Banana Pudding Cupcakes: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert

Banana pudding is a beloved Southern classic, known for its creamy vanilla pudding, layers of ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers. Now, imagine all of that nostalgic goodness packed into a moist, fluffy cupcake! These banana pudding cupcakes bring together the best of both worlds—pillowy banana-infused cake, a rich vanilla pudding filling, and a luscious whipped topping.

Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just craving something special, these cupcakes will steal the show. With their delightful balance of textures and flavors, they are bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and bring a little Southern comfort to your dessert table!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious banana pudding cupcakes:

Ingredient	Quantity
For the cupcakes:
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2
Ripe bananas (mashed)	1 cup (about 2 medium bananas)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Whole milk	½ cup
Sour cream	¼ cup
For the pudding filling:
Instant vanilla pudding mix	1 box (3.4 oz)
Cold milk	2 cups
For the topping:
Heavy whipping cream	1 ½ cups
Powdered sugar	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Vanilla wafers (for garnish)	12-15
Banana slices (optional, for garnish)	As needed

Ingredient Notes:

• If you want an extra banana flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of banana extract to the cupcake batter.
• Sour cream helps keep the cupcakes super moist, but you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt.
• Use whole milk for the pudding to ensure a thick, creamy texture.

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin (12-count)
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Piping bag (for filling and frosting)
• Paring knife or cupcake corer (to make space for the pudding filling)

Using a cupcake corer will make filling these cupcakes a breeze, but a simple paring knife or even a spoon will do the job just fine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Filling

10. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it thickens.
11. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes while the cupcakes cool.

Step 4: Fill the Cupcakes

12. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a paring knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
13. Fill a piping bag with the chilled pudding and pipe it into the holes of the cupcakes until full.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Topping

14. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

15. Pipe or spread the whipped topping over the cupcakes.
16. Garnish each cupcake with a vanilla wafer and a banana slice for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips and Variations

• Make it Cheesecake-Style: Mix a bit of cream cheese into the whipped topping for a richer, tangier flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache over the frosted cupcakes.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk for the pudding and coconut whipped cream for the topping.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are best served chilled, making them the perfect cool treat for a warm day. Place them on a decorative serving platter and add a few extra vanilla wafers and banana slices around the edges for a stunning presentation.

For an extra treat, serve alongside a warm caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pairings

A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cold glass of milk makes the perfect companion for these cupcakes. If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try pairing them with a banana milkshake or a vanilla latte.

For an adult twist, a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a banana-infused rum cocktail would enhance the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before filling and frosting.
• Reheating: These cupcakes are best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary!

Nutritional Information

Per cupcake (approximate):

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 26g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Banana pudding cupcakes are the perfect fusion of nostalgia and indulgence, bringing together the comforting flavors of banana, vanilla, and whipped cream in a delightful handheld treat. With their moist banana-infused cake, creamy pudding center, and light, fluffy topping, these cupcakes offer a little taste of Southern tradition in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to bring these delicious cupcakes to life in your own kitchen! Feel free to get creative with toppings or experiment with different flavors to make them your own. If you try this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments or tag your photos on social media—we’d love to see your creations. Happy baking!