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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Published: Mar 10, 2023 · Modified: Nov 16, 2023 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    How to Make Easy Banana Pudding

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    collage with top view and side view of banana pudding in a trifle bowl
    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin
    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish.
    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin

    This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is a delicious no-bake dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding in a trifle bowl or 9 x 13 pan. It's the perfect make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving, Easter, and family gatherings. 

    If you love classic banana pudding, be sure to try No Bake Banana Pudding Pie and Banana Pudding Cups in mason jars next! 

    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin.
    Jump to:
    • Why You're Going to Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Easy Banana Pudding
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQs
    • More Delicious Desserts
    • Let's Stay in Touch
    • Easy Banana Pudding

    This is the best banana pudding recipe ever. It's luxuriously creamy, filled with delicious banana flavor, and super easy to make.

    The no bake banana pudding filling is velvety and smooth. When layered with vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices in a pretty trifle dish or clear glass bowl, it's quite possibly the world's most beautiful and delicious dessert.

    Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

    • Easy recipe for everyone's favorite classic dessert
    • Creamy banana pudding with simple ingredients
    • No bake banana pudding recipe with cream cheese is the perfect dessert to make ahead for the holidays

    Ingredients

    Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients.

    easy banana pudding ingredients.

    Cream cheese. It's important to use very soft cream cheese, so it mixes up smoothly. 

    Sweetened condensed milk. Banana pudding with condensed milk has an extra creamy, velvety texture. You can even try making your own Sweetened Condensed Milk!

    Instant vanilla pudding mix. Vanilla or French vanilla pudding both taste great. You can also use instant banana pudding, but the layers of fresh bananas add plenty of banana flavor.

    Please be sure to get INSTANT pudding mix. Cook-and-serve pudding won't set up with this recipe. 

    Cool Whip. If you're not a fan of Cool Whip, I encourage you to try Truwhip. Click this link to find out more about it. It behaves just like Cool Whip.

    Regular whipped cream will deflate and get runny overnight. If you choose to use whipped cream instead, use a stabilized whipped cream. My Caramel Whipped Cream would be really delicious!

    Vanilla wafers. Banana pudding with Nilla Wafers is a classic, but you can also use butter cookies or Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies, which are yummy shortbread cookies.

    Fresh sliced bananas. Use fresh bananas that are ripe enough to eat, that is the peels are speckled with brown spots, but not black. We're not making banana bread :).

    How to Make Easy Banana Pudding

    cream cheese mixture in white mixing bowl.

    Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth.

    vanilla pudding in a clear bowl.

    Step 2: In a separate mixing bowl, mix the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk together until smooth.

    pudding mixture in white mixing bowl.

    Step 3: Add the pudding to the cream cheese mixture and mix until completely combined and creamy. Fold in ½ of the Cool Whip.

    nilla wafers and bananas layered in a trifle bowl.

    Step 4: Place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of a trifle dish, glass bowl, casserole dish, or 9 x 13 pan.

    hand spreading pudding mixture into trifle dish.

    Step 5: Add a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies. Completely cover the bananas with a layer of the pudding mixture. This will keep them from turning brown.

    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a white counter.

    Step 6: Repeat 1-3 times, depending on the size of your dish.

    Four layers worked perfectly in my trifle bowl with 12-16 cookies per layer. One to two layers will work well in a 9 x 13 pan.

    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a white counter.

    Step 7: Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding.

    Cover the banana pudding with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This gives the cookies time to cookies to soften and become cakelike.

    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin.

    Step 8: Before serving, crush 1-2 more vanilla wafers on top of the Cool Whip. If desired, add banana slices on top.

    Expert Tips

    • Use very soft cream cheese so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
    • Chill the banana pudding for at least 4 hours before serving, but overnight is best for soft, cakelike cookies.
    • Completely cover the bananas with pudding to keep them from turning brown.
    • Add the crushed vanilla wafers right before serving or they'll get soggy.

    FAQs

    How long does southern banana pudding last in the fridge? 

    Store leftover banana pudding wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    How do you keep bananas from turning brown in classic southern banana pudding?

    The secret to preventing bananas from turning brown in southern banana pudding with condensed milk is keeping them from being exposed to air.

    Completely cover the bananas with pudding to seal them in, and add fresh bananas to the top of the banana dessert right before serving.

    Why does old fashioned banana pudding get watery?

    One very common culprit is accidentally using cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant pudding. It's easy to do. Just remember that the cook and serve pudding boxes have a spoon on the cover.

    Fresh whipped cream may also make banana pudding watery. Use Cool Whip or make stabilized whipped cream as an alternative. 

    What other type of cookie can I use in no bake banana pudding with vanilla wafers?

