Easy Banana Pudding
Whip up a delectable easy banana pudding in no time.
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. 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 a 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.
Why You’ll Love the Dish
Quick and easy. No cooking or baking required — just mix, layer, and chill.
Make-ahead friendly. Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, and holds well for days.
Classic Southern flavor. Sweet bananas, vanilla wafers, and pudding with a hint of vanilla and whipped cream.
Perfect for gatherings. Great for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredient Notes
- Whole milk – Cold milk helps the instant pudding set properly.
- Instant vanilla pudding – A 5-ounce package (not cook-and-serve).
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the pudding base.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Makes the pudding extra creamy and rich.
- Frozen whipped topping – Thawed before folding into the pudding and for topping.
- Bananas – Use firm, ripe bananas for the best texture.
- Lemon juice – Helps prevent the banana slices from browning.
- Vanilla wafers – Adds crunch and nostalgic flavor; 30 is a good base estimate.
- Optional garnishes – Extra banana slices, vanilla wafers, cinnamon sugar, or mint leaves.
Steps to Make Easy Banana Pudding
- Combine cold milk and instant vanilla pudding in a mixing bowl and whisk or beat for 2 minutes.
- Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then mix in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture.
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds and gently toss them with lemon juice.
- In a trifle dish, large glass bowl, or individual dessert cups, layer the pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafers.
- Spoon or pipe the remaining whipped topping over the top.
- Garnish with sliced bananas, more wafers, cinnamon sugar, or mint leaves, if desired.
Tips
- Use ripe but firm bananas to keep the texture smooth and avoid mushiness.
- Let it chill for a few hours to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Toss bananas with lemon juice as soon as they’re sliced to help prevent browning.
Recipe Variations
- Different pudding flavors. Try banana, French vanilla, or cheesecake-flavored pudding mix.
- Homemade whipped cream. Replace the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a less sweet version.
- Layer-free version. Keep all components separate and assemble individual servings just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a trifle dish for a beautiful layered presentation.
- Portion into small glass jars or dessert cups for individual servings.
- Garnish with cinnamon sugar, banana slices, or a sprig of mint.
- Pair with coffee or iced tea for a Southern-style dessert course.
How to Store (and Reheat, if applicable)
Refrigerate: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture may soften as the wafers absorb moisture, but the flavor remains excellent.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the bananas may become mushy and the whipped topping may separate.
To Reheat: Not applicable — this dessert is best served chilled.
Easy Banana Pudding
Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk, cold
- 1 pkg instant vanilla pudding, 5-oz
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can condensed milk, sweetened, 14-oz
- 1 container whipped topping, 12-oz, frozen, 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!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
