12 Delicious Ideas for What to Do with Leftover Banana Pudding!

Have you found yourself with leftover banana pudding after a family gathering or a big dinner party?

This creamy, sweet dessert may be irresistible when it’s fresh, but there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy it even after it’s been sitting in the fridge.

Whether you want to extend its life by transforming it into a new dish or simply store it for later, banana pudding can still bring joy to your taste buds without going to waste.

In this article, we’ll explore inventive ideas for using up that extra banana pudding, along with tips on storing it so you can savor every last bite.

12 Delicious Ideas for What to Do with Leftover Banana Pudding

Leftover banana pudding doesn’t have to be thrown away or eaten as-is.

With a bit of creativity, you can turn this classic dessert into a range of delicious treats, from parfaits and ice cream to muffins and French toast.

And if you’re not ready to use it immediately, proper storage techniques—whether in the fridge or freezer—can help keep it fresh for another day.

By following these tips and ideas, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also discover exciting new ways to enjoy your banana pudding leftovers.

Make a Banana Pudding Parfait

One of the best ways to use leftover banana pudding is to transform it into a parfait.

Layer your pudding with whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and crumbled cookies (such as graham crackers or vanilla wafers) in a clear glass or jar.

The added texture from the cookies and cream gives the parfait a luxurious and balanced feel while still highlighting the flavors of the pudding.

Be cautious not to over-layer too quickly, as the cookies may lose their crunch.

Consider adding some fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the flavor even more.

Turn It Into Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Leftover banana pudding can easily become a no-churn ice cream treat. Simply fold the pudding into whipped cream and freeze the mixture for a few hours.

Once set, you’ll have a creamy, banana-infused ice cream that’s perfect for a hot day.

Adding crushed nuts or chocolate chips before freezing can give it more complexity in both texture and taste.

Just make sure your leftover banana pudding is still fresh and hasn’t developed any off flavors.

If you want an even more decadent dessert, serve it with a side of warm brownies or freshly baked cookies.

Create Banana Pudding Pancakes

For a unique breakfast twist, try using leftover banana pudding as a topping for pancakes. Spread a generous amount of pudding between pancake layers and top with whipped cream and sliced bananas.

The rich pudding pairs beautifully with the fluffy pancakes, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

If you prefer, you can also mix a spoonful of the pudding directly into your pancake batter for extra banana flavor throughout.

Just be cautious not to add too much pudding, as it can make the batter too wet. Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar to finish it off.

Blend It Into a Banana Pudding Smoothie

A smoothie is another fantastic way to repurpose leftover banana pudding. Blend the pudding with milk or a dairy-free alternative and some ice to create a thick, creamy banana-flavored smoothie.

You can even toss in some peanut butter for an added protein boost or a handful of spinach to make it a little healthier without compromising flavor.

Be sure not to overdo the banana pudding, as it can make the smoothie overly thick. If necessary, add more liquid to reach your desired consistency.

Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect finish.

Bake Banana Pudding Muffins

Turn your leftover banana pudding into a new baked treat by incorporating it into muffin batter.

Simply mix the pudding with your usual muffin ingredients, such as flour, eggs, and sugar, and bake.

The banana pudding will keep the muffins moist while infusing them with a rich banana flavor.

You can also add in chocolate chips or nuts to give the muffins extra texture and taste.

Just be careful not to add too much pudding, as it could make the muffins too dense.

These muffins make for a perfect breakfast or snack on the go.

Make a Banana Pudding Trifle

A trifle is another way to give your leftover banana pudding a new life. Layer the pudding with whipped cream, sponge cake, or angel food cake in a trifle bowl.

Each layer creates a delightful combination of creamy pudding, airy cake, and fresh fruit. Bananas, strawberries, and blueberries work particularly well in this dessert.

The key is to layer the ingredients evenly so that every bite is balanced. Be cautious not to make the trifle too far in advance, as the cake may become too soggy.

