If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic Southern comfort food, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Pudding Recipe. It is an irresistible blend of creamy vanilla pudding, luscious ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, layered to perfection and chilled until every bite melts in your mouth. This dish is the perfect no-fuss dessert that brings smiles to every table, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Once you try this Banana Pudding Recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Pudding Recipe calls for simple pantry and fresh ingredients that come together harmoniously to create its signature flavor and texture. Each one has a meaningful role, from the sweetened condensed milk enriching the pudding’s creaminess to the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and a touch of softness.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The base of your pudding, providing that classic vanilla flavor and smooth texture.
- Cold milk: Essential for whipping up the pudding mix into a luscious, thick dessert.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness that elevates the pudding’s decadence.
- Vanilla extract: A splash to enhance the vanilla notes and deepen the flavor profile.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks, it lightens the pudding mixture into a dreamy consistency.
- Vanilla wafer cookies: Provide the perfect crisp contrast and a nostalgic crunch in each bite.
- Ripe bananas: The star fruit that brings natural sweetness and a luscious, mellow flavor that complements the pudding.
How to Make Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl. Keep whisking for about two minutes until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. This will be the silky foundation of your banana pudding.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Next, stir in the sweetened condensed milk along with the vanilla extract. This combination adds richness and depth to the flavor, making the pudding luxuriously smooth and sweet without being overly sugary.
Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until it forms stiff peaks. This whipped cream is the magic ingredient that gives the pudding a light, airy texture that makes every spoonful feel special and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Cream and Pudding Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Take your time with this step and fold just until everything is smooth and fluffy. This careful folding technique keeps the whipped cream’s volume intact, resulting in a perfectly airy pudding.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Grab a 9×13-inch dish or a pretty trifle bowl and start layering with vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a generous layer of sliced bananas next, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture over them. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, making sure to end with a layer of pudding on top for a smooth finish.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully while the wafers soften just slightly, creating the perfect texture balance in every bite.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra oomph when serving, garnish your banana pudding with crushed vanilla wafers or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few banana slices on top can also brighten the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Banana Pudding Recipe shines brightest on its own, but it can be paired wonderfully with light, fruity salads or a cozy cup of coffee or tea. The dessert’s creamy sweetness contrasts nicely with tangy or bitter sides, balancing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy twist, layer the banana pudding in individual glass jars or clear cups. This not only makes serving easy but also creates a beautiful display, showing off the distinct layers of buttery wafers, golden bananas, and pale vanilla pudding.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
While this Banana Pudding Recipe is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it if necessary. However, be aware that freezing might change the pudding’s texture, making it a bit watery upon thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Reheating
This dish is typically enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer a warmer dessert, try serving small portions at room temperature instead, which still enhances the flavors without compromising the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of heavy whipping cream?
Absolutely! Whipping heavy cream fresh for the pudding mixture gives it the best, fluffiest texture. Store-bought whipped topping can be used in a pinch but may not be as fluffy or integrate as smoothly.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas can become mushy and cause the pudding to turn brown faster, which might affect the dessert’s appearance and texture.
Is this Banana Pudding Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional vanilla wafer cookies contain gluten, so to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute them with gluten-free vanilla wafers or other suitable cookies.
Can I make individual servings instead of one large dish?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in clear jars or small cups for charming individual portions perfect for parties or easy serving. It also helps control portion sizes.
Can this Banana Pudding Recipe be made dairy-free?
You can adapt the recipe using dairy-free milk alternatives and dairy-free whipped topping. Just ensure the pudding mix you choose doesn’t contain dairy to keep the recipe fully dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about this Banana Pudding Recipe that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Its creamy layers, sweet bananas, and crunchy wafers combine to create a timeless treat that everyone will love. Give it a try at your next get-together or when you simply want to indulge in a little sweetness — I promise it will bring smiles all around.
Print
Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Southern Banana Pudding is a creamy, no-bake dessert featuring layers of instant vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies. It’s easy to prepare and requires only chilling time to meld the flavors, making it perfect for gatherings or a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (5.1-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Then, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined, forming a smooth base for the dessert.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream is light and fluffy to add volume and texture to the pudding mixture.
- Fold whipped cream into pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and fluffy, taking care not to deflate the cream for a light, airy consistency in the final dessert.
- Assemble layers: In a 9×13-inch dish or a trifle bowl, start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom. Follow with a layer of banana slices, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften, creating the signature texture of banana pudding.
- Serve: Serve chilled, optionally garnished with crushed vanilla wafers or extra whipped cream for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain texture.
- You can substitute whipped topping for the homemade whipped cream if preferred for convenience.
- Consider making individual servings in jars or cups for easy entertaining and portion control.
