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Delicious banana pudding parfait layered with whipped cream and bananas

Banana Pudding Parfaits

Banana pudding parfaits are a portable and grown-up twist on a beloved childhood dessert, featuring layers of silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, crunchy cookies, and whipped cream. It's a quick and easy treat perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, sliced Choose bananas with yellow skins and a few brown speckles for best flavor.
  • 1 package vanilla cookies (Nilla wafers recommended) Substitute graham crackers for a more rustic crunch.
  • 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping Use stabilized whipped cream for longer hold.
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk gives the creamiest texture; skim is fine if you prefer.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pour 2 cups of cold milk into a medium mixing bowl. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk briskly until smooth. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
  2. Slice the bananas into even 1/4-inch rounds. To prevent browning, toss them gently with about 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
  3. Choose your serving glasses and spoon a thin layer of pudding into each glass to create a stable base.
  4. Press a couple of banana slices against the inside of the glass to form an attractive edge. Sprinkle a layer of crumbled vanilla cookies over the pudding.
  5. Spoon or pipe a layer of whipped cream on top of the cookies.
  6. Repeat the layers — pudding, bananas, cookies, whipped cream — until the glasses are nearly full. Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  7. Garnish each parfait with a banana slice and a sprinkle of cookie crumbs.
Chilling
  1. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld and the cookies soften slightly.

Notes

Best served in clear glasses to showcase layers. Store refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below and consume within 24–48 hours. If freezing, assemble without whipped cream and add before serving.