For a fun twist, sprinkle some crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top.

Turn It Into Banana Pudding French Toast

Leftover banana pudding makes for a delicious topping for French toast. Simply prepare your French toast as usual and use the pudding in place of syrup or spread it between two slices to create a stuffed French toast effect.

The creamy pudding blends perfectly with the crisp, golden toast, creating a rich and indulgent breakfast.

You can even sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon on top for added flavor.

Be careful not to overdo the pudding, as it can make the French toast soggy. For a special treat, serve with sliced bananas or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Banana Pudding Popsicles

For a cool and refreshing dessert, freeze your leftover banana pudding into popsicle molds. Mix the pudding with a bit of milk or cream to make it easier to pour into the molds, and let it freeze overnight.

These creamy banana pudding popsicles are a fun treat, especially in warmer weather. For added texture, sprinkle in some crushed cookies or nuts before freezing.

Be cautious when removing the popsicles from the molds to avoid breaking them.

If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can also freeze the pudding in ice cube trays for bite-sized frozen treats.

Use It as a Cake Filling

Leftover banana pudding can make a delightful filling for cakes, turning a simple dessert into something more luxurious.

Whether you’re baking a layered vanilla or chocolate cake, spreading the pudding between the cake layers adds a creamy texture and rich banana flavor.

You can even mix in some crushed vanilla wafers or nuts for added crunch.

Just be cautious not to use too much pudding, as it may cause the cake layers to slide or become soggy.

To finish, frost the cake with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting to complement the banana pudding filling.

Make Banana Pudding Milkshakes

Turn your leftover banana pudding into a decadent milkshake by blending it with ice cream and milk.

Vanilla or banana-flavored ice cream works best to keep the banana theme strong, but you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate for a different twist.

Blend everything together until smooth, and for an extra indulgent treat, top the milkshake with whipped cream, a cherry, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Be cautious of adding too much pudding, as it could make the milkshake overly thick.

You can also add a scoop of peanut butter or sprinkle crushed cookies on top for a fun garnish.

Bake Banana Pudding Brownies

Combine your leftover banana pudding with brownie batter for an unexpected yet delicious dessert.

After pouring your brownie batter into a pan, swirl in the banana pudding before baking. The result is a fudgy brownie with pockets of creamy banana flavor.

You can top the brownies with chocolate chips or crushed nuts before baking for extra texture.

Be cautious not to add too much pudding, as it could make the brownies too gooey or prevent them from setting properly.

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Turn It Into Banana Pudding Crepes

Repurpose your leftover banana pudding as a filling for homemade crepes. Spread the pudding over a freshly made crepe, fold it up, and top with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

The soft, delicate crepes complement the rich, creamy pudding perfectly. For added flair, drizzle the crepes with chocolate sauce or caramel for a more decadent dessert.

Be careful not to overfill the crepes, as the pudding can make them hard to fold or cause them to tear.

Serve them fresh for the best texture and flavor experience.

How to Store/Freeze Leftover Banana Pudding

Storing leftover banana pudding requires some care to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor.

While refrigeration is ideal for short-term storage, freezing can extend its shelf life. However, freezing banana pudding comes with a few challenges, as the delicate texture of the pudding and bananas can change when frozen.

This guide will walk you through the steps of refrigerating and freezing banana pudding, highlighting key tips to preserve its taste and texture as much as possible.

With the right techniques, you can enjoy your banana pudding even after it has been stored.

Refrigerating Leftover Banana Pudding

Transfer to an Airtight Container
The first step in storing banana pudding is to move it from its original dish into an airtight container. This prevents air from drying out the pudding or causing it to absorb unwanted odors from the fridge.
Cover Tightly
If you don’t have an airtight container, covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap will work. Make sure the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to minimize air exposure and prevent a skin from forming on the top.
Store in the Fridge
Once properly covered, place the banana pudding in the refrigerator. Stored this way, banana pudding can last for 2-3 days. After that, the bananas may begin to brown, and the texture could become watery as the ingredients separate.
Check for Freshness
Before serving the pudding again, check its texture and flavor. If the bananas have turned brown or the pudding has separated too much, it’s best to discard it.

