Banana Pudding Cupcakes: The Ultimate Moist Dessert You’ll Love Baking

Banana pudding cupcakes are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a slice of my story. Hi, I’m Helen, the home cook behind Easy Tasty Kitchen. I grew up helping my mom in the kitchen, standing on a stool and stirring pots, where I learned that food is love.

Some of my favorite memories are of banana pudding at family dinners—layers of bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding. These homemade banana pudding cupcakes take that same comforting flavor and turn it into a fun, handheld dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Soft, moist, and filled with sweet pudding, this cupcake recipe with banana and pudding brings the past to the present in the most delicious way. I’m so glad you’re here—let’s bake something tasty together.

Print

Introduction to Banana Pudding Cupcakes

What Makes Banana Pudding Cupcakes So Popular?

Banana pudding cupcakes take everything we love about the classic Southern dessert and tuck it into a fun, handheld treat. With moist banana cake, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and whipped topping, every bite delivers nostalgia and comfort.

They’re popular not just for their taste but for their texture—fluffy, creamy, and soft all at once. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these cupcakes are always a hit.

A Sweet Southern Tradition Reimagined

Banana pudding has long been a Southern favorite. Over time, bakers turned this beloved layered dessert into cakes, bars, and now cupcakes. These homemade banana pudding cupcakes honor tradition with a fun twist—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you’re craving a little comfort in cupcake form.

Looking for More Banana Pudding Ideas?

Love the flavor of banana pudding as much as we do? Don’t stop at cupcakes—these delicious recipes are packed with Southern comfort and creative twists:

• Banana Pudding Bundt Cake: A moist, rich cake with creamy pudding baked right in. Perfect for gatherings or holiday tables.
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars: Creamy cheesecake meets banana pudding in these layered, handheld bars you’ll want to bake on repeat.
• Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake: A fusion of Latin and Southern flavors, this cake is soaked, sweet, and simply unforgettable.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Best Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Essential Components: From Ripe Bananas to Vanilla Pudding

To create truly irresistible banana pudding cupcakes, it all starts with the right ingredients. Fresh, ripe bananas are key—they bring natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature flavor you just can’t fake. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots on the peel—they’re softer and sweeter.

Here’s what you’ll need for the cupcake base:

• Ripe bananas (mashed)
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Eggs
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk or sour cream (for added moisture)
• Instant banana or vanilla pudding mix (a secret weapon for moisture and flavor)

Then, for the filling:

• Prepared vanilla pudding (chilled and thickened)

And finally, for the topping:

• Whipped topping or buttercream frosting
• Crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)
• Banana slices (optional, add right before serving to prevent browning)

The inclusion of pudding mix in the batter creates incredibly soft and moist cupcakes, while the pudding filling adds a creamy surprise center.

Substitution Options for Dietary Needs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Need to adapt this cupcake recipe with banana and pudding for dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps:

Ingredient	Substitute (Gluten-Free)	Substitute (Dairy-Free)
All-purpose flour	1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend	Same (if also dairy-free certified)
Butter	Vegan butter or coconut oil	Vegan butter or coconut oil
Buttermilk	Almond milk + 1 tsp lemon juice	Same
Pudding mix	Check label for gluten/dairy-free	Use coconut or oat-based puddings
Whipped topping	Coconut whipped cream	Same

These swaps help maintain that same fluffy texture and flavor while making your cupcakes accessible to everyone at the table.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Preparing the Batter: Tips for Perfect Texture

The secret to fluffy, moist banana pudding cupcakes is in how you prepare the batter. Let’s walk through it step by step:

Step 1: Mash the bananas well
Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. Mash them until smooth—lumps can make the texture inconsistent.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
Beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This adds air, which gives your cupcakes a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.

Step 4: Add mashed bananas
Fold in the mashed bananas gently to keep the batter soft and moist.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. You can also mix in one packet of instant vanilla or banana pudding mix here. It enhances the flavor and moisture—yes, you can add pudding mix to cupcakes and it’s a total game-changer!

Step 6: Alternate dry mix and buttermilk
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk or sour cream. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.

Step 7: Fill the cupcake liners
Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and fill each about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill—they will rise!

Step 8: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before filling.

Baking and Cooling: What You Need to Know

Baking cupcakes evenly is crucial. Always preheat your oven fully and use the middle rack. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Never fill cupcakes while they’re warm—it will melt the pudding and ruin the texture.

