Get ready to fall in love with this Banana Pudding Recipe! It’s everything you could want in a comfort dessert: silky, creamy layers of vanilla custard, ripe banana slices, and dreamy whipped cream all nestled between sweet, soft vanilla wafers. Every spoonful is pure nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and sunshine-filled picnics. This Banana Pudding Recipe is impressively easy yet gorgeous enough for special occasions, and I promise—there won’t be a crumb left at the end of the night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the pudding mixture:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
For assembling the pudding:
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
How to Make Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Pudding
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Give it a good whisk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens up to that classic pudding consistency. This step sets the creamy foundation for your Banana Pudding Recipe.
Step 2: Add Sweetness and Flavor
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla extract right into your pudding mixture. Stir until everything is blissfully smooth and you don’t see any streaks. The condensed milk is what truly makes this Banana Pudding Recipe rich and crave-worthy!
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks. You’ll know it’s ready when you lift your whisk and the cream stands tall, not floppy. This fluffy layer elevates the whole Banana Pudding Recipe, giving it a light, mousse-like finish.
Step 4: Fold and Combine
Gently fold the whipped cream into your pudding mixture. This is the moment when it all comes together, transforming into a cloud-like filling. Use a light hand—overmixing can deflate all that lovely air you just whipped in!
Step 5: Layer Everything
Grab a 9×13-inch dish or a deep trifle bowl. Start with a single layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom, then top with a blanket of sliced bananas, followed by that luscious pudding mixture. Repeat these layers—wafers, bananas, pudding—until you run out, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together in the fridge.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover your Banana Pudding Recipe and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or, if you have the patience, overnight. The longer it rests, the more the cookies soften and the flavors deepen, making every bite pure perfection.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
For that classic finish, scatter extra vanilla wafers and banana slices across the top right before serving. Fancy it up with a sprig of mint, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a little dusting of cinnamon to surprise your guests.
Side Dishes
Banana Pudding Recipe is amazing all on its own, but if you want to offer something alongside, try fresh berries, a fruit salad, or small glasses of iced tea or cold brew coffee to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines as a showstopper in a big trifle bowl, but try serving it in individual mason jars, parfait glasses, or hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun twist. Each option makes the Banana Pudding Recipe feel extra special and personal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Pudding Recipe tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. The cookies will soften more over time, making every spoonful even dreamier on day two. Just watch out for any browning on the bananas—if you plan to keep it a bit longer, consider garnishing with fresh slices just before serving.
Freezing
This decadent dessert isn’t ideal for freezing, as the bananas can turn mushy and the pudding texture can separate. If you’re determined to freeze, try doing so before adding bananas and add them fresh before serving for best results.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat Banana Pudding Recipe since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold! If the pudding is extra cold from the fridge, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to soften before digging in.
FAQs
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Lightly toss your banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. This little trick keeps them looking bright and fresh, even after chilling for hours.
Can I use freshly made pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own pudding from scratch, simply allow it to cool completely before assembling your Banana Pudding Recipe. The process is the same and the results will be equally delicious.
Can I make this Banana Pudding Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla wafers and double-check that your instant pudding mix is gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is it possible to prepare Banana Pudding Recipe a day ahead?
Definitely—it’s one of those desserts that actually tastes better when prepared in advance. Overnight chilling lets the flavors really meld and the cookies soften beautifully.
What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
For a crowd, assemble the Banana Pudding Recipe in a clear trifle bowl for that impressive layered effect. For parties or picnics, individual desserts in cups or jars are fun and mess-free!
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dessert I could never say no to, it’s this Banana Pudding Recipe. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday supper or a backyard celebration, one scoop is never enough! I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and perhaps make it your new family tradition.
Print
Banana Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and luscious Banana Pudding that’s a classic favorite. Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a decadent pudding mixture come together to create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the pudding mixture:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
For assembling the pudding:
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pudding mixture gently.
- Layer the ingredients: In a 9×13-inch dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers, then bananas, and pudding. Repeat the layers, ending with a pudding layer on top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen whipped topping as a shortcut.
- Prevent browning of bananas by lightly coating slices with lemon juice.
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