Description
This Best Banana Pudding Ever is a creamy, luscious dessert featuring layers of instant vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all topped with homemade whipped cream. Perfectly chilled and beautifully layered, this classic southern treat is easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Base
- 1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Set aside to allow the pudding to firm up slightly.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth and fluffy homemade whipped cream.
- Combine Pudding and Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk into the prepared pudding mixture until everything is smooth and fully combined, creating a rich and creamy filling.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of vanilla wafer cookies evenly to cover the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers, then spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, smoothing it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with more vanilla wafers, banana slices, and the remaining pudding mixture, ensuring evenly distributed layers.
- Top and Chill: Optionally, top with additional vanilla wafers for decoration. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and for the pudding to set properly. Overnight refrigeration yields the best results.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and sweetness.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or a dusting of cinnamon on top before serving.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor melding.
- Substitute dairy-free milk and cream options to make it lactose-free.
