If you are craving a cool, creamy, and utterly delightful treat that brings the nostalgic flavors of Southern comfort into a frozen form, then this Banana Pudding Pops Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining ripe bananas, luscious vanilla pudding, and the irresistible crunch of vanilla wafers, these pops offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. Whether you’re seeking a fun summer dessert or a no-fuss snack to brighten up your day, these pudding pops are sure to become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Banana Pudding Pops Recipe is a breeze thanks to the handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the rich, creamy texture and classic banana pudding flavor that makes these pops so special.
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed): Fresh bananas add natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy base to the pops.
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix: Provides that classic vanilla flavor and thick, luscious texture.
- 2 cups cold milk: Combines with the pudding mix to create the creamy pudding consistency.
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds extra sweetness and richness, elevating the dessert’s indulgence.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm vanilla notes.
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies: Introduces delightful crunch and the hallmark cookie flavor of traditional banana pudding.
- ¼ cup whipped topping (optional): For an extra creamy texture—can be blended in or added as a topping.
- Whole or crushed vanilla wafers for garnish (optional): Adds the perfect finishing touch and extra crunch when serving.
How to Make Banana Pudding Pops Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Base
Start by combining the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a mixing bowl. Whisk them thoroughly for about two minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and just begins to thicken. This forms the creamy foundation your Banana Pudding Pops Recipe is built on.
Step 2: Add Sweetness and Flavor
Next, stir in the sweetened condensed milk, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. The sweetened condensed milk brings a luscious depth of flavor, while the bananas infuse the treat with natural sweetness and a fruity essence.
Step 3: Fold in the Crunch
Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies to add that signature crisp texture and classic banana pudding taste. If you want your pops extra creamy, this is also the perfect moment to fold in the whipped topping, which adds lightness and silkiness to every bite.
Step 4: Freeze to Perfection
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, making sure to leave a small gap at the top for expansion during freezing. Insert the popsicle sticks and place the molds in the freezer for at least six hours, or until the pops are completely frozen and firm.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds to help release the pops. You can garnish your Banana Pudding Pops Recipe with whole or crushed vanilla wafers for an extra touch of crunch and visual appeal.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Pops Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can go a long way to elevate these pops. Sprinkling crushed vanilla wafers on top adds an inviting crunch and echoes the classic banana pudding texture. For a fun twist, toss on mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to amp up the flavor.
Side Dishes
Banana Pudding Pops are a sweet treat that shines on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a crisp garden salad can balance the creaminess with refreshing lightness. You could also serve a scoop alongside a warm slice of pound cake for a delightful hot-and-cold dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the pudding mixture in clear cups instead of molds, alternating with wafer crumbs for a deconstructed pop experience. Another fun idea is to dip the popped popsicles into melted chocolate and then roll them in nuts or cookie crumbs for a decadent shell that cracks delightfully as you bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them tightly covered in the freezer to prevent any ice crystals from forming, which can affect texture. Using airtight containers or resealable bags will maintain the pops’ flavor and creaminess for up to two weeks.
Freezing
This Banana Pudding Pops Recipe is specially designed to be frozen, so freezing enhances rather than detracts from the final product. Just be sure the pops are thoroughly frozen before removing from molds to keep their perfect shape and creaminess intact.
Reheating
Since these are frozen treats, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if they are too hard straight from the freezer. This softens the pops slightly, making them easier and more enjoyable to eat.
FAQs
Can I make this Banana Pudding Pops Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use almond milk or another plant-based milk and find a dairy-free vanilla pudding mix to create a delicious dairy-free version. The natural banana flavor shines through wonderfully even without dairy.
Do the popsicles have a lot of sugar?
Each serving contains moderate sugar primarily from the sweetened condensed milk and natural fruit sugars in the bananas. You can reduce the sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk or opting for a sugar-free pudding mix.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Yes, definitely! Swirling in peanut butter or chocolate syrup adds exciting new dimensions to the pops. You could also toss in chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture.
How long do these Banana Pudding Pops stay good in the freezer?
Stored properly in an airtight container or mold, these pops stay tasty and creamy for up to two weeks. Beyond that, their texture might start to degrade.
Can I use fresh bananas or frozen bananas?
Fresh ripe bananas are best to achieve smooth, creamy texture and bright flavor. While you can use thawed frozen bananas, they tend to be mushier and may affect the pop’s consistency slightly.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Banana Pudding Pops Recipe a try because it’s a delightfully easy way to enjoy the beloved flavors of banana pudding in a refreshingly cold and fun form. Whether for a quick snack, a party centerpiece, or a summertime treat, these pops are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy freezing and even happier eating!
Print
Banana Pudding Pops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 pops
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Pudding Pops are a delicious and creamy frozen treat that combines the classic flavors of banana pudding with the convenience of popsicles. Made with ripe bananas, instant vanilla pudding mix, and a touch of sweetened condensed milk, these pops are perfect for a refreshing summer dessert. Adding crushed vanilla wafers gives a delightful texture, while the optional whipped topping makes them extra creamy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup whipped topping (for blending or topping)
- Whole or crushed vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pudding base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add texture: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers to add a pleasant crunch.
- Optional creaminess: For a creamier texture, fold in the whipped topping or reserve it for topping after freezing.
- Fill molds: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Insert sticks and freeze: Place popsicle sticks into each mold and freeze for at least 6 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: To release the pops, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds and garnish with extra crushed vanilla wafers if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and use a dairy-free pudding mix.
- Swirl in peanut butter or chocolate syrup before freezing for flavor variations.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for the best natural sweetness.
- Whipped topping is optional but adds extra creaminess.