Freezing Leftover Banana Pudding

Use Freezer-Safe Containers
If you decide to freeze banana pudding, use freezer-safe containers. Silicone or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Avoid glass, as it can crack in the freezer if the contents expand.
Remove the Bananas (Optional)
For better results, remove the banana slices before freezing, as bananas tend to get mushy and discolored when frozen. You can add fresh banana slices when you thaw and serve the pudding later.
Portion the Pudding
Freeze the pudding in individual portions for easier thawing. This also helps in preventing the entire batch from going to waste if you only want to defrost a small amount.
Seal and Label
Seal the containers tightly to prevent freezer burn. Label them with the date, so you know how long the pudding has been stored. Banana pudding can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
Thaw in the Refrigerator
When you’re ready to enjoy the pudding again, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause the pudding to separate and spoil more quickly.
Re-stir the Pudding
After thawing, the pudding might look watery or separated. Stir it thoroughly to restore its creamy texture. If the texture isn’t ideal, consider using the pudding in another recipe, such as smoothies or baked goods, rather than serving it as-is.

Storing leftover banana pudding is straightforward, whether you plan to refrigerate it for short-term use or freeze it for longer preservation.

While refrigeration helps maintain the pudding’s fresh texture for a few days, freezing is a convenient option for extending its shelf life.

However, frozen banana pudding may lose some of its creamy consistency, especially when bananas are left in the dish.

With the proper techniques, such as using airtight containers and thawing carefully, you can minimize these changes.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your banana pudding well beyond the first day it’s served.

Can leftover banana pudding be frozen?

Yes, leftover banana pudding can be frozen, but it may not retain the same creamy texture after thawing.

The pudding might become watery, and the bananas may turn mushy and brown. For better results, consider removing the banana slices before freezing and adding fresh ones when serving.

If frozen correctly in airtight, freezer-safe containers, banana pudding can last for up to 1-2 months. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before stirring to restore its consistency.

How long does leftover banana pudding last in the fridge?

Leftover banana pudding can last for about 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, make sure it’s placed in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap.

After this period, the pudding may begin to separate, and the bananas could brown or become mushy. It’s best to check for freshness before consuming.

Can you turn leftover banana pudding into another dessert?

Absolutely! Leftover banana pudding can be used to create a variety of delicious desserts.

You can layer it into a banana pudding parfait, use it as a cake filling, turn it into a milkshake, or even freeze it to make banana pudding popsicles.

These creative ideas help you avoid food waste while enjoying new and exciting desserts.

Can I add fresh bananas to leftover banana pudding before storing it?

If you plan to store banana pudding for more than a day, it’s better to avoid adding fresh bananas, as they can brown and become mushy over time.

Instead, store the pudding without the bananas, and add fresh slices when serving. This will help maintain a fresher texture and appearance when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

What can I do if my leftover banana pudding has become watery?

If your leftover banana pudding has become watery, it’s likely due to the separation of ingredients after sitting in the fridge or being frozen.

To fix this, give it a good stir to re-incorporate the liquid and restore its creamy texture.

If the texture is still not ideal, consider repurposing the pudding into other recipes, such as blending it into a smoothie or baking it into muffins.

Sources

Maria G. Brooks

Hello! I’m Maria G. Brooks, a professional chef, passionate recipe maker, and a true food lover at heart. I wanted to create a space where anyone—from experienced chefs to beginners—could find delicious recipes, practical cooking tips, and simple kitchen hacks. My goal was to break down the barriers that often make cooking seem intimidating.

12 Delicious Ideas for What to Do with Leftover Banana Pudding!