Pro Tip: Want a super-moist result every time? Try this secret trick: brush the tops of warm cupcakes with a light banana syrup (equal parts sugar, mashed banana, and water boiled together and strained). It’s a quick way to boost flavor and moisture.

Filling and Frosting: Elevating the Flavor

Can You Use Pudding as a Cupcake Filling?

Absolutely! And you should. Using pudding as a cupcake filling transforms your cupcakes from basic to bakery-level. When people bite into these banana pudding cupcakes and hit that creamy center, it’s a delightful surprise.

To fill the cupcakes:

1. Let cupcakes cool completely.
2. Use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove a small center section from the top.
3. Spoon or pipe in chilled vanilla or banana pudding.
4. Replace the top or leave it open for a swirl of frosting.

Pro tip: Use instant pudding that’s had time to chill and thicken in the fridge. It gives structure and holds up well without leaking.

Best Frosting Pairings for Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Choosing the right frosting is just as important as the cake and filling. You want something light that complements, not overpowers, the pudding and banana flavor.

Here are three amazing options:

Frosting Type	Why It Works
Whipped Cream Topping	Light, creamy, and just like classic banana pudding
Cream Cheese Frosting	Slight tang adds contrast to sweet pudding
Vanilla Buttercream	Sweet, stable, and easy to pipe

To make it extra special:

• Top with a mini vanilla wafer or banana slice
• Drizzle with caramel
• Add a sprinkle of crushed wafers

Tips for Super Moist and Fluffy Cupcakes

What Is the Secret to Super Moist Cupcakes?

The secret to moist, fluffy banana pudding cupcakes is in the details. Use overripe bananas, mix in instant pudding mix, and add sour cream or buttermilk for unbeatable texture. Be careful not to overmix the batter and always bake just until a toothpick comes out clean.

Wondering if you can add pudding mix to cupcakes? Absolutely—it enhances both moisture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold ingredients
• Overfilling cupcake liners
• Opening the oven too early
• Skipping proper cooling before filling

Avoid these, and you’ll get consistently soft, bakery-style cupcakes every time.

Variations and Creative Twists

Mini Banana Pudding Cupcakes for Parties

Make your banana pudding cupcakes party-ready by going mini! Bake in a mini cupcake pan, fill each with a small spoon of pudding, and top with whipped cream and a mini wafer. They’re cute, quick, and perfect for sharing.

Banana Pudding Cupcake Jars

Transform cupcakes into layered jars by crumbling them and layering with pudding, whipped cream, and bananas. These make-ahead desserts are perfect for events, gifts, or a mess-free picnic.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating

Best Practices for Serving at Events

When serving banana pudding cupcakes at parties, potlucks, or special gatherings, presentation and timing make all the difference.

Here’s how to serve them best:

• Keep them chilled until just before serving to preserve the pudding texture and whipped topping.
• Add fresh banana slices right before serving to prevent browning.
• Top with a mini vanilla wafer or crushed wafers for visual appeal and a crunch contrast.
• Use cupcake wrappers or dessert trays to keep things clean and elegant.

For summer events or outdoor gatherings, place them in a cooler to prevent the filling and topping from melting.

How to Store Banana Pudding Cupcakes Without Drying Out

These cupcakes stay moist and flavorful if stored correctly. Here’s what you need to know:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Because of the pudding filling and whipped topping, they must be kept cold.
• Add banana slices fresh each day rather than storing them inside the cupcakes.
• Avoid freezing if they’re already filled and frosted—the pudding doesn’t thaw well and can separate.

Want to prep ahead? Bake the cupcakes and freeze them before filling and frosting. Thaw, fill, and decorate the day you serve them.

Nutritional Facts and Dietary Insights

Caloric Breakdown and Portion Control

A standard banana pudding cupcake has around 220–270 calories, with 10–12g of fat and 30–35g of carbs. To enjoy them without overdoing it, consider baking mini versions or serving with fruit.

Are Banana Pudding Cupcakes Healthy?

They’re a treat—but with small tweaks like using ripe bananas for sweetness, low-fat pudding, or coconut whipped cream, you can lighten them up. Plus, bananas add fiber and potassium, so there’s a little goodness baked in.

For more kitchen inspiration and behind-the-scenes cooking tips, follow us on Facebook and check out our Pinterest for even more recipe ideas you’ll love. Never miss a new recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions