The Best Banana Pudding 😋🍌
A Classic Southern Dessert That’s Always a Hit
If there’s one dessert that never fails to please a crowd, it’s banana pudding. Sweet, creamy, cool, and loaded with layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and rich pudding—this recipe is a total Southern staple. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, Sunday supper, or just making something sweet for the week, this banana pudding recipe brings all the comfort and nostalgia with none of the oven time.
Why I Love This Recipe
This banana pudding is the definition of no-bake bliss. It’s quick to prep, rich in flavor, and only gets better as it chills in the fridge. Cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk give the pudding a luxurious texture, while whipped topping keeps things light and fluffy. The vanilla wafers soak up just the right amount of moisture, becoming soft and cake-like—but still holding their shape.
And the best part? It makes a big batch—enough for family, friends, and plenty of seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 6–8 bananas, sliced
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla or banana cream pudding
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping, thawed (or sweetened whipped cream)
Substitutions & Notes
- Banana Cream Pudding adds extra flavor but vanilla is just as classic.
- Fresh whipped cream works beautifully if you want to skip the frozen topping.
- Want to level it up? Add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers on top before serving.
How to Make Banana Pudding
🍌 Step 1: Layer the Base
Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a large trifle bowl) with a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top.
🥄 Step 2: Prepare the Pudding
In a large bowl, mix the milk and pudding mix using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
🧁 Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the condensed milk until very smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
🥣 Step 4: Combine & Layer
Add the cream cheese mixture to the prepared pudding and stir until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the bananas and wafers in your dish.
Top with another layer of vanilla wafers (for that beautiful golden finish).
❄️ Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors meld and the texture set. Serve cold with extra banana slices or crushed cookies if you like.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe but firm bananas – they won’t brown too quickly and hold their shape.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Garnish before serving – crushed wafers or whipped cream dollops give it that extra flair.
- Make in a trifle bowl if you want to show off those gorgeous layers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This banana pudding is perfect on its own, but it pairs well with:
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – another cold, creamy favorite
- Pumpkin Delight Dessert – for a seasonal no-bake pairing
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies – great for cookie lovers
- Brownie Batter Dip – great with fruit and cookies on the side
- Big Family Banana Pudding – if you want to try a variation
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.
- Banana browning: Layer bananas beneath the pudding to minimize air contact.
- Make-ahead: Best made the night before for max flavor and minimal effort day-of.
More No-Bake Desserts You’ll Love
If this pudding had you swooning, don’t miss these other sweet hits:
Final Thoughts
This Best Banana Pudding recipe is creamy, nostalgic, and made for sharing. It’s that kind of dessert you don’t just eat—you remember. With layers of soft cookies, fresh bananas, and a pudding so rich it borders on cheesecake, this dish belongs at every celebration, BBQ, or quiet weeknight when you need a treat.
Make it once, and you’ll see why this dessert has stood the test of time.
Tried it? Share your pudding pics and tag @chefmaniac! And don’t forget to check out our no-bake dessert section for more chill-worthy treats.
Stay sweet, friends! 🍌🥄🥰
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