If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines creamy layers, fresh fruit, and nostalgic vanilla cookies, look no further than this Easy Banana Pudding. Silky pudding, ripe bananas, and whipped topping come together without any baking, making it ideal for both special occasions and last-minute cravings. Not only does this Southern classic taste dreamy, but it also delivers show-stopping presentation with minimal effort. You’ll love making and sharing Easy Banana Pudding!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Pudding Mixture:
- 1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
How to Make Easy Banana Pudding
Step 1: Mix Pudding and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk until the mixture is completely smooth and begins to thicken, which should take about two minutes of steady whisking. This step creates the pudding base for your Easy Banana Pudding and gets things started on a creamy note.
Step 2: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
To infuse the pudding with extra creaminess and rich vanilla flavor, add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix these in until you have a well-combined, glossy pudding mixture that smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping, being careful not to deflate it. This technique keeps your pudding airy and light, creating that classic lift that makes every spoonful of this Easy Banana Pudding irresistible.
Step 4: Layer Cookies, Bananas, and Pudding
Begin by arranging a snug layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Top the cookies with a generous layer of sliced bananas, then spread a layer of the prepared pudding over the bananas. Continue layering cookies, bananas, and pudding until all your ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a smooth layer of pudding at the top.
Step 5: Top and Chill
Spoon the remaining whipped topping over the last layer of pudding, spreading it all the way to the edges. For a decorative flourish, scatter a few crushed vanilla wafers over the top. Cover and refrigerate your Easy Banana Pudding for at least four hours so the flavors can meld and the cookies soften. If you can wait until the next day, the texture only gets better!
How to Serve Easy Banana Pudding
Garnishes
Add an extra special touch to your Easy Banana Pudding by topping it with freshly sliced bananas, a generous sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, or even a few dollops of whipped topping piped into little swirls. These garnishes add both beauty and flavor, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This creamy treat stands beautifully on its own, but you can pair it with fresh berries, a slice of pound cake, or a cup of bold coffee to accentuate those banana and vanilla flavors even more. For summer parties, a cold glass of sweet tea rounds out the Southern dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Take Easy Banana Pudding to new heights by assembling it in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for picture-perfect personal servings. For a playful twist, build mini pudding cups using shot glasses, or layer everything in a trifle bowl for a stunning centerpiece at your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Easy Banana Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or a snug-fitting lid and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the bananas may soften a bit over time—perfect for those who love an ultra-creamy texture throughout.
Freezing
While freezing Easy Banana Pudding isn’t generally recommended (the bananas can turn dark and the whipped topping may separate), you can freeze portions if needed. Just know the texture will change a bit—but it can be a tasty, frosty treat straight from the freezer in the summer months!
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat Easy Banana Pudding. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Banana Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before helps the flavors blend and the cookies soften, creating an even more delicious pudding. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator.
Will the bananas turn brown?
To prevent browning, dip your banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering. This trick keeps them looking fresh and appealing even after a day or two in the fridge.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes! If you prefer the taste and texture of freshly whipped cream, feel free to substitute an equal amount. Just beat cold heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form and use as directed.
What’s the best way to crush vanilla wafers for topping?
Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to gently crush them. This gives you just the right mix of fine crumbs and crunchy bits for sprinkling.
Is this Easy Banana Pudding gluten-free?
Since traditional vanilla wafers contain wheat, it’s not gluten-free out of the box. But you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla cookies to make it accessible for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Easy Banana Pudding, it will become your go-to dessert for potlucks, family suppers, and sweet cravings alike. There’s something comforting and joyful in every layered bite. Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch soon—you’ll be delighted you did!
Print
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and luscious Easy Banana Pudding that requires no baking. Layers of vanilla wafer cookies, ripe bananas, and a rich pudding mixture topped with whipped cream make for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture:
- 1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Combine with Whipped Topping: Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafer cookies, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used.
- Top and Chill: Finish with a layer of pudding, top with remaining whipped topping, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this pudding the night before for enhanced flavor.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat milk and light whipped topping.
- To prevent browning, dip banana slices in lemon juice before layering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
