled, allowing for a beautiful display of colors and textures.

The final touch is a dollop of whipped topping on each jar, adding a light and airy finish to the dessert.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A quick and easy base for the pudding layer—smooth and creamy.
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• Cold Milk: Helps the instant pudding set quickly. Use whole milk for a richer texture.
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• Bananas: Fresh and sliced thin—ripe but not mushy for best flavor and texture.
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• Nilla Wafers: The classic cookie for banana pudding—slightly crunchy at first, then softens beautifully as it chills.
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• Whipped Topping: Adds that light, fluffy finishing layer. You can use Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream.
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• Optional Garnishes: Crushed Nilla wafers, banana slices, or a sprig of mint.

How to Make My Mini Mason Jar Banana Puddings

1. Make the Pudding: Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, then let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
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2. Layer the Jars: In each mason jar (4 to 6 ounces), layer 2 to 3 Nilla wafers, a couple spoonfuls of pudding, and sliced bananas. Repeat the layers.
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3. Top with Whipped Topping: Add a generous spoonful of whipped topping to each jar. Smooth the top or add a decorative swirl.
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4. Chill: Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the flavors meld and cookies soften.
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5. Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, top with a banana slice, crushed cookies, or mint if desired.

Enhancing Flavor with Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice is a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavors of the pudding.

It adds a subtle brightness that complements the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the pudding.

Incorporating lemon juice into the pudding mixture is a quick step that elevates the overall taste of this dessert.

Mixing the lemon juice with the instant vanilla pudding and whole milk creates a smooth and flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

This small addition makes a noticeable difference in the final product.

Garnishing for Visual Appeal

Garnishing the mini banana puddings is where creativity can shine. After topping each jar with whipped topping, consider sprinkling crushed Nilla wafers or adding fresh banana slices on top.

This not only adds texture but also enhances the visual appeal of the dessert.

Using crushed Nilla wafers provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pudding, while banana slices add a fresh touch.

These garnishes make each jar look inviting and ready to be enjoyed.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These mini banana puddings are versatile and can be served at various events, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

Their servings make them easy to share, and the charming mason jars add a rustic touch to any table setting.

With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a chilling time of one hour, these desserts can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your event without the stress of last-minute preparations.

Each jar serves one, making it easy to portion out for guests.

• Serve straight from the jar with mini spoons.
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• Include on a dessert bar with other mason jar treats like mini cheesecakes or trifles.
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• Great for cookouts, road trips, or baby showers.
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• Add layers of chocolate chips or caramel drizzle for variation.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these mini banana puddings contains approximately 290 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein.

The combination of whole milk, bananas, and Nilla wafers provides a satisfying treat that balances indulgence with a hint of nutrition.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet ending to a meal or a delightful treat for a gathering, these mini mason jar banana puddings are sure to be a hit.

Their simplicity, flavor, and charming presentation make them a go-to dessert option for any occasion.

Tips for the Best Mini Mason Jar Banana Puddings

Use bananas that are ripe but not too soft—they hold up better over time. To prevent browning, you can toss banana slices in a little lemon juice, but this is optional if serving within a day.

Chill the jars long enough so the pudding sets properly and the wafers soften slightly. Don’t over-layer—2 sets of layers are perfect for small jars.

Always garnish right before serving to keep bananas fresh and pretty.

Storage of Leftovers

• Storage: Keep jars covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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• Do Not Freeze: The bananas and pudding texture will not hold up to freezing.