Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
If you’re craving a nostalgic, creamy dessert that feels like home in every spoonful, Easy Banana Pudding is the answer. Each dreamy layer—pillowy whipped cream, velvety pudding, sweet ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers—combines into a classic trifle that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re new to making puddings or a southern dessert devotee, this might just become your most requested dish for gatherings, potlucks or cozy family nights. Let’s dive into the magic of Easy Banana Pudding together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the pudding:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
For the whipped cream:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Additional ingredients:
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
How to Make Easy Banana Pudding
Step 1: Whisk the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Water
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Keep whisking until everything is completely smooth and blended—this ensures you won’t have lingering lumps in your pudding and sets the foundation for ultra-creamy layers down the line.
Step 2: Add and Whisk the Vanilla Pudding Mix
Next, sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk briskly for about 2 minutes. The mixture should start thickening and turning a lovely pale yellow. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or until gloriously set). The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth it!
Step 3: Whip the Cream
When the pudding is nice and thick, it’s time to create your fluff! Using a clean, chilled bowl and beaters, whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step ensures your Easy Banana Pudding is light, airy, and feels like a cloud in each bite. Don’t rush—well-whipped cream really elevates the whole trifle.
Step 4: Fold the Whipped Cream into Pudding
Gently fold the whipped cream into your chilled pudding mixture. Do this in batches and use a soft touch; the goal is a fully incorporated, lusciously light mousse rather than a deflated pudding. Take a moment to marvel at the billowy texture you’ve created!
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Start with a layer of vanilla wafers in your trifle dish or serving bowl. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then a thick layer of your creamy pudding mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with pudding on top. For the finishing flourish, crush a few more vanilla wafers and sprinkle them across the surface. This last bit adds crunch and a touch of retro beauty. Chill for at least 2 more hours to let everything meld together before serving.
How to Serve Easy Banana Pudding
Garnishes
For a photo-worthy finish and a little crunch, shower the top of your Easy Banana Pudding with a handful of crushed vanilla wafers just before serving. Want an extra touch? Try shaving a bit of chocolate or nestling a few banana chips on top right before dessert hits the table.
Side Dishes
Since Easy Banana Pudding is so rich and creamy, pair it with lighter sides—think a fresh berry salad or a scoop of lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. A simple iced tea or coffee is always a hit alongside this sweet classic.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stick with a big trifle bowl! Try assembling individual puddings in mason jars or stemless wine glasses for a portable, party-ready twist. Layering in clear cups also lets those gorgeous stripes of cookie, fruit, and pudding shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Banana Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge. Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just remember, the bananas may brown slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delectable!
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze banana pudding, but the texture will change—bananas may become mushy and the cream less fluffy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Reheating
This classic dessert doesn’t require reheating. In fact, it’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge for that cool, refreshing contrast of textures and flavors. Just scoop and serve!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute a homemade vanilla pudding if you prefer—you’ll simply need to allow extra time for cooking and cooling before assembling your Easy Banana Pudding.
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
To keep bananas fresher-looking, layer them between the wafers and pudding, or drop them in a little lemon juice before assembling. This slows down browning so your pudding stays inviting and pretty.
What can I substitute for vanilla wafer cookies?
If you can’t find vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or ladyfingers make fantastic alternatives that also stand up well during chilling.
Can I make Easy Banana Pudding ahead of time?
This dessert is made for prepping ahead! In fact, making it 4 to 24 hours before serving lets the flavors meld and the wafers soften to that perfect texture. Just add fresh garnishes right before serving.
Is it OK to use regular whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes—the recipe even encourages it if you want to save time. Store-bought whipped topping makes assembly speedy and still delivers that fluffy, creamy finish everybody loves.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing delicious moments and making memories over dessert, it’s time to try Easy Banana Pudding. With its dreamy layers and just-right sweetness, this recipe brings smiles to familiar faces and new friends alike. Get your spoons ready and let the comforting, creamy goodness begin!
Print
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, nostalgic goodness of this Easy Banana Pudding. Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a luscious pudding mixture make this no-bake dessert a classic crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
For the whipped cream:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Additional ingredients:
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water until fully combined.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Prepare the whipped cream: Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the pudding: In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Optional: crush a few wafers and sprinkle on top for garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid browning.
- You can also use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream for a quicker option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
