Banana pudding is one of the South’s favorite desserts. While making the pudding and whipped cream from scratch is wonderful, this easy version is just as rich and delicious. It also lasts longer in the fridge! I use vanilla pudding combined with sweetened condensed milk and thawed whipped topping. The pudding mixture is layered with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, topped off with more whipped topping. It’s fantastic!
You can serve this from a fancy trifle dish or glass bowl. Or rather than layering the ingredients all at once, keep them separated and assemble individual servings in glass dessert dishes. Garnish with some extra banana slices, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon sugar. If you have mint, add a sprig for a pop of color.
PrintEasy Banana Pudding
Prepare a delicious and hassle-free banana pudding using store-bought ingredients!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Pudding
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk, cold
- 1 5-ounce package instant vanilla pudding
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 3 medium bananas, firm but ripe
- 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 30 vanilla wafer cookies
Optional Garnishes
- 1 banana, sliced
- Vanilla Wafers
- Cinnamon sugar, optional
- Mint leaves, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: Combine the milk and vanilla pudding in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes or whisk vigorously. Let it stand for 5 minutes until set. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until thoroughly blended. Fold half of the whipped topping into the pudding mixture.
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Put them in a bowl and gently toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Assemble the Banana Pudding Layers: In a large glass bowl, trifle dish, or individual glass dessert dishes, alternated layers of pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers. Pipe or spoon the remaining whipped topping over the pudding.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish servings as desired with sliced bananas, more vanilla wafers, cinnamon sugar, or mint leaves. Enjoy!
