This creamy, no-bake banana pudding is a true Southern classic dessert passed down through my family with only 6 ingredients. Whether you are feeding a crowd or craving something sweet and effortless, this banana pudding will be a hit and is simple to make in advance.
No matter what the occasion is in the South, banana pudding is usually always served as a dessert option. It's a recipe that everyone has an opinion about the "right" way to make it! This No-Bake Banana Pudding is the recipe passed down through my wife's family that we have made for years and years. It's layered with vanilla wafers, bananas, and decadent whipped cream. Every spoonful makes her think of home, it's a total crowd-pleaser made with 6 simple pantry ingredients.
When it comes to menu planning, it's one of my favorite sweet treats to whip up since it's ideal to make ahead of time, making dessert stress-free. We've even made this as single-serving cups for weddings, and have also served it as a whole bowl (see below) for gatherings and potlucks (it's so easy to transport!).
If you love an easy dessert, be sure to also try my No-Bake Chocolate Pie, Key Lime Bars or Cherry Apple Crisp.
Why you'll love this recipe:
- 6-ingredient dessert. Easy to for anyone to make, even if you aren't an expert baker.
- Perfect for kids and adults. We promise, this banana pudding will be gone in no time!
- Customize to your liking. Add other fruit, spices, or keep is classic in flavor.
Ingredients:
- 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.
how to make no-bake banana pudding:
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.
Expert tips
- Make sure your bananas are super ripe for best taste. This will naturally make the banana pudding sweeter and with richer banana flavor.
- Keep the milk as cold as possible before making the dessert. This helps to bloom the pudding mix to make it the right consistency.
- Swap the vanilla wafers for another cookie. You can also use Chessman or graham crackers if you prefer.
- Use an electric hand mixer for easy mixing. Forget whisking by hand, this makes this dessert effortless!
Variations
- Make an individual serving. You can make these in individual cups for a fun carry-around dessert!
- Turn it into a trifle. You can layer this banana pudding in a trifle bowl for a beautiful presentation.
- Add a punch of banana flavor. If you like extra banana flavor, you can use a banana cream instant pudding mix in place of the vanilla pudding mix.
- Try layering in other berries. You can use whatever is in season, we've added blueberries, strawberries, or a mix!
Storage
Cover the banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap or a lid on your container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Making this classic banana pudding in advance is actually recommended! Chill until you are ready to serve; it's best if it sets for 6-12 hours before your friends and family dig in!!
We don't recommend freezing this dessert as it will change the texture once thawed.
FAQs
Of course! Just whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Then layer with bananas and vanilla wafers.
This is usually as a result of the bananas oxidizing before or after serving. To help prevent them from becoming brown, you can toss them in a little bit of lemon juice before building the pudding.
It's also delicious with shortbread cookies, chocolate cookies, berries, chocolate chips, coconut, or even chocolate sauce.
More easy dessert recipes
Video
Recipe
Banana Pudding (6 Ingredients)
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!
Notes
- Make sure your bananas are super ripe for best taste. This will naturally make the banana pudding sweeter and with richer banana flavor.
- Keep the milk as cold as possible before making the dessert. This helps to bloom the pudding mix to make it the right consistency.
- Swap the vanilla wafers for another cookie. You can also use Chessman or graham crackers if you prefer.
- Use an electric hand mixer for easy mixing. Forget whisking by hand, this makes this dessert effortless!
Nutrition
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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!
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!!
Tara Engel says
Absolutely love this recipe! Perfect summertime dessert!
CookitwithTim says
Thank you for your review and I am glad you love our Banana Pudding.
Anthony says
Very easy, fast and delicious
CookitwithTim says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it! I love an easy, delicious dessert!