Best Banana Pudding Recipe Ever – Easy to Make

Creamy, dreamy, and simple to whip up, this Banana Pudding Recipe is light, airy, and so delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because, it’s a luscious delight that never fails to impress. Every bite is a comforting blend of familiar flavors that transport you back to cherished moments around the dessert table and your favorite desserts.

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Why You Will Love Making the BEST Banana Pudding

• We’ve all been there: the stress of finding a dessert that appeals to everyone. This banana pudding recipe effortlessly ticks that box. Its creamy vanilla pudding combined with the sweetness of ripe bananas ensures it’s a hit at any gathering.
• Many desserts require precise baking, but not this one! Banana pudding is a no-bake dessert, making it perfect for those days when you don’t want to heat up the oven or spend hours waiting. Simply prepare, layer, and serve!
• Whether you’re serving it up in a glass bowl to showcase the beautiful layers or in individual trifle dishes for a personal touch, this pudding is as much about presentation as taste. Those layers of banana slices, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding are truly a sight to behold.
• Let’s be real: desserts can sometimes be a splurge. However, this pudding doesn’t break the bank. Ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla wafers are both affordable and easy to find.
• From birthdays to holidays, or even just a weeknight treat, this banana pudding recipe fits the bill. This easy-to-make dessert is a timeless classic that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below to make the best banana pudding recipe ever!

How to Make Banana Pudding with Step-by-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Starting with the Pudding Mixture

Kick off your banana pudding recipe by mixing cold whole milk, banana or vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.

This blend creates a creamy base that’s absolutely delicious and boasts an authentic banana flavor.

Layering: The Heart of the Pudding

Once your pudding mixture is silky and smooth, it’s time to create those lovely layers that make this dessert so iconic.

A clear glass bowl like a trifle dish is perfect for this. Begin with a base of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of your chosen dish. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the pudding.

Then, add fresh banana slices, making sure they’re evenly distributed for consistent banana goodness in every bite. Pour a generous amount of the pudding mixture over these layers, allowing it to seep in and envelop the bananas and wafers. Repeat this process until your dish is full or you run out of ingredients.

Whipping Up the Cream

Fresh whipped cream is the crowning glory of this dessert. In a large bowl, beat the sweetened whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

This whipped cream is not just for taste; it also adds a luxurious texture that elevates the pudding.

The Final Touches

Once your pudding layers are set and ready, spread the whipped cream on top of the pudding, covering the homemade banana pudding entirely.

For an added touch of elegance and flavor, crumble some extra vanilla wafer cookies and sprinkle them over the top. This gives a delightful crunch and a hint of nostalgia with every spoonful.

Serve in a glass bowl, and watch as it becomes the star of the table!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Bananas: While it might be tempting to use those overly ripe bananas you have lying around, for this pudding, you’d want bananas that are just ripe. They should be yellow with small brown spots. This ensures that the bananas retain their shape and don’t become too mushy in the pudding.
• Enhancing the Banana Flavor: If you’re a true banana lover and crave that intense banana cream essence, consider adding a few drops of banana extract to your instant pudding mixture. This boosts the banana flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of the dessert.
• Preventing Bananas from Turning Brown: It’s a common concern: sliced bananas turning brown. To prevent this, lightly brush your banana slices with lemon juice. It doesn’t alter the flavor but helps keep your bananas looking fresh, especially if you’re making the pudding a day in advance.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Achieving that dreamy whipped cream consistency can be a tad tricky. Make sure your heavy whipping cream is cold, and if possible, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. This will help you achieve those stiff peaks that hold up well atop your pudding.
• Cookie Variation: While Nilla Wafers are a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment. Graham crackers or even chocolate wafer cookies can bring a delightful twist to the recipe. Just ensure they are crisp enough to provide that desired contrast with the creamy pudding.
• Serving Right Away: For the best experience, layer the banana pudding right before serving it. This ensures that the wafer cookies maintain some of their crunch while still absorbing the creamy goodness of the pudding mixture.
• How can I make my banana pudding more decadent? For an extra-rich pudding, try adding a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese blended with some powdered sugar to the mixture. This will give your pudding a cheesecake-like richness that’s hard to resist.
• Is there a low-fat version of this banana pudding? To make a lighter version of this pudding, you can use fat-free condensed milk, low-fat milk, and a reduced-fat whipped topping instead of whipped cream. The result will still be creamy and delicious, just with fewer calories!

How to Store Leftover Banana Pudding

Not eaten all of the pudding? Here’s how to store it to maximize flavor.

Refrigerating the Delight

If by some miracle you have any of this dreamy dessert left, the best way to store it is in the refrigerator.

Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the homemade pudding to prevent it from forming a skin. Then, cover the entire dish with a tight-fitting lid or another layer of plastic wrap.

Properly stored, the banana pudding can last up to 3 days in the fridge, though the wafers may soften over time.

Freezing Isn’t Ideal

While you might be tempted to freeze your banana pudding for longer shelf life, it’s not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the pudding and the bananas, making it less appealing when thawed.

If you really need to keep it longer, consider making and freezing the pudding mixture on its own and then assembling with fresh bananas and wafers when ready to serve.

Refreshing Before Serving

When you’re ready to have your banana pudding again, add some fresh banana slices or a few extra crumbled wafers on top to rejuvenate its appearance and taste.

A little dollop of fresh whipped cream can also give it a just-made feel.

What to Serve with Banana Pudding

Perfectly satisfying on its own, but there’s always room for more – right?

A Chocolatey Counterpart

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much dessert, adding a touch of chocolate can elevate the entire experience. Think about serving a slice of chocolate pie, chocolate truffles, or some chocolate-dipped strawberries with your banana pudding.

You could also swap the nilla wafers for some homemade chocolate crinkle cookies. The rich cocoa flavors complement the creamy vanilla and fruity banana notes perfectly.

Crunchy Additions

If you’re a texture enthusiast and love the contrast between creamy and crunchy, offering some additional treats like air fryer chocolate chip cookies, white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies, or even some caramelized nuts can be a great option.

Guests can alternate bites, enjoying the full spectrum of textures and flavors.

Complementary Beverages

A rich and creamy dessert like banana pudding pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks. For a cozy evening, consider serving it with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

The warmth and bitterness of the coffee balance out the sweetness of the pudding. If you’re in the mood for something colder, a glass of milk or an iced latte would be equally delightful.

Light and Airy Sides

Since banana pudding is quite indulgent, pairing it with lighter sides can create a balanced dessert spread.

Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus. The freshness and tanginess of the fruits will cut through the creaminess of the pudding, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

More Dessert Recipes For You To Try

• Coconut Cream Pie
• Mississippi Mud Pie
• Chocolate Mousse
• Rhubarb Crumble
• Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie