Backpacking Banana Pudding
Craving a sweet and satisfying dessert on the trail? In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make our backpacking banana pudding using simple, shelf-stable ingredients. We’ll cover the essential ingredients, optional mix-ins, and simple preparation methods to create a comforting dessert perfect for the backcountry.
Why I Love This Recipe
This backpacking banana pudding is one of our favorite desserts and one of the first desserts we tried to make. We have enjoyed this pudding on many various backpacking trips and camping trips. I remember the first time I tried this recipe out on day hike in Arkansas. It it instantly became one of my favorite backpacking desserts. It’s lightweight, incredibly easy to prepare, and delivers that nostalgic comfort of a homemade treat. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or just on a weekend camping trip, this banana pudding is sure to hit the spot.
Backpacking Banana Pudding: Ingredient Breakdown
Base Ingredients:
- 1 packet of Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Lightweight, easy to prepare, and provides the creamy base.
- Substitution: Banana-flavored pudding or butterscotch pudding mix for a twist.
- 1/2 cup Powdered Milk – Adds creaminess and richness.
- Substitution: Dairy-free hikers can use powdered coconut milk
- 1/3 cup Dried Banana Chips – Provides the banana flavor and a nice crunch. I recommend these chips
- Substitution: Freeze-dried banana slices for a softer texture.
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Wafers – Gives that classic pudding texture and sweetness.
- Substitution: Graham crackers (crushed) or granola for extra crunch and fiber.
- 2 cup Water – Needed to rehydrate the pudding mix.
Let’s Make This Backpacking Banana Pudding Together
Step 1: At Home, Pre-Pack Ingredients
Pre-pack and combine all dry ingredients into a resealable bag or lightweight container. Keep the banana chips and wafers in a separate bag to maintain their crunch.
Step 2: Mix the Pudding Base
Either pour the pudding/milk mix into your backpacking bowl or leave it in the resealable bag. Add 2 cup of water to the instant pudding/milk mix. Stir in the bowl or bag until smooth. Let sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
Tip: I like to eat this straight from the bag for easy cleanup however, it is easier to eat and keep fingers clean if you transfer to a bowl.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Once the pudding has thickened. Add the dried banana chips and crushed wafers. Mix lightly or layer them for texture.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Scoop up your homemade banana pudding and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Take Bananas Backpacking?
Fresh bananas are heavy and don’t hold up well on long backpacking trips due to their fragility, but dried or freeze-dried banana slices are a great alternative. They’re lightweight, packed with nutrients, and have a long shelf life. You most definitely could take fresh bananas out on a shorter overnight trip and make this pudding even better!
What is a Good Dessert for Backpacking?
I like to make simple lightweight desserts that are easy to carry for multiple days like this backpacking banana pudding recipe.
How Do You Make Backpacking Desserts Without Refrigeration?
The key is using powdered ingredients like instant pudding mix and powdered milk. These provide the same creamy texture as traditional desserts without the need for refrigeration. Adding shelf-stable toppings like dried fruit and crackers makes them even better.
Backpacking Banana Pudding
Equipment
- 1 UCO 4 Piece Mess kit
- 1 Humangear GoBites Uno Spor
Ingredients
- 1 3.4oz box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 1/2 cup Whole Powdered Milk
- 1/3 cup Dried Banana Chips
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Wafers
- 2 cup Water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pre-pack all dry ingredients into a resealable bag or lightweight container. Keep the banana chips and wafers in a separate bag to maintain their crunch.
- Step 2: Mix the pudding mix. Either pour the pudding mix into your backpacking bowl or leave it in the resealable bag. Add 2 cup of water to the mix and stir in the bowl or bag until smooth. Let sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Step 3: Add the toppings, once the pudding has thickened. Mix the dried banana chips and crushed wafers lightly or layer them for texture.
Notes
- Nutrition Facts: Calories – 268 | Fat- 7g | Carbs – 47g | Protein – 5g
- Adjust the amount of water to your desired consistency – less water for thicker pudding or more for thinner
Final Thoughts
I hope you love this Backpacking Banana Pudding as much as I do! It’s a simple, no-cook dessert that’s lightweight and packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the trail. Looking for more backpacking meal ideas? Check out our Backpacking Pizza Wrap or our Backpacking Cheesy bean and Rice Burrito’s for more delicious options.
What’s your go-to backpacking dessert? Drop a comment below and share your favorite trail treats!
