Name: Banana Split Parfait Pudding Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 3.4 oz package banana pudding mix (plus ingredients to make pudding); ⅓ cup peanuts (chopped ); 3 bananas (sliced); Whipped cream; Chopped peanuts; Sprinkles; Chocolate syrup; Cherries

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Indulge in a sweet trip down memory lane with these Banana Split Parfait Pudding Cups! A fun, no-bake twist on the classic drive-in favorite, we swapped the ice cream for creamy banana pudding and layered it with sliced bananas, crunchy peanuts, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and that iconic cherry on top.

banana split parfait, banana pudding cup with layers of pudding, chocolate, whipped topping and nuts

Indulge in a trip down memory lane with this homemade twist on a classic favorite. Our banana split parfait pudding cups are a delicious blend of banana pudding, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, bananas, nuts, and sprinkles. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist licking the cup clean. A banana split is a classic treat from our childhood and we usually visit the local drive-in to enjoy them. So we decided to come up with a banana split pudding dessert that can be made at home. We replaced the ice cream with pudding but added all those flavors that we love.

Ready in just 20 minutes, these individual treats are perfect for family nights, summer gatherings, or anytime you need a quick smile in a cup. Kid-friendly and oh-so-delicious—you’ll want to lick the cup clean!

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banana split pudding, Banana split pudding topped with whipped cream, chocolate treat topped with a sprinkles and a cherry

Ready in just 20 minutes, these vibrant, kid-friendly treats capture the flavors of a drive-in dessert, perfect for any occasion or a fun family snack.Banana Split Parfait Pudding Cups, a nostalgic twist on the classic banana split. These no-bake desserts layer banana pudding, sliced bananas, chopped peanuts, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and a cherry on top, all in individual cups. Ready in just 20 minutes, these vibrant, kid-friendly treats capture the flavors of a drive-in dessert, perfect for any occasion or a fun family snack.

What is in this banana split parfait

We topped our banana split dessert with whipped topping, chocolate and added the iconic cherry on top. All kids whether they are young or old would love these special little treats.

Makes 3 pudding cups

Ingredients

1 package 3.4 oz box banana pudding mix (plus ingredients to make pudding)
⅓ cup chopped peanuts
3 bananas, sliced
Toppings:
Whipped cream
Chopped peanuts
Sprinkles
Chocolate syrup
Cherries

Special Equipment needed:

Plastic Pudding Cups
Mixing Bowls
Whisk

🥣 Recipe Tips

Prevent Banana Browning — To keep your sliced bananas looking fresh and bright, toss them in a little lemon juice or orange juice right after slicing. This simple step stops oxidation so your parfaits stay picture-perfect longer.
Make-Ahead Friendly — You can assemble the layers (up to the whipped cream) up to 4–6 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add the whipped cream, final toppings, and cherry just before serving to keep everything fresh and perky.
Easy Customizations — Feel free to switch it up! Try using chocolate or vanilla pudding for a fun twist, add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers for extra crunch, or drizzle strawberry syrup alongside the chocolate for a true banana split experience. These are also easy to scale up for a crowd.

How to assemble a pudding parfait:

Step 1: Make the Banana Pudding

Start your banana split parfaits by preparing the banana pudding. Follow the package instructions on your instant banana pudding mix (usually a 3.4 oz box), but here’s how I like to do it for the creamiest results:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and pudding mix for about 2 minutes until it thickens nicely. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set — this gives you that perfect, silky texture that holds up well in the layers.

Tip: For extra banana flavor, you can stir in a mashed ripe banana or a splash of banana extract if you have it on hand. This is completely optional but takes it up a notch!

This quick pudding base comes together in just a few minutes and is the dreamy foundation for all those classic banana split toppings.

chopped peanut for our banana split parfait in cups

Step 2: Add the Crunchy Peanut Base

Place a layer of chopped peanuts on the bottom of each cup.

Divide your ⅓ cup of chopped peanuts evenly among the 3 serving cups — that’s roughly 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup. This creates a delicious salty, crunchy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the creamy banana pudding and sweet toppings to come.

