Perfectly layered banana pudding is the perfect party or potluck contribution. This easy, banana pudding recipe is a dessert that transports well and is delicious any time of year.
Have you tried my banana pudding brownies yet? Those should be on your radar too for a quick grab-and-go dessert recipe or this banana pudding poke cake if you’re looking for something to make next time that’s a fun twist.
I love recipes that are easy to make ahead. This means you can get some food prep out of the way if you are hosting an event! This banana pudding dessert even tastes better the next day.
For more no-bake treats, try these Fruity Pebbles Treats or a classic Strawberry Cream Icebox Cake. I haven’t forgotten the chocolate lovers – I also really enjoy chocolate peanut butter no-bake bars!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Recipe: You can’t go wrong with a vintage dessert recipe that so many have loved seeing at church potlucks, family reunions, and holidays for years, and that’s easy to make! Serve it after a comfort food meal like this Stove-Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe and you’ll win the hearts of everyone!
- Make it ahead: You do need some planning here with thawing and then chilling, but it makes for a super easy, day before, dessert.
- Tasty ingredients: Who doesn’t love pudding and cookies??
- Ready in only 15 minutes: You’ll seriously spend the most time here…stirring! That’s it.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this old-fashioned banana pudding. For the full list of ingredients and directions, you can scroll down to the recipe card.
- Pudding – I reach for classic vanilla, but if you can find banana that will amp up the flavor. White chocolate or cheesecake are also great “blank canvas” flavors to try.
- Whipped Topping – I recommend using the frozen tub of Cool Whip and not going homemade here, as the stabilizers will keep the dessert from weeping or “breaking.”
- Cookies – Nilla wafers are the traditional pairing with banana, but any “plain” cookie will work here, even graham crackers.
- Milk – I like 2% but whole is fine. Just don’t use skim! We are also adding part of a can of sweetened condensed milk.
- Bananas – Make sure you have ripe and ready bananas. Not banana bread ripeness but getting close. This ensures the slices still have a good color but also have that great banana flavor!
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
How to Make This Easy Banana Pudding
STEP 1. Whisk pudding. First, whisk the pudding and milk just like the box states.
STEP 2. Increase flavor. Add vanilla and sweetened condensed milk to increase flavor! Then, carefully fold in the whipped topping.
Tip: No one wants brown bananas! Try tossing them (gently!) in a little bit of lemon juice. This will keep them from browning and add a fun citrus twist. You can skip the lemon juice, just be aware you may see some browning then.
STEP 3. Begin layering. Start with cookies, then banana and pudding. Repeat again, ending with pudding. Then you can top with a final layer of cookies or bananas (or both!).
STEP 4. Chill. Next up, pop the finished dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better!
Recipe Pro Tips
- Make it ahead. This dessert will definitely benefit from extra time in the fridge. While it’s fine to eat it after 4 hours, I think it tastes even better the next day when the cookies have softened and all the flavors have had a chance to meld.
- Pretty dish. Use a square or rectangle clear glass baking dish. You can also use a trifle bowl if you have one on hand! I highly recommend clear though so you can see all the pretty layers.
Recipe FAQs
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Banana pudding is best when enjoyed within a few days of preparation. The bananas can start to break down over time, affecting the texture and taste of the dessert. If your banana pudding has additional toppings like crushed vanilla wafers or sliced bananas on top, consider adding them just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
You can swap in other vanilla-adjacent pudding flavors. I haven’t tried chocolate yet, but even that would be tasty! Using a different type of cookie can also change the flavor. Use toppings to your advantage like cookie crumbs or chopped nuts.
What to Serve with Banana Pudding
A dessert like this is so fun to add to a large spread – because it is simply scooped out with a spoon, it’s easy to have just a taste on your plate. Try serving with Oreo fudge or making smaller cookies like pecan snowballs.
More Banana Recipes
If you love banana recipes, you’ll also love these reader favorites:
Or, if old-fashioned dessert recipes are your favorite, you’ll also love to make this bread pudding and this buttermilk pie next.
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Easy Banana Pudding
Video
Equipment
- glass 8×8 baking dish or trifle bowl
- medium-sized mixing bowl
- mixer
- silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold 2% milk
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounce frozen whipped topping thawed
- 4 – 5 ripe bananas sliced
- 11 ounces vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Combine pudding mix and milk in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer with the whisk attachment or hand whisk the ingredients together for 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken. Allow the pudding to set for 5 minutes.3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix, 2 cups cold 2% milk
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the pudding and gently fold it in until combined. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.¼ cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 8 ounce frozen whipped topping
- In a separate serving dish or trifle bowl, start layering the dessert. Begin with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers. Pour a portion of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly.11 ounces vanilla wafers, 4 – 5 ripe bananas
- Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of the pudding mixture on top.
- Optionally, garnish the top with additional banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers for decoration.
- Cover and refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy your easy classic banana pudding!
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should have a yellow peel with a few brown spots, indicating optimal sweetness and a smooth texture.
- To prevent sliced bananas from browning, toss them in lemon juice before layering. This adds a subtle citrus flavor and helps maintain the bananas’ color.
- For the best taste and texture, serve the banana pudding chilled. The cold temperature enhances the creaminess and refreshing quality of the dessert.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Jessica says
Banana pudding is the dessert of summer! Love this easy to make recipe that’s always a hit!