Banana Pudding

Growing up, my family spent many Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays at my grandmother’s house, indulging in this creamy banana pudding that is absolutely irresistible! I’m dedicating this banana pudding recipe to my grandma who lived in Anaheim, California. If Thanksgiving dinner wasn’t in Anaheim at her house with my cousin and siblings, then it was at our house. It makes me happy that I can remember my grandma by remaking her recipes, especially this one!

My mouthwatering dessert contains vanilla instant pudding, milk, sweetened condensed milk, frozen whipped topping, a box of Nilla Wafers, and sliced bananas and never lasts long at any holiday party!

I’m warning you – this is highly addicting so be careful! If you are a fan of banana desserts, then you’ll love my Banana Poke Cake, Banana Split Pie, Banana Split Trifle Jars, and Banana Split Pops!

What is Banana Pudding?

It’s a layered dessert, including vanilla pudding, Vanilla Wafers, and banana slices. This recipe uses frozen whipped topping and vanilla pudding to form a creamy texture. Whole and chunks of vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers) complement this dish in the best way possible.

How to store Banana Pudding

Because it has pudding and milk in it, it should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days for the freshest taste.

Ingredients in Banana Pudding

Instant vanilla pudding mix. The pudding is one of the main ingredients and gives this recipe a sweet flavor.

Milk. Try to use at least 2 percent milk to retain a creamy texture in the pudding.

Sweetened condensed milk. This sweet milk adds flavor and creaminess to the pudding.

Bananas. Sliced bananas are the keynote to this dessert, giving it the perfect level of fruit and cake.

Whipped topping. Luscious and creamy whipped topping is one decadent and memorable part of the pudding. Make sure to thaw it out at least 20-30 minutes ahead of time.

Vanilla wafers. Crunchy, sweet vanilla wafers give this pudding a decadent taste. You can’t have banana pudding without vanilla wafers.

Bananas. Depending on the sizes of your bananas as well as your dessert dish, you may need anywhere from 8-10 bananas. If you have small bananas, you may need to use a few extra.

How to make the best Banana Pudding

STEP 1: Whisk the pudding mix and milk for two minutes in a large bowl. Add the condensed milk and mix until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.

STEP 2: Layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture In a 9×13-inch casserole dish or in a trifle dish,. Feel free to top with whipped cream, sliced bananas, or crunched vanilla wafers.

STEP 3: Cover your dish or put the lid on it and store in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. The longer it sets, the better it will taste as the ingredients will have had ample time to blend together.

Pro Tips

Make sure everything is ready before you start. Once you make the pudding, it will start to set within about five minutes. Before you start, be sure to slice all the bananas. I used 9 large bananas but it will depend on the size of the dish you use and the size of the bananas.

Let it set overnight or for at least eight hours for the best taste.

More recipes you’ll want to make!

Banana Split Pie

Banana Poke Cake

Banana Split Pops

Banana Split Trifle Jars

Blueberry Yogurt Clusters

Easy 5-Minute Chocolate Pudding Pie

Peach Cobbler

Key Lime Pie

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie

Blueberry Lemon Galette

Blackberry Cobbler

Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Pies in a Jar

Sheet Pan S’mores

Final Thoughts

Finally, if you make this Banana Pudding, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!

Banana Pudding

Elise McCollister

Growing up, my family spent many Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays at my grandmother’s house, indulging in this creamy banana pudding that is absolutely irresistible! Creamy vanilla pudding combined with milk, bananas, and vanilla wafers sure make one unforgettable dessert!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Refrigerate 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Servings 18

Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Large bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle dish

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x4x

• 1 (5.1 oz.) package vanilla instant pudding
• 2 c whole milk
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping thawed
• 1 (11 oz.) vanilla wafers
• 8-10 bananas medium, sliced

Instructions

 

• Whisk the pudding mix and milk for two minutes in a large bowl. Add the condensed milk and mix until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish or in a trifle dish, layer the Nilla Wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture. Feel free to top with whipped cream, sliced bananas, or crunched vanilla wafers.
• Put the lid on your dish or cover it and store in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. The longer it sets, the better it will taste.

Notes

Slice your bananas before you make the pudding as the pudding starts to set in about five minutes, making it challenging to spread.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 46.7gProtein: 3.9gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 221mgPotassium: 304mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 35.8gVitamin A: 78IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg

Did you try this recipe?Mention @elisemccollister or tag #elisemccollister!