Get your spoons ready, because The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe is about to become your new all-time favorite dessert! This dreamy Southern classic layers creamy vanilla pudding, pillowy whipped cream, tender banana slices, and nostalgic vanilla wafers for a treat that is truly impossible to resist. With no baking required and just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you can whip up a show-stopping sweet for parties, potlucks, or a weekend family feast—everyone will be fighting for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the pudding:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
For the whipped cream:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
For layering:
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas (sliced)
- Optional: crushed cookies or whipped cream for topping
How to Make The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
Combine the sweetened condensed milk and cold water in a large mixing bowl, whisking until completely smooth. Next, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for about 2 minutes—your arm workout for the day! You’ll notice it start to thicken up. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s perfectly set and ready for layering.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Now for the showstopper: homemade whipped cream. Pour the heavy whipping cream into a separate bowl and beat it on high with a mixer until stiff peaks form (usually 3 to 5 minutes). Freshly whipped cream makes The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe outrageously fluffy and rich—nothing from a can compares!
Step 3: Combine Whipped Cream and Pudding
Gently fold your cloud-like whipped cream into the chilled pudding base. This is where velvety goodness truly happens. Fold carefully to keep the mixture light and airy—it should look smooth and pillowy when you’re done.
Step 4: Layer the Pudding
In your favorite trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, then spoon over a dreamy layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until all components are used, finishing with a flourish of pudding or any extra whipped cream you set aside. Each bite delivers the ideal blend of cookies, bananas, and creaminess!
Step 5: Chill and Top
Cover the dish and pop it back in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you have the patience—it allows flavors to mingle and wafers to soften just right. Before serving, add a final flurry of crushed cookies or extra whipped cream for a picture-perfect look. Get ready, because The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe is now ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
The fun doesn’t stop at the last layer! Top your pudding with extra banana slices, a scattering of crushed vanilla wafers, or cloud-like dollops of whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, try a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a mint sprig for a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a superstar all on its own, but if you’re building a full menu, serve The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe after a classic Southern meal: fried chicken, collard greens, or barbecue ribs. For lighter fare, pair it with fresh berries or a little lemony shortbread for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Change up your presentation by making individual parfaits in mason jars or mini cups—perfect for parties and picnics! Or, spread the joy by setting up a build-your-own pudding bar, so everyone can customize their own serving with toppings galore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover your dish with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh. The cookies soften over time, making each bite even more melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Freezing
While the pudding and bananas don’t love the freezer (the texture tends to change), you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month if needed. Just know the wafers will soften a lot and the bananas might darken a bit after thawing.
Reheating
Good news: The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe is served chilled, so no need for reheating! If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you feel adventurous, swap the instant mix for your favorite homemade vanilla or banana pudding. It’ll take a little longer, but the flavor will be even more luxurious.
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
To help prevent browning, use just-ripe (not overripe) bananas and layer them between the pudding, which acts as a barrier. You can also lightly toss banana slices with a bit of lemon juice before layering, though it may add a slight tart flavor.
Can I make The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe the day before?
You sure can—and it might be even better! The rest time allows the cookies to soak up moisture and the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add any decorative toppings right before serving for best presentation.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! Use gluten-free vanilla wafers, which are widely available in grocery stores or online. Check that your pudding mix is gluten-free, too, and you’re good to go.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Of course! While bananas are the star, you can toss in berries or a layer of peanut butter for a fun twist. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle also add a delightful surprise.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe, now is your moment! It’s comfort in every creamy, nostalgic spoonful and always a crowd favorite—easy to make, easier to love. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic Southern treat, and let the rave reviews roll in!
Print
The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of this classic Southern dessert with The BEST Banana Pudding Recipe. Layers of luscious vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy wafer cookies will have your taste buds singing!
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
For the whipped cream:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
For layering:
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas (sliced)
- Optional: crushed cookies or whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth. Add the pudding mix and whisk for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3–5 minutes). Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the dessert: In a trifle dish or 9×13-inch baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding or whipped cream.
- Chill and serve: Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Top with crushed cookies or extra whipped cream before serving if desired.
Notes
- For a richer twist, use French vanilla or banana-flavored pudding.
- You can also make individual servings in jars or cups for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