    Nilla wafers and Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies are the most popular cookies to use in a homemade banana pudding recipe. Other options to try include graham crackers, Nutter Butters, Golden Oreos, Biscoff, gingersnaps, lady fingers, and butter cookies.

    top view of banana pudding with nilla wafer crumbles on top.

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      Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake
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    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin

    Easy Banana Pudding

    Cara Lanz
    This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is a delicious no-bake dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding in a trifle bowl or 9 x 13 pan. Best served the next day, it's the perfect make ahead dessert for Thanksgiving, Easter, and family gatherings.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Chilling Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 445 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
    • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
    • 2 3.4 oz. boxes instant vanilla pudding
    • 2 ¾ cups cold milk
    • 8 ounces Cool Whip, divided
    • 60 vanilla wafers you may need more if using a 9 x 13 pan
    • 5-7 ripe bananas, sliced
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the condensed milk and mix until there are no lumps.
    • In a second bowl, mix the pudding mix and milk together until smooth.
    • Pour the pudding into the cream cheese mixture and mix until completely combined.
    • Fold in ½ of the Cool Whip.
    • Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of vanilla wafers.
      Add a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies.
      Spread a layer of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
      Repeat 1-3 times, depending on the size of your dish.
      Four layers worked perfectly in my trifle dish with 12-16 Nilla Wafers in each layer.
      One to two layers will work well in a 9 x 13 pan.
    • Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding.
    • Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
    • Crush a few Nilla Wafers on top of the Cool Whip immediately before serving. If desired, serve with fresh banana slices.
    • Store leftover banana pudding wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use very soft cream cheese so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
    • Chill the banana pudding for at least 4 hours before serving, but overnight is best for soft, cakelike cookies.
    • Completely cover the bananas with pudding to keep them from turning brown.
    • Add the crushed vanilla wafers right before serving or they'll get soggy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 10gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 432mgPotassium: 483mgFiber: 2gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 234IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 246mgIron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Recipe inspired by Allrecipes.

    « Banana Pudding Pie (No Bake)
    Parmesan Panko Crusted Cod »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rita Rasmussen says

      August 05, 2023 at 8:11 pm

      Very good! I got the 12 oz Cool Whip and used 8 oz mixed in and then the rest for on top.

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        August 06, 2023 at 11:23 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Natalie Marie says

      March 25, 2023 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Love all things bananas and this looks top tier! Can't wait to make this for Easter. Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:25 pm

        Thank you, Natalie -- enjoy! Happy Easter 🙂

        Reply
    3. Nathan says

      March 25, 2023 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      I love how simple it is to make this banana pudding, it has the perfect blend of textures and flavors. I served this at a party and everybody couldn't get enough!

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:25 pm

        That's awesome, I'm so glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. Erik says

      March 25, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      Love that this is really so easy. Got some ripe banana perfect for this!

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:24 pm

        Great use for bananas when they reach that perfect eating ripeness! Enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Jacqueline Debono says

      March 25, 2023 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      What a super easy make ahead dessert. I made it for the first time last weekend and going to repeat at Easter when I have the family over!

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        March 25, 2023 at 3:18 pm

        Hi, Jacqueline, thank you so much for giving this a try. I hope you and your family enjoy! Happy Easter 🙂 Cara

        Reply
    6. Quynh says

      March 25, 2023 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      This was so creamy, delicious, and easy to make. YUM!

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        March 25, 2023 at 3:04 pm

        Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it :).

        Reply
    7. Lachelle says

      March 22, 2023 at 10:44 pm

      This Is the exact recipe of Paula Deen, " Not Your Mama 's Banana Pudding". In which she do state, you can use vanilla wafers, instead of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies. Always give the credit, to the original person, who developed the recipe.

      Reply
      • Cara Lanz says

        March 22, 2023 at 11:26 pm

        Hi, Lachelle, I love Paula Deen recipes! And have shared her recipes for Corn Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Green Bean Casserole. This recipe is slightly different than hers.

        Reply
        • BB says

          July 02, 2023 at 1:15 am

          5 stars
          This is also almost exactly the same recipe I use. It came from Joanna Gaines cookbook. Joanna said her recipe came from Chips great aunt so maybe this recipe has been around awhile. Where ever it came from - it is delicious!

        • Cara Lanz says

          July 02, 2023 at 1:46 am

          Yes, there are many iterations out there that are very similar, and have probably been passed down for generations. And I'm with you, whoever first thought to combine pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers is a genius :). Thanks for the fun note! Cara

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    collage with top view and side view of banana pudding in a trifle bowl
    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin
    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish.
    easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin

    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love sharing easy, delicious everyday recipes from the heartland.

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