Nothing captures the heart of Southern comfort quite like a classic Banana Pudding Recipe; creamy, dreamy, and packed with nostalgia in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table – not just for the taste, but for the memories it stirs up.
This Banana Pudding Recipe is a celebration of simplicity; layers of sweet vanilla wafers, fresh ripe bananas, and silky smooth pudding come together to create an irresistible treat. It’s a dessert that speaks to tradition and feels like home, whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight cravings; this no-bake wonder comes together in just 30 minutes. Even better, it's a make-ahead favorite – the kind that gets richer, creamier, and more flavorful the longer it chills.
Why You Will Love This Banana Pudding Recipe
There’s a reason this Banana Pudding Recipe has stood the test of time; it’s rooted in Southern tradition and packed with homemade goodness. Unlike boxed versions, this Banana Pudding Recipe uses real bananas and fresh ingredients for a flavor that feels both nostalgic and completely authentic.
What makes this Banana Pudding Recipe so special is its texture; soft, creamy layers that melt together without becoming mushy. The vanilla wafers absorb just enough pudding to stay tender but still hold their shape; giving every bite that perfect balance.
This Southern-style Banana Pudding Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a crowd-pleaser for every occasion. Serve it with barbecue, fried chicken, or as the sweet finish to a holiday feast. It also pairs beautifully with other Southern classics like peach cobbler or pound cake.
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Ingredients
For the Pudding Base:
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Whole milk
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Frozen whipped topping, thawed
For Assembly:
- Additional whipped topping for garnish
- Vanilla wafers
- Ripe bananas
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Pudding Base
- Start by removing the cream cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to soften properly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. The key here is not to overmix – you want it smooth but not too thick.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined. This step prevents lumps and creates that signature creamy texture that makes this easy banana pudding so irresistible.
Combine and Fold
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pudding. Use a rubber spatula and fold from bottom to top to maintain the light texture. Once combined, fold in half of the whipped topping, reserving the rest for layers and garnish. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and light in color.
Pro tip: Don't overmix at this stage – gentle folding keeps the pudding light and airy rather than dense.
Prepare the Bananas
- Slice the ripe bananas into ¼-inch rounds. To prevent browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice, though the cream cheese in the pudding helps slow oxidation naturally. Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm – they should give slightly to pressure but not be mushy.
Layer the Dessert
- In a 9×13 inch dish or large trifle bowl, start building your layers. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafers, covering the bottom completely. Some recipes suggest breaking the wafers, but leaving them whole creates better texture contrast.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, covering them completely. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, making sure to reach all corners. Repeat with another layer of wafers, bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture.
- For the final touch, spread the remaining whipped topping over the surface and garnish with additional vanilla wafers around the edges or crumbled on top.
- Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Mix the pudding and cream cheese separately before combining
- Step 2: Combine and Fold
Gently fold to keep the texture light and airy
- Step 3: Prepare the Bananas
Slice ripe bananas into ¼-inch rounds before layering
- Step 4: Layer the Dessert
Start with wafers, then bananas, then creamy pudding – repeat
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature matters: Make sure all ingredients are at the right temperature – cream cheese should be soft, whipped topping completely thawed, and milk should be cold for the best pudding consistency.
- Layer timing: Work quickly when layering to prevent the bananas from browning, but don't rush the folding process when making the pudding base.
- Wafer placement: Place vanilla wafers in a single layer without overlapping for even softening and better texture distribution.
- Make-ahead magic: This no bake banana pudding actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld and the wafers soften to the perfect consistency.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Mini Banana Pudding Cups
- Create individual servings using clear plastic cups or mason jars. Layer the same way but use about ¼ cup of each component per serving. These banana pudding cups are perfect for parties and portion control.
Banana Pudding Supreme
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries or crushed pineapple between the banana layers for a fruity twist. You can also fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Healthier Options
- Use sugar-free instant pudding and sugar-free whipped topping
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the whipped topping
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese
- Add chia seeds for extra nutrition
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
- For a more traditional approach, make pudding from scratch using egg yolks, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. This creates a richer, more custard-like base that's worth the extra effort.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential tools:
- Large mixing bowl (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer works)
- Rubber spatula for gentle folding
- 9×13 inch baking dish or large trifle bowl
- Sharp knife for banana slicing
- Budget-friendly alternatives: A large whisk can substitute for an electric mixer, though it requires more elbow grease. Any deep casserole dish works if you don't have a traditional 9×13 pan.
