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
Scale
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.
