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Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana Pudding

Classic Southern banana pudding with creamy vanilla layers, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers. Easy no-bake dessert that's always a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boxes 3.4 oz each instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 box 11 oz Nilla wafers
  • 6-7 ripe but firm bananas sliced
  • 1 tub 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Extra Nilla wafers for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens. Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  2. Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds. If not assembling right away, toss lightly with a splash of lemon juice to keep from browning.
  3. In a 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl, spread a thin layer of pudding on the bottom. Add a single layer of Nilla wafers. Top with banana slices.
  4. Spoon more pudding over the bananas to cover them completely. Repeat layers: wafers, bananas, pudding—until you run out, ending with pudding on top. Aim for 3-4 layers.
  5. Spread whipped topping evenly over the top. Crush a few extra Nilla wafers and sprinkle on for garnish.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight so wafers soften slightly and flavors meld.
  7. Scoop or slice and serve cold. Keep leftovers in the fridge.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas with some spots for best flavor, but not too soft.
  • Cover bananas completely with pudding to prevent browning.
  • Chill at least 4 hours for the best texture—wafers get that perfect soft chew.
  • Store in fridge up to 3 days; it gets better the next day.
  • For homemade pudding, cook from scratch for richer taste.
  • Swap whipped topping for homemade whipped cream if you wanna go fancy.