Banana pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—creamy, sweet, and filled with layers of soft bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and fluffy whipped topping. The best part? This recipe requires no cooking or baking, making it perfect for busy families, potlucks, or a last-minute dessert craving. It’s so simple, even the kids can help assemble it!
Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight treat or a special occasion, this easy banana pudding will always be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures and flavors will have everyone going back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- 9×13-inch dish or trifle dish (for layering)
- Spoon or spatula
Pro Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding
- Use Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas that are yellow with small brown spots—they’re perfectly sweet and soft for layering. Avoid green or overly mushy bananas.
- Make Ahead for Flavor: Banana pudding tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. The wafers soften, and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Keep Bananas Fresh: To prevent the bananas from browning, lightly toss the slices in lemon juice before layering. This won’t alter the flavor much!
- Layer Neatly: Use a trifle dish or clear bowl for a stunning visual effect that shows off the layers.
- Customize the Layers: Add extra wafers or bananas to your taste—there’s no wrong way to layer banana pudding!
Substitutions and Variations
- Pudding Flavor: Use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla for a stronger banana flavor.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Swap whipped topping for freshly whipped heavy cream for a less sweet, more natural option.
- Cookies: Replace vanilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup between layers for a chocolate-banana combo.
- Healthier Option: Use sugar-free pudding mix, low-fat milk, and lite whipped topping for a lighter version.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare Ahead: This pudding can be made a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Bananas: Slice the bananas right before assembling to keep them fresh, or toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Instructions: How to Make Easy Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk until smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
Peel and slice 4-5 ripe bananas into thin, even rounds. Set aside.
Step 3: Layer the Pudding
In a 9×13-inch dish or a trifle dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices on top, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Step 4: Garnish
Crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top of the final pudding layer. Add banana slices or a dollop of whipped topping as garnish, if desired.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The wafers will soften over time, but it’ll still taste delicious.
- Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze banana pudding for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, but note that the texture may change slightly.
Conclusion
This easy banana pudding recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques to create a dessert everyone will rave about. With its creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all, it’s so simple that it’s practically foolproof!
Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments: did you add any fun twists, or stick to the classic? I can’t wait to hear about your banana pudding creations. Enjoy!
