Irresistible Banana Pudding Cupcakes for Any Occasion

Name: Banana Pudding Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix; 1/2 cup milk (for frosting); 1 cup whipped cream; 1/2 cup crushed Nilla wafers (plus extra for snacking)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

October 1, 2025

Updated:

October 1, 2025

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Banana pudding cupcakes are the delightful fusion of classic Southern dessert and portable treat, making them perfect for any occasion. Picture this: fluffy banana-flavored cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla pudding and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers, all dancing in harmony on your taste buds.

Every time I bake these banana pudding cupcakes, it takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone clamored for seconds. Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy movie night, these treats promise to make your heart sing with every delicious bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These banana pudding cupcakes are easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor

Their delightful blend of textures makes them visually appealing and perfect for any gathering
Each bite is a nostalgic experience that combines sweetness with a hint of creaminess, ensuring smiles all around

Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or flavors, these cupcakes can be enjoyed any time of year

I once made these for a friend’s birthday, and the look on their face when they took that first bite was priceless—like they had just discovered the secret to happiness.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use a good quality flour for light and fluffy cupcakes that rise perfectly.
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal leavening; it makes all the difference.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich flavor; let it sit at room temperature before using.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create an airy texture in your cupcakes.
Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture; use bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds richness and helps keep the cupcakes moist; you can make your own by adding vinegar to milk.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; skip imitation for the best results.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is key for the frosting’s creamy texture; don’t skimp on it!
Crushed Nilla Wafers: These add a delightful crunch on top; you’ll want extra for snacking!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Cupcake Liners: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake pan with liners. This will ensure easy removal later.

Create Your Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time before gently folding in mashed bananas. The aroma should be heavenly by now!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those cupcakes airy.

Bake Your Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Create Your Frosting: In a separate bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until thickened. Fold this mixture into whipped cream for a decadent frosting.

Strongly pipe or spread the frosting generously over each cooled cupcake before sprinkling crushed Nilla wafers on top for that perfect finishing touch!

Now you have a batch of delicious banana pudding cupcakes ready to impress! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later—they’re sure to be a hit no matter when you serve them!

You Must Know

Banana pudding cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert
These mini treats capture the creamy, dreamy essence of banana pudding in cupcake form, making them perfect for parties or casual snacking
Remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then combine wet ingredients separately before folding them together for fluffy cupcakes.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add crushed vanilla wafers into the batter or top with whipped cream and sliced bananas for extra flair. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat that feels fresh.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use room-temperature ingredients to achieve even mixing and better texture
Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined for lightness

Lastly, let them cool completely before frosting to prevent melting

I once brought these banana pudding cupcakes to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than my patience waiting for the oven timer. Everyone asked for the recipe!

FAQs

FAQ

What makes banana pudding cupcakes different from regular cupcakes?

Banana pudding cupcakes have creamy banana flavor and often include layers of pudding inside.

Can I use ripe bananas in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ripe bananas enhance sweetness and add moisture to your cupcakes.

How do I prevent my cupcakes from sticking to the liners?

Make sure to grease your liners lightly or use high-quality non-stick liners for easy removal.

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