This creamy, no-bake banana pudding is a true Southern Classic. Whether you are feeding a crowd or craving something sweet and effortless, this banana pudding delivers in every bite. It's layered with vanilla wafers, bananas, and good old-fashioned Cool Whip!!!
Banana pudding is loved throughout the South (where everyone has an opinion about the "right" way to make it!). This version is foolproof and a crowd-pleaser. It is a recipe that my wife's Florida family makes year-round, and she thinks every spoonful tastes like home.
Make and serve right away or chill it in the refrigerator for a dessert later that evening. We've made this as single-serving cups for weddings, and have also served it as a whole bowl (seen below) for gatherings and potlucks. Enjoy and let me know how you liked it!
Ingredients you'll need:
- Milk: Use 2% or whole milk for the best results.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding: the key is the instant pudding, which provides the vanilla flavor!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a layer of sweetness to this dessert.
- Cool Whip: it brings the fluffy consistency to the pudding.
- Bananas: The star of the show! I love to use perfectly ripe bananas.
- Vanilla Wafers: The classic cookie to make perfect layers.
Overview:
This is to get you started and to set your sweet tooth. Full step-by-step recipe is below, but here's an overview of what you can expect when you make homemade banana pudding:
1. Whisk the pudding mix into the milk.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk.
3. Fold in the frozen whipped topping.
4. Layer the mixture with the sliced bananas and vanilla wafers.
How to store Banana Pudding:
Cover the banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap or a lid on your container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Chill until serving, and it's actually best if it sets for 6-12 hours before your friends and family dig in!!
Instructions:
Step 1 : Gather ingredients and start by slicing bananas into small rounds and set aside in a separate bowl.
Step 2 : Place milk and pudding mix in a large bowl; beat with a whisk for 2 minutes. Then mix in condensed milk until smooth.
Step 3 : Then, mix in 8 oz of Cool Whip (should get thicker). This will take about 1-2 minutes, and you will see it firm up and thicken very quickly. Be gentle here on this step and fold it in.
Step 4 : Make 2 layers the same:
- Vanilla wafers on the bottom
- Layer of sliced bananas (4)
- ½ Creamy pudding mixture
Step 5 : Place the remaining cookies around the edges of the bowl to decorate.
Step 6 : Top with the remaining 8 oz of Cool Whip and add crushed wafers on top for decoration. Serve immediately or cool in fridge (best way!) before serving.
Variations of Banana Pudding
- You can make these in individual cups for a fun carry-around dessert!
- You can layer this banana pudding in a trifle bowl for a beautiful presentation.
- If you like extra banana flavor, you can use a banana cream instant pudding mix in place of the vanilla pudding mix.
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Banana Pudding
Equipment
- Large Serving Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Milk
- 2 5.1oz Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding
- 1 14oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 8oz Containers of Cool Whip
- 1 11oz Box Vanilla Wafers
- 8 Bananas sliced
Instructions
- Slice bananas into small rounds.
- Mix milk and pudding until well blended.
- Add condensed milk and mix. Then, mix in 8 oz of Cool Whip (should get thicker).
- Make 2 series of layers the exact same: Place down a bottom, middle and top layer, then repeat one time to make a total of 6 layers.Bottom Layer - Vanilla Wafers Middle Layer - Sliced Bananas (4 bananas)Top Layer - ½ Creamy pudding mixture
- Place remaining cookies around the edges of bowl to decorate.
- Top with remaining 8 oz of Cool Whip and add crushed wafters on top for decoration.
- Serve immediately or cool in fridge (best results) if preferred. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Added Questions
We do not recommend freezing this no-bake banana pudding due to a texture change. The good thing is that it is easy to make it when you need it! You can also make it the day before!
I love bananas that are at peak ripeness, no browning yet on the banana! They are a perfect sweetness.
More Desserts
- Peach Mango Pie
- Apple Pie (with Canned Apple Pie Filling)
- Monster Cookies
- No-Bake Chocolate Pie (Easy Steps)
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Rhonda Garcia says
Well, I just made this banana pudding from cookitwithtim.com and we love it! I’ve never used this type of recipe for banana pudding before and never thought it could get any better! Love, Tim Clowers! He is not only a great cook, but a really good man!!!
CookitwithTim says
Such an easy way to do it right? We've been making it this way for years! It's always a hit!
CookitwithTim says
By far one of the easiest desserts on my page and cookbook. No bake and taste fantastic.
Erin C says
This is perfect for fall! I’ll be making this one more often!
Julie says
Looks yummy
CookitwithTim says
Thanks Julie! Let me know how you like it once you try it out!
Yvonne says
The recipe was very good, "tasty" Although I did do one little tweak to it, I put cinnamon graham crackers on the bottom to have less sogginess. And I also used them for the crumbs on top.
CookitwithTim says
What a nice touch! I'll have to try that idea sometime. Thanks Yvonne!
Ali Moore says
This was delicious and super easy to make. This is going to be my new dish for family gatherings and potlucks!!
CookitwithTim says
This is a favorite at our family functions for sure. I am so glad you loved it.
Kevin says
My wife made this on Sunday and I’ve had it everyday. Today is Tuesday. My family is from the south. New Orleans to be exact. I’ve had some good banana pudding, this sir should be against the law how good this is. So looking forward to experiencing many more of your recipes. Now I need to go have a talk with my momma and ask her why hers don’t taste like yours. Thank you.
CookitwithTim says
I love hearing this!! I am so glad that you love it!!