Name: Best Banana Pudding Ever Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
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 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers; 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

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If you’re on a quest for the Best Banana Pudding Ever, your search ends right here. Imagine velvety vanilla pudding, fluffy billows of homemade whipped cream, sweetly ripe bananas, and nostalgic vanilla wafers, all layered into one dreamy, no-bake dessert that gets even better as it chills. This recipe has been a beloved staple at family reunions and cookouts for years, and once you taste just one spoonful, you’ll understand why – it’s the kind of Southern classic that turns any gathering into a celebration.

Best Banana Pudding Ever Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

- 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

How to Make Best Banana Pudding Ever

Step 1: Mix the Pudding Base

Begin by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together your sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth. Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the top and whisk again for about two minutes, and you’ll see the mixture become creamy and thick. Pop it in the fridge for at least five minutes, giving it a chance to set up—the foundation for the Best Banana Pudding Ever starts here.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Next, pour your heavy whipping cream and that fragrant vanilla extract into a clean bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the cream for about three to four minutes, watching carefully as those glorious stiff peaks form. This whipped cream is the secret to a pudding that tastes homemade and extra special.

Step 3: Fold and Combine

Once your pudding base is chilled, gently fold in the whipped cream. Use a spatula and a light touch here—you want to keep the whipped cream fluffy, folding until no streaks remain. What you’re left with is a pudding mixture so smooth and dreamy, you’ll want to sneak a taste right away.

Step 4: Layer the Dessert

Grab a 9×13-inch dish or a show-stopping trifle bowl. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom, followed by a layer of banana slices. Spoon on a generous layer of your pudding mixture, and repeat: wafers, bananas, pudding, until all your ingredients are used up. Finish with a thick layer of pudding on top, sealing in all the flavors.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or, if you can stand the anticipation, overnight. This resting time transforms the cookies into tender, cake-like bites and lets the flavors mingle for that authentic taste. Just before serving, decorate with extra banana slices and vanilla wafers, making your Best Banana Pudding Ever look as amazing as it tastes.

How to Serve Best Banana Pudding Ever

Garnishes

The finishing touches are pure fun! Sprinkle a few extra vanilla wafers right before serving, alongside fresh banana slices for a look that’s almost as irresistible as the flavor. If you want to go all out, a little swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of crumbled cookies sends it right over the top.

Side Dishes

The Best Banana Pudding Ever is a true showstopper all on its own, but if you’re serving it at a potluck or dinner party, pair it with light, fresh options like a fruit salad, iced tea, or coffee. It plays especially nicely with savory Southern classics—think fried chicken, barbecue, or even a holiday ham.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation: layer individual servings in small mason jars or dessert glasses for easy, grab-and-go treats. Or, create a gorgeous trifle with clear layers for a big family-style feast. No matter how you plate it, this dessert makes everyone feel like they’re getting something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and store it in the fridge. The Best Banana Pudding Ever is at its most delicious within two days, as the bananas and wafers will continue to soften over time.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t my top recommendation (the texture of the bananas and whipped cream can change), you can freeze a tightly sealed portion for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and be sure to add fresh bananas or wafers on top for a revived finish.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be served cold and creamy, so skip the oven or microwave! If you need to refresh the pudding after chilling for a couple of days, just give it a gentle stir and garnish with new banana slices to restore its beautiful look.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! If you have the time and desire to make your own vanilla pudding from scratch, it just adds even more homemade charm to the Best Banana Pudding Ever. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before layering.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

To keep your pudding picture-perfect, slice the bananas right before assembling and make sure they’re completely covered by the pudding layer. The creamy filling helps protect them from air, minimizing browning.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

It is! Use coconut whipped topping or a plant-based whipped cream, and choose a non-dairy instant pudding mix and sweetened condensed coconut milk. This way, everyone can enjoy the Best Banana Pudding Ever, regardless of dietary needs.

Can I use banana-flavored pudding mix?

Yes! Swap out the vanilla pudding for banana-flavored instant pudding to dial up the fruitiness. It adds an extra banana kick for those who just can’t get enough.

How far ahead can I make this dessert?

The Best Banana Pudding Ever is perfect for making ahead—assemble it up to a day in advance so the flavors meld together. Just wait to add your garnish until right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Southern classic is the Best Banana Pudding Ever—it’s a little nostalgic, a lot luscious, and guaranteed to bring out happy smiles with every spoonful. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear faster than you ever thought possible!

Best Banana Pudding Ever Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of the Best Banana Pudding Ever. This no-bake Southern classic features layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a luscious pudding mixture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweetened Condensed Milk 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
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly:

1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

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Instructions

Prepare Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until well combined. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to set.
Make Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated and creamy.
Assemble Banana Pudding: In a 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, then a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften. Before serving, garnish with extra banana slices and vanilla wafers, if desired.