Classic Banana Pudding Recipe: Easy and Delicious

Classic Banana Pudding Recipe with Vanilla Wafers

A good Banana Pudding Recipe is about balancing ripe bananas, a creamy pudding, and just the right amount of cookies layered together. The most common mistake is using underripe bananas, which taste starchy instead of sweet and mellow. For best results, choose bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel; they’ll add natural sweetness and blend smoothly into the creamy layers.

This recipe is for anyone who wants a straightforward homemade dessert that’s easy to assemble and always comforting.

Difficulty: Easy

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chill time: 2–4 hours, Total time: ~2½–4½ hours 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream whipped to soft peaks
• 1 box vanilla wafers about 11 oz.
• 4 –5 ripe bananas sliced
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Make pudding. In a bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
2. Sweeten. Stir in the condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Fold in the cream. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
4. Layer. In a 9x13 dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, then the pudding mixture.
5. Repeat. Continue layering until ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
6. Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (longer for best flavor).
7. Serve. Garnish with crushed cookies or extra banana slices.

Video

Notes

Banana tip: Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness.

Avoid: Mushy, overripe bananas; they discolor quickly in pudding.

Cookies: Classic vanilla wafers work best, but shortbread or Graham crackers can be used.

Creaminess: Folding in whipped cream makes the pudding lighter.

Tips & Tricks

• Make ahead: Best made the day before. Flavors meld overnight.
• Prevent browning: Toss banana slices in a little lemon juice to slow discoloration.
• Texture variation: Use mini trifle cups for single servings.
• Extra flavor: Add a layer of sliced strawberries or a drizzle of caramel.
• Stability: Chill at least 4 hours if you want firmer slices for serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Family dessert: Serve after Sunday dinner for a classic treat.
• Party dish: Assemble in a trifle bowl for a pretty centerpiece.
• Lunchbox option: Spoon into small jars for grab-and-go servings.
• Holiday table: Works well alongside pies and cakes.
• Casual snacks: Keep small cups in the fridge for quick treats.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~340
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 56 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g