Introduction

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and full of comforting flavors. This layered treat combines smooth pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers for a perfect balance of textures. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

A clear glass trifle dish stands on a short stem, filled with four thick layers of creamy pale yellow pudding. Between each layer, there is a row of golden brown round cookies and light yellow banana slices. The top layer is a thick, fluffy white whipped cream scattered with broken pieces of cookies and banana slices, crowned by one whole cookie and a banana slice. The dish is set on a table with a white marbled texture, with some whole cookies and bananas nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 serving size)
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
5 ripe bananas
1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue beating until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Keep beating until stiff peaks develop, but be careful not to overbeat.
Step 4: Reserve 2½ cups of the whipped cream for the topping. Gently fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding mixture to keep it light and airy.
Step 5: Begin assembling the pudding in a glass trifle bowl or large serving dish. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom, then add a layer of sliced bananas followed by a layer of the pudding mixture. Make sure the bananas are completely covered to prevent browning. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.
Step 6: Spread the reserved whipped cream evenly over the top layer. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
Step 7: Just before serving, garnish the banana pudding with additional banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers for extra texture and presentation, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent the pudding from becoming too mushy.
For a boozy twist, drizzle a little rum or banana liqueur over the bananas before layering.
Swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
Make individual parfaits by layering ingredients in small glasses for a fun presentation.

Storage

Store banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding and wafers will continue to soften over time. For best texture, consume within the first 24-48 hours. Serve chilled and avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

A clear glass dish showing a layered dessert with four distinct layers: the bottom layer has creamy light yellow pudding with pieces of banana and crushed biscuits, the second layer is a mix of sliced bananas and more pudding, the third layer is thick light yellow pudding again, and the top layer is fluffy white whipped cream sprinkled with crushed golden brown biscuit crumbs, a whole biscuit, and two banana slices. The dessert is placed on a white marbled surface with a jar of whole biscuits and a partial view of a white plate with whipped cream and a biscuit in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes, banana pudding tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

How do I prevent the banana slices from browning?

Covering the banana slices completely with pudding and storing the dessert in the fridge helps slow browning. You can also toss banana slices in a little lemon juice before layering to keep them fresh-looking.