Name: Best Banana Pudding Ever Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 1/2 cups cold water; 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 3 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers; 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced; Whipped cream and crushed cookies for garnish (optional)

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This Best Banana Pudding Ever is an absolute showstopper at any get-together! Imagine velvety layers of homemade pudding, pillowy whipped cream, tender banana slices, and the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers, all melding together into a dreamy, no-bake dessert. If you’re craving a sweet treat that blends comforting Southern tradition with effortless assembly, this is truly the recipe you’ll want to keep up your sleeve! Whether it’s for a big potluck or just a weeknight treat, you’re about to discover why this pudding has achieved legendary status at so many tables.

Best Banana Pudding Ever Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet Pudding Mixture:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped Cream:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Layering:
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- Whipped cream and crushed cookies for garnish (optional)

How to Make Best Banana Pudding Ever

Step 1: Mix the Pudding Base

Start by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water in a large mixing bowl. You want this to be nice and smooth, with no streaks of condensed milk hanging around. This combo becomes our lusciously sweet and creamy foundation.

Step 2: Whisk in Instant Pudding

Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix into your bowl and whisk, whisk, whisk until it’s fully blended. No lumps allowed! Once smooth, pop it into the fridge for about 5 minutes—this helps it thicken up beautifully while you prep your other layers.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Take your time here—light, fluffy whipped cream is a huge part of what makes the Best Banana Pudding Ever so outrageously good.

Step 4: Fold Cream into Pudding

Gently fold your mountain of whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture. Use a spatula and a light hand; those fluffy whipped peaks should be preserved, not deflated! Your finished pudding should be silky, billowy, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Layer the Goodness

Now for the fun part: layering! In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, lay down a base layer of vanilla wafers, then scatter on enough banana slices to cover the cookies. Top with a generous layer of your pudding mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with pudding on top so it stays extra creamy and beautiful.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover your assembled pudding and set it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the wafers to soften into that signature, cake-like texture.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Right before serving, crown your Best Banana Pudding Ever with billowy whipped cream and a shower of crushed vanilla wafers for crunch and eye appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel between the layers is a game-changer!

How to Serve Best Banana Pudding Ever

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of decadence, while a handful of crushed vanilla wafers delivers a satisfying crunch. For a pop of color, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few banana coins, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce—whatever suits your mood!

Side Dishes

The Best Banana Pudding Ever is already a star, but if you’d like to complete your dessert table, it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like fresh berries, lemon bars, or a crisp fruit salad. The contrast in flavors really highlights the creamy, dreamy pudding.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling this banana pudding in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for a picture-perfect party presentation. Trifle bowls make for dramatic layers, while a classic casserole dish gives off cozy, homey vibes. Let your creativity shine—layer, garnish, and serve with pride!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover banana pudding (if there is any!) will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid so the pudding stays creamy and the flavors stay lively. Keep in mind, the wafers will get softer over time, which many people actually love.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze the Best Banana Pudding Ever, as the creamy components and bananas don’t thaw well and can turn watery or mushy. Enjoy it fresh and chilled for the ultimate texture and taste.

Reheating

This pudding is all about being served cold—no reheating needed! Simply scoop your desired portion straight from the fridge and enjoy. If you want to refresh leftovers, top with a little extra whipped cream just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade vanilla pudding recipe, it will only make your Best Banana Pudding Ever even richer and more indulgent. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before folding in the whipped cream.

Does it matter what brand of vanilla wafer cookies I use?

While classic Nilla Wafers are the nostalgic go-to, any buttery vanilla wafer will work beautifully. Some off-brand cookies are just as tasty, and even gluten-free versions can be used successfully.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Look for bananas that are bright yellow with just a few brown speckles—these are perfectly sweet and soft, but not so ripe that they turn mushy or overpower the dessert. Bananas that are too green will lack flavor, while very brown ones can get too soft.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making the Best Banana Pudding Ever the day before serving allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften to that irresistible cake-like consistency. Just hold off on the garnishes until right before serving.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can experiment with dairy-free substitutes such as coconut whipped cream and a plant-based condensed milk. Use a vegan pudding mix and ensure your cookies are also dairy-free for a completely plant-based twist on this classic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s guaranteed to win hearts and leave everyone smiling, you need to make the Best Banana Pudding Ever. It’s simple, delicious, and absolutely bursting with flavor and nostalgia. So grab those bananas and vanilla wafers—your new signature dessert is just a whisk away!

Best Banana Pudding Ever Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of the Best Banana Pudding Ever. This no-bake dessert is a Southern American classic that combines layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a luscious pudding mixture. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet treat any day of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Pudding Mixture:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

Whipped Cream:

3 cups heavy whipping cream

Layering:

1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
Whipped cream and crushed cookies for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Mix the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Add pudding mix, whisk until smooth, and chill for 5 minutes.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into the pudding mixture.
Layer: In a 9×13-inch dish, alternate wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Top with whipped cream and cookies before serving.