Tip: Use roasted, lightly salted peanuts for that classic banana split flavor. If you prefer a finer texture, give them a quick chop with a knife or pulse them a few times in a food processor. For extra crunch or to make it more kid-friendly, you can lightly toast the chopped peanuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

This simple bottom layer brings that nostalgic drive-in crunch right into your parfaits and sets the stage for all the fun layers ahead!

Step 3: First Layer of Banana Pudding

Divide the prepared banana pudding roughly in half. Use one half to evenly divide between the three cups, creating a nice, smooth layer on top of the chopped peanuts.

This first pudding layer should be generous but leave room for the bananas and second layer coming up. I like to spoon it in gently and give each cup a light tap on the counter to settle it smoothly without mixing into the nuts below.

Tip: One 3.4 oz box of pudding (prepared with 2 cups of milk) usually gives you about 2 to 2½ cups total, so each half will be around 1 to 1¼ cups — perfect for three parfaits. If it feels a little thick, you can add a tiny splash of extra milk and whisk again for easier layering.

Save the remaining half of the pudding for the next pudding layer later. You’re building beautiful, tall layers that look as good as they taste!

Step 4: First Layer of Sliced Bananas

Add half of the sliced bananas, dividing them equally among the three cups.
With 3 bananas total, you’ll use about 1½ bananas here — slice them into even rounds (about ¼-inch thick) and arrange roughly 4–5 slices per cup right on top of the first pudding layer. This adds fresh banana flavor and a soft, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the pudding.

Tip: Use ripe but not overly soft bananas for the best flavor and texture. To prevent browning, you can toss the slices in a little lemon juice or orange juice before layering — it keeps them looking bright and fresh. Gently press them down slightly so they nestle nicely into the pudding.

Save the remaining banana slices for the second banana layer later. You’re building those gorgeous, tall parfait layers that make these cups so fun and inviting!

Step 5: Second Layer of Pudding and Bananas

Add the remaining banana pudding, dividing it evenly among the three cups to create the second pudding layer.
Follow with the remaining sliced bananas, arranging them nicely on top of the second pudding layer (about 4–5 slices per cup).

Tip: Spoon the pudding gently so it covers the bananas below without disturbing your pretty layers. Give each cup another light tap on the counter to help everything settle. For the best presentation, try to keep the layers as distinct as possible — that’s what makes these parfaits look bakery-worthy!

Step 6: Finish with Whipped Cream and Toppings

Top each banana split parfait generously with whipped cream. A good swirl or dollop from a can of whipped cream or your favorite homemade version works perfectly here.

Tip: For extra indulgence, you can use stabilized whipped cream (or pipe it from a canister) so it holds its shape longer. If making these ahead, wait to add the whipped cream and final toppings until just before serving to keep everything fresh and perky.

Banana parfaits topped with chocolate, nuts, and sprinkles

Step 7: Add the Classic Banana Split Toppings

Now it’s time for the really fun part — dress up each parfait with all those classic banana split toppings!
Generously sprinkle extra chopped peanuts over the whipped cream for that signature salty crunch. Add a cheerful scatter of colorful rainbow sprinkles, then finish with a playful drizzle of chocolate syrup that cascades beautifully over the top.
Crown each parfait with a bright red maraschino cherry for the perfect finishing touch.

Tip: Start with a light hand on the toppings so you can always add more. For the prettiest presentation, use a squeeze bottle for the chocolate syrup to create thin, elegant ribbons. If you want extra indulgence, warm the syrup slightly so it flows even better. These final touches bring all the nostalgic drive-in flavors together in every single cup!

Banana Split Pudding Cups with cherry on top

These layered beauties are now ready to serve and enjoy! The combination of silky banana pudding, sweet fresh bananas, crunchy peanuts, fluffy whipped cream, rich chocolate syrup, colorful sprinkles, and that bright cherry on top brings all the nostalgic magic of a classic banana split straight to your table — no ice cream needed. Every spoonful delivers that perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors we all loved from the old-fashioned dairy drive-ins.

These Banana Split Parfait Pudding Cups are pure layers of goodness and such a fun, easy no-bake dessert. We know your family (and especially the kids!) will absolutely love them. Perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight treats, or anytime you’re craving a happy scoop of nostalgia in a cup.

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