Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: No baking required; just layer and chill for a delicious dessert.
Creamy and Delicious: The perfect balance of pudding, bananas, and whipped cream.
Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.
Affordable Ingredients: Uses simple ingredients like vanilla wafers and sweetened condensed milk.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold whole milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 box vanilla wafer cookies
4-5 ripe bananas
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp sugar

Directions

Mix the pudding mix, cold milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until thick and smooth.
Layer vanilla wafers at the bottom of a glass dish, followed by sliced bananas. Pour a layer of pudding mixture over.
Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
Whip the cream with sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread over the top of the pudding.
Garnish with crumbled vanilla wafers and chill for a few hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Version: Add chocolate pudding for a chocolate banana pudding twist.
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and dairy-free whipped cream for a vegan treat.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Serve cold; no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I use instant pudding mix?

Yes, instant pudding works just fine for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Can I use almond milk?

Almond milk can be substituted, but it may affect the texture slightly.

Can I freeze banana pudding?

It’s not recommended to freeze banana pudding as it can change the texture.

How can I make it sweeter?

Adjust the sugar in the whipped cream or add extra condensed milk for more sweetness.

How long do the bananas last in the pudding?

Bananas should last up to 2-3 days in the pudding, but they can turn brown faster.

Can I use a different type of cookie?

Yes, you can substitute with other types of cookies like graham crackers.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Use slightly under-ripe bananas to slow down browning, or add lemon juice to the slices.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate chips can be sprinkled between the layers for a chocolatey addition.

How do I serve it best?

Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of creamy deliciousness!

Conclusion

Banana pudding is a timeless dessert that’s sure to please everyone. This easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Banana Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert with layers of vanilla pudding, ripe banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Easy to make with no baking required, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks. The simple ingredients make it an affordable and delicious treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 box vanilla pudding mix

2 cups cold whole milk

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 box vanilla wafer cookies

4–5 ripe bananas

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding: In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until thick and smooth.
Layer the ingredients: Place a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of a glass dish. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture.
Repeat layers: Continue layering with cookies, bananas, and pudding, finishing with the pudding on top.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pudding.
Garnish and chill: Crumble some vanilla wafers on top for garnish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Chocolate Version: Replace the vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for a rich, chocolate twist on banana pudding.

Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and dairy-free whipped cream to make this a vegan-friendly treat.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Banana Tip: To prevent the bananas from browning, use slightly under-ripe bananas or drizzle lemon juice over the slices.

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, No-bake Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American