- Pro upgrade: A stand mixer makes the cream cheese mixture incredibly smooth, and a trifle bowl shows off the beautiful layers if you're serving for company.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- This cold banana pudding keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered with plastic wrap. The flavors actually improve after the first day as everything melds together. Store at 40°F or below for food safety.
Freezing Instructions
- While you can freeze banana pudding for up to 2 months, the texture changes significantly. The bananas become mushy and the pudding separates slightly when thawed. If you do freeze it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir gently before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- This is an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties. Prepare everything except the final whipped topping layer up to 24 hours in advance. Add the top layer and garnish just before serving for the best presentation.r X days/weeks/months.
The Secret Behind the Best Banana Pudding Recipe
Growing up in a Southern kitchen, this banana pudding recipe wasn’t just a dessert – it was the highlight of every family gathering. My grandmother had a secret she never wrote down: she always added cream cheese to her banana pudding recipe. It may seem like a small touch, but it completely transforms the texture – making it extra silky, rich, and helping the bananas stay fresh and vibrant without browning.
Another tip that makes this the best banana pudding recipe? Letting it rest overnight. As it chills, the vanilla wafers soak up the creamy pudding and turn into soft, cake-like layers that are pure comfort in every bite. This isn’t just any banana pudding recipe – it’s a family tradition, full of love, and now yours to enjoy.
FAQ
What are the ingredients for banana pudding Recipe?
Classic banana pudding recipe includes instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, vanilla wafers, and ripe bananas. Optional garnishes include extra whipped topping and crumbled wafers.
How do I make pudding from scratch?
Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk over medium heat until thickened; then strain and cool. Add vanilla and a bit of butter for richness. Chill before layering with bananas and wafers.
How does Martha Stewart make banana pudding?
Martha Stewart's version often uses homemade vanilla custard, layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and whipped cream or meringue; it's typically baked briefly to set and served chilled.
What keeps bananas from turning brown in banana pudding?
Use firm, ripe bananas and layer them quickly. Cream cheese in the pudding helps slow oxidation, or lightly brush slices with lemon juice to preserve color without altering flavor.
The Sweet Ending You’ll Keep Coming Back To
This Banana Pudding Recipe is everything a Southern dessert should be – creamy, comforting, and guaranteed to bring smiles with every spoonful. Whether you're prepping for a Sunday potluck, a holiday spread, or just treating yourself after dinner, this no-bake favorite checks every box.
I’d love to hear how your Banana Pudding Recipe turns out; did it vanish in minutes? Share your tips, your twists, or even your topping ideas in the comments – and don’t forget to leave a rating to help other home cooks find their next go-to treat.
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Check out my Strawberry Cake Recipe for a fruity, fluffy dessert, or try these easy Oatmeal Balls Recipe – a no-bake snack that’s as wholesome as it is tasty.
Let’s keep the Southern sweetness going!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Banana Pudding Recipe
Banana Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl At least 4-quart capacity
- 1 Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer works
- 1 Rubber spatula For gentle folding
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish Or large trifle bowl
- 1 Sharp knife For banana slicing
Ingredients
- 1 box Instant vanilla pudding mix 5.1 oz box
- 3 cups Whole milk Cold
- 8 oz Cream cheese Softened
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk One can
- 12 oz Frozen whipped topping Thawed (Cool Whip or 3 cups whipped cream)
- 1 box Vanilla wafers 11–12 oz; Nilla wafers recommended
- 4–5 Ripe bananas Yellow with some brown spots
- 1 cup Whipped topping For garnish
Instructions
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk and beat until slightly thickened.
- Beat softened cream cheese and mix in condensed milk until smooth.
- Fold pudding into cream cheese mixture; then fold in whipped topping.
- Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds.
- In a 9x13 dish, layer wafers, bananas, and pudding; repeat, then top with whipped topping.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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