How to Make Freeze-Dried Banana Pudding Bites
If you’re looking for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth dessert snack with a crunchy twist, these freeze-dried banana pudding bites are everything you didn’t know you needed. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, travel snacks, or anytime sweet cravings. I’ll walk you through exactly how I made them (and what I’d do differently next time), plus share a few flavor-boosting tips! A huge thank you to Kaleigh C. for sharing this recipe in our Facebook group and allowing us to post it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To start, here’s what you need to whip up these dreamy little bites:
- 1 family-size box of Jell-O Banana Cream Pudding (instant)
- 8 oz cold milk
- 8 oz heavy whipping cream
- Nilla Wafers
- Bananas (sliced)
- Optional toppings: peanut butter, melted chocolate, strawberry halves, pie filling
Pro Tip: I ran out of pudding two trays in, so I recommend doubling the recipe if you want to fill your freeze dryer trays efficiently.
How to Make the Pudding Fluff
The secret to that dreamy texture? A mix of heavy cream and milk. Here’s how I prepped it:
- In a large bowl, pour the pudding powder, 8 oz of cold milk, and 8 oz of heavy whipping cream.
- Use a hand mixer for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and smooth.
- Transfer the pudding into a frosting or ziplock bag, snip the tip, and it’s ready to pipe!
Now comes the fun part — building your bites!
Assembling the Banana Pudding Bites
- Pipe a generous swirl of pudding onto each Nilla Wafer.
- Slice bananas right before you top each one. (This is important to prevent browning or mushy fruit.)
- Top each swirl with a banana slice.
That’s it — no need to pre-treat or pre-freeze the bananas! I’ve tested both and fresh-cut right before freeze-drying works beautifully.
Tips for Extra Sweetness
Want to get creative? Here are some ways to level up your banana pudding bites:
- Banana Split Version: Place half a banana slice and top it with ½ a strawberry for a classic banana split vibe.
- Cheesecake Remix: Swap the banana cream pudding for Jell-O cheesecake flavor — trust me, it’s divine!
- Chocolate or PB Dip: Once freeze-dried, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate or peanut butter for an indulgent treat.
- Mini Pie Bites: Pipe the pudding onto graham cracker pieces (just break along the scored lines) and top with a dab of your favorite pie filling!
Freeze Drying Instructions
Once assembled, it’s time to freeze-dry! Here’s how I did it:
- Place all assembled bites on the trays.
- Use the default freeze dryer settings.
- Add extra drying time if needed — total time for me was about 26 hours.
Every machine varies slightly, so make sure the bites are fully dry and crisp before storing.
Getting a Freeze Dryer
We highly recommend the Harvest Right Medium freeze dryer for your food preservation needs. This versatile appliance provides excellent freeze-drying capabilities without the need for a large dedicated 20 amp circuit, unlike the larger sizes. As avid users and supporters of Harvest Right products, we’ve found their quality and customer support exceptional. As a Harvest Right Affiliate, we stand by their reliability and effectiveness. When you shop through our affiliate link, you help support our small business at no additional cost to you. It’s a straightforward way to assist us while investing in a superior freeze-drying solution for your home, ensuring your food stays fresh and nutritious for longer periods.
Final Thoughts and Storage Tips
Once dry, store your banana pudding bites in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to keep them crisp and fresh. These little guys are perfect for snacking, gifting, or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Got a freeze dryer? Then you need to try this. Have fun, get creative, and tag me with your own twist on freeze-dried banana pudding bites!
Why Freeze-Dry Your Own Snacks?
Freeze-drying isn’t just fun — it’s an incredible way to preserve your food for the long haul without losing flavor or nutrition. From desserts like these banana pudding bites to fruits, vegetables, and even full meals, freeze-drying helps you stock up your pantry with homemade, shelf-stable goodies.
If you’re new to freeze-drying or looking for more ideas, be sure to check out my guide on how to preserve your food. It’s packed with tips for canning, dehydrating, and freeze-drying your harvest or homemade treats!
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Can I use already made pudding?
You should be able to use ready-made pudding, though keep in mind that it has a higher water content compared to homemade versions. As a result, it may take longer to fully freeze-dry. I haven’t personally tried it myself, but I’d love to hear how it turns out if you decide to give it a go!