Name: The BEST Banana Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482514H11M40S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 11 oz box Vanilla Wafers; 4 to 6 bananas, sliced; 2 cups milk; 1 (5 oz) box Instant French Vanilla pudding; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or equal amount of sweetened whipped cream)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further—this Banana Pudding is here to steal the show! Imagine velvety custard, sweet bananas, and a generous layer of crunchy vanilla wafers that soften just enough to create a dreamy, balanced bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one, and it’s guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Simple yet indulgent, this banana pudding brings the comfort we all crave with a bit of nostalgic flair. Ready to dig in?

Why You’ll Love The BEST Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating with family, whipping it up for a weekend treat, or impressing guests at a party, this pudding delivers comfort and joy in every spoonful. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile:

Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. And if you’re just craving something sweet to satisfy that sweet tooth, this dish is your go-to. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Budget-Friendly:

No need to hunt down fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and fresh bananas. This dessert shows that simple can be spectacular. It’s your ticket to an indulgent treat that won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy:

Making this pudding is a breeze. It’s straightforward and comes together quickly. And the best part? No baking involved! You’ll get to enjoy this decadent dessert in no time.

Customizable:

Feel free to tweak it! Add extra layers of bananas, top with whipped cream, or throw in a dash of cinnamon for a fun twist. There’s room for creativity here, so make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Let’s be real—who can resist a layer of creamy pudding and fresh bananas? It’s always a hit, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

This banana pudding is made with just a few ingredients, but the magic comes from the layers of flavor that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

Vanilla Pudding Mix: The base of the pudding that creates that smooth, creamy texture we all crave. It’s rich and comforting, forming the heart of this dessert.

Whole Milk: To help bring that pudding mix to life. The richness of whole milk gives the pudding its thick, luscious consistency.

Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas are the star of the show, adding sweetness and texture. They’re the perfect contrast to the creamy pudding.

Vanilla Wafers: These little cookies add the crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy pudding and soft bananas. They soak up the pudding just enough to become soft but still provide that satisfying bite.

Whipped Cream: For that fluffy finish. It’s the perfect topper to make everything even more indulgent.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this banana pudding—it’s so easy and oh-so-delicious!

Prepare the Pudding

Start by whisking together the vanilla pudding mix and whole milk in a large bowl. Follow the package instructions for thickness. You want the pudding to be nice and thick but still smooth, like velvet. Once it’s ready, set it aside to cool slightly.

Layer the Ingredients

In a serving dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Next, slice your bananas into thin rounds and place them evenly over the wafers. Then, pour half of your pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers, spreading it out gently to cover everything. Repeat the process with another layer of wafers, bananas, and pudding until you’ve used everything up.

Add the Whipped Cream

Top the entire dessert with a fluffy layer of whipped cream, spreading it out evenly. If you want a little extra flair, you can sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for a crunchy finish!

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together and let the wafers soften just the right amount. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1/12 of recipe
Calories per serving: 280 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve The BEST Banana Pudding

This dessert is perfect on its own, but it’s always fun to pair it with something else for a complete meal:

Fresh Fruit:

Add a little extra freshness with a side of berries or citrus to balance the sweetness of the banana pudding.

Coffee or Tea:

Serve with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea. The creamy, rich flavor of the pudding pairs beautifully with both!

Chocolate Drizzle:

For a fun twist, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top before serving. Chocolate and banana are a match made in heaven!

As a Standalone:

Honestly, this banana pudding is hearty enough to stand on its own as the star of your meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to make this dessert even more spectacular:

Prep Ahead:

This dessert is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight. It’s one of those dishes that actually gets better after sitting for a while.

Make It Your Own:

Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, or even a layer of caramel for a unique twist.

Keep It Fresh:

For the best flavor and texture, serve the pudding within 2–3 days. Bananas can brown over time, so it’s best enjoyed while fresh!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the vanilla pudding mix?

A1: Yes! You can make homemade vanilla pudding if you prefer. Just follow your favorite recipe for a richer flavor.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cookie?

A2: Absolutely! If you want to change it up, try using graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different crunch.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?

A3: Yes! It’s actually best made ahead of time so the flavors have time to meld together. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware the bananas may brown slightly.

Q5: Can I freeze this dessert?

A5: It’s not recommended to freeze banana pudding, as the texture can change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q6: How do I make this banana pudding healthier?

A6: You can use low-fat milk and a sugar-free pudding mix to cut down on calories. Swap the whipped cream for a lighter option if you like!

Q7: Can I double the recipe?

A7: Yes, just make sure to use a larger serving dish or divide it into smaller ones!

Q8: Can I add extra layers?

A8: Feel free to add more layers if you want—this dessert is all about layers of deliciousness!

Q9: Can I use ripe bananas?

A9: Yes, ripe bananas are perfect! They’ll be sweet and creamy, making the pudding even better.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?

A10: A glass trifle dish or a deep baking dish works beautifully to show off those layers!

Conclusion

There you have it! The BEST Banana Pudding is simple, decadent, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or treating yourself, this dessert is sure to bring a smile to your face. With its smooth, creamy layers and the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, it’s a dessert that will always have a place at your table. Enjoy every spoonful!