Looking for a dessert that’s as creamy and dreamy as it gets? This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is perfect for a crowd or just a sweet solo indulgence at home!
Table of Contents
What is Banana Pudding?
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that typically layers creamy pudding with fresh bananas and a crisp cookie. With its light, silky pudding and sweet banana flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist.
What makes banana pudding so special is how each bite has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pudding is rich and velvety, while the bananas add a fresh, fruity sweetness. Top it all off with crunchy Nilla Wafers, and you have a treat that’s not only comforting but packed with sweet nostalgia.
Ingredients You Need
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – We love using sweetened condensed milk because it adds rich sweetness and creamy texture.
- Cold Milk – Milk helps thin out the condensed milk just a bit while keeping everything extra smooth and creamy.
- Heavy Cream – Whipping the cream will give you that light, fluffy texture that makes the layers of the pudding so irresistible.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – This is a quick way to achieve that thick, creamy base.
- Ripe Bananas – We slice them fresh, adding natural sweetness and a soft, fruity bite to the pudding. Avoid adding them to the top of the pudding until you’re ready to serve to avoid having them become brown.
- Mini Nilla Wafers – These cookies add the perfect crunchy texture to contrast with the creamy pudding and soft bananas.
How to Make Easy Banana Pudding
- Mix the condensed milk and cold milk. In a large bowl, whisk the two together until smooth and completely combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
- Add in the pudding mix. Whisk the vanilla pudding mix into the milk mixture until smooth. Let it rest in the fridge so it can thicken up.
- Whip the cream. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half of it into the chilled pudding mixture for an airy and fluffy texture.
- Assemble the pudding. Layer Nilla Wafers at the bottom of your serving dish. Then add a layer of sliced bananas. Spread a third of the pudding mixture on top of the bananas as well as a third of the whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all of the ingredients. Top with whole or crushed Nilla Wafers.
- Chill and serve. Cover the dish with a lid, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to come together. Add fresh, sliced bananas to the top just before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate – Swap the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate for a rich, chocolaty twist.
- Peanut Butter Layers – Add a layer of creamy peanut butter between the bananas and pudding.
- Strawberry Banana Pudding – Add fresh strawberries for a fruity pop of color and flavor.
- Graham Crackers – Substitute graham crackers for the Nilla Wafers for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
Can I Store Leftovers?
The cookies in the banana pudding do tend to soften if stored for too long, but it’s still tasty!
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
We don’t recommend freezing this dish — the texture of the bananas and cookies will not remain the same when thawed.
More Sweet and Creamy Recipes
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out more of our rich and creamy recipes!
Easy Mahalabia (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)
Mango Chia Pudding with Fruit Salad
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 20 ounces (~1.5 boxes) mini Nila Wafers
- 5-7 ripe bananas sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the condensed milk and cold milk. Beat until they come together and look creamy.14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups cold milk
- Add pudding mix to the same bowl, and beat again until all the lumps are gone. Refrigerate while you prepare the heavy cream. (This mixture will thicken)1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- When ready to assemble, beat the heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Add half of the whipped cream to the pudding mixture, and beat until the mixture is fluffy and fully blended.3 cups heavy cream
- Assemble: Add a layer of Nila wafers to the bottom of a trifle bowl followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of the pudding mixture on top. 1/3 of the whipped cream, and keep repeating the layers! Mound the top with more mini Nila (or crushed) wafers and sliced bananas. (this can also be assembled in a 12×8 casserole dish.)20 ounces (~1.5 boxes) mini Nila Wafers, 5-7 ripe bananas
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight!
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
