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Best Banana Pudding Recipe

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An easy homemade Banana Pudding Recipe awaits you! Enjoy layers of rich and creamy banana pudding nestled between vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. The best part? This pudding requires no baking and is a favorite at potlucks and parties.

Homemade banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices.Pin

If you love effortless, no-bake desserts like our No-Bake Cheesecake ,Soft Banana Cake Recipe or Banana Bread Recipe, this Banana Pudding will surely delight you.

Can I make Banana Pudding in advance?

Yes! It’s essential to prepare it in advance. The pudding needs time to thicken in the refrigerator, so it’s best to start making this dessert a night or two before serving, or at the latest, in the morning if serving in the evening. While the pudding preparation requires advance planning, the assembly of the dessert should only be done 4-8 hours before serving.

How to prevent bananas from turning brown ?

To prevent sliced bananas from browning, dip or brush them with acidic fruit juice. However, this can alter their flavor, which may not be ideal for some dishes. Alternatively, use water, though it won’t be as effective but will still slow down browning. Non-tonic club soda is another option that won’t affect the taste.

Classic Southern dessert featuring creamy pudding, bananas, and cookies.Pin

The browning of fruit is caused by oxidation, which occurs when exposed to air. To slow down oxidation in this recipe, ensure the bananas are completely covered in pudding to seal them off from air. If adding bananas on top of the pudding, wait until just before serving to prevent browning.

Banana Pudding Recipe

It’s hard to think of a banana dessert without envisioning banana pudding. Accordingly, here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

  • No-bake: Simple assembly with no cooking required makes it super convenient.
  • Easy to make: Even novice chefs can whip it up in no time.
  • Beautiful: Aesthetically pleasing and perfect for potlucks or parties.
  • Loved by all: Adults and kids alike can’t resist its creamy charm.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding

You only need a few ingredients to create this delightful dessert:

  • Milk (whole milk works best)
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix (or banana-flavored pudding)
  • Vanilla extract (for the best flavor)
  • Sweetened condensed milk (adds creaminess and sweetness)
  • Vanilla wafers (we recommend Nilla wafers, or your favorite brand)
  • Heavy whipping cream (for richness)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
  • Bananas (fresh slices for that delicious banana flavor)
A delightful treat in a glass dishPin

How to Make Banana Pudding

This no-bake dessert is perfect when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat without heating up the kitchen:

Prepare Pudding:

  • In a large bowl, whisk cold milk with vanilla pudding mix until it thickens. Stir in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
  • In another bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold 2/3 of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
  • Mix powdered sugar with the remaining whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble:

  • Layer 1/4 of the vanilla wafers and 1/4 of the banana slices in a trifle bowl or serving dish. Spread 1/4 of the pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers. Afterward, repeat the layers.
  • Top with the reserved whipped cream mixture in the center and decorate as desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Layered banana pudding dessert in a glass dishPin

Make-Ahead:

For best results, make Banana Pudding up to 24 hours in advance. Cover well and store in the refrigerator. Add fresh banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.

Serving Ideas:

Serve in jars or mini cups for individual portions, or in a casserole dish for a family-style presentation.

Variations:

This versatile pudding lends itself to various creative twists:

  • Try different pudding flavors like chocolate or butterscotch.
  • Add berries or substitute them for bananas.
  • Double the whipped cream layers for extra indulgence.
  • Drizzle with caramel or add peanut butter between the layers for added flavor.
Creamy banana pudding with layers of cookies and fresh fruit.Pin

Common Questions:

Can I substitute vanilla wafers?

Yes, try graham crackers, butter cookies, or even animal crackers.

How do I prevent bananas from browning?

Keep them covered with pudding until serving. Add fresh slices on top just before serving.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipping cream?

Yes, Cool Whip is a suitable substitute, though it will add a slightly sweeter taste.

Where did Banana Pudding originate?

Banana Pudding has Southern roots in America, originally made with homemade custard but now enjoyed in its no-cook form by modern home cooks.

What is banana pudding made of?

This classic Southern banana pudding recipe features layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, homemade vanilla pudding, and is topped generously with meringue. Enjoy it warm, which is the Southern tradition, or chilled. Basically, it’s a timeless dessert perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or even the most elegant holiday gatherings. Indeed, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Also, it’s easy to make and always a hit. So, give it a try and impress your guests!

More No-Bake Desserts:

Explore more delightful no-bake treats:

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Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe

Here's the simplest recipe for a no-bake banana pudding with layers of creamy pudding, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas. This easy-to-make, layered dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning to serve.
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5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Calories: 247kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 3.4 oz each instant vanilla pudding packages
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 11 oz box vanilla wafers
  • 4 fresh bananas
  • 3 Tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, beat the cold milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla pudding packets until thickened. Add the condensed milk and beat until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold about two-thirds of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture with a spatula.
  • Add the powdered sugar to the remaining one-third of the whipped cream and fold to combine. Refrigerate until needed.
  • In a trifle bowl, layer about one-fourth of the vanilla wafers on the bottom, followed by one-fourth of the banana slices. Spread one-fourth of the pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers. Repeat the layers until you have four layers in total.
  • Top with the reserved whipped cream and decorate as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal | Fat: 19g | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 18g

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