Making Banana Pudding is simple to make with this easy no-cook recipe. Layers of cookies, banana and pudding make it the best dessert!
Banana Pudding is a classic recipe that we make for our Easter Holiday Dinner. You only need a few ingredients and it is the perfect Dessert to make ahead of time.
This dessert takes minutes to prepare but is sure to impress everyone. If you love pudding recipes, then you must try Tapioca Pudding and made from scratch Paula Deen Banana Pudding. You may even like this Crazy Banana Cake.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Banana Pudding
My entire family loves the tastes of banana flavor desserts and this Banana Pudding is one of their favorites. The creamy layers, soft cookies and banana slices makes an impressive no bake dessert.
If you need an easy but delicious dessert this holiday, make the best banana pudding.
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – The secret ingredient for the best pudding layers
- Cold Milk – We like using whole milk
- Vanilla Wafer Cookies – These vanilla cookies are the best for this recipe but use what you prefer
- Cool Whip – Thawed and divided. Adding to the pudding gives it a custard texture
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
For even more flavor and a creamier texture add in these ingredients to the pudding mixture.
- 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ tablespoon of Vanilla Extract
- 8 oz of softened cream cheese
- Heavy Cream
- ½ teaspoon of Lemon Juice
How to Make Banana Pudding
Step 1 – In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for approximately 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. You can even mix with a stand mixer with whisk attachment or electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 2 – Fold in half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3 – Slice the bananas into thin slices. Then it’s time to assemble the banana pudding.
Step 4 – Place a layer of the vanilla wafers in the bottom of a trifle bowl or baking dish.
Step 5 – Top with a layer of the banana slices and top with a layer of the chilled vanilla pudding. Spread the pudding into an even layer with a spatula.
Step 6 – Continue to layer these ingredients in your serving dish until all are used. Make sure to finish with a layer of pudding. Top with the remaining Cool whip. Crush the reserved nilla wafers and garnish on top of the cool whip layer.
- Step 7 – Cover and chill for at least 4 hours and then the banana pudding is ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Combining Pudding Ingredients – Make sure to combine the pudding ingredients completely in a bowl until the mixture has thicken. Allow the mixture to chill for about 10 minutes for best results.
- Slice Bananas – I like to slice the bananas about the same size pieces so they layer easily in the banana pudding.
- Make Ahead – This banana pudding recipe needs about 4 hours to chill and set. We recommend making the day before serving so it is easy to chill overnight.
In What Order do you Layer Banana Pudding?
Start with a layer of Nilla Wafers and then top with banana slices and then a layer of the banana pudding. Then repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used.
Make sure it ends with final layer of pudding layer and top with cool whip for a crowd pleasing dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is important to keep the bananas in between the pudding layers. This prevents the banana slices from being exposed to oxygen to turn the banana slices brown.
Banana Pudding is made with many layers so to display the layers, serve the banana pudding in a trifle dish.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container or covered in the serving dish for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
More Easy Banana Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make Banana Pudding Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 Ripe Bananas
- 1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 3.4 ounces
- 2 cups Cold Milk
- 1 box Nilla Wafers 11 ounces
- 16 ounces Cool Whip thawed and divided
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for approximately 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in half of the cool whip into the pudding mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the bananas into thin slices.
- Then it’s time to assemble the banana pudding.
- Place a layer of the nilla wafers in the bottom of a trifle dish or baking dish.
- Top with a layer of the banana slices and top with a layer of the chilled vanilla pudding. Spread the pudding into an even layer with a spatula.
- Continue to layer these ingredients in your serving dish until all are used. Make sure to finish with a layer of pudding. Reserve a few of the nilla wafers for the topping.
- Top with the remaining Cool whip. Crush the reserved nilla wafers and sprinkle on top of the cool whip layer.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours and then the banana pudding is ready to serve and enjoy!