Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (2024)

An easy homemade Banana Pudding Recipe. Rich and creamy banana pudding between layers of vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. Best of all, this pudding is a no-bake and loved by all at potlucks and parties.

If you appreciate easy, no-bake desserts like our No-Bake Cheesecake or Chocolate Lasagna, you will love this Banana Pudding.

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Banana Pudding Recipe

It’s safe to say that whenever you think of a dessert with bananas, banana pudding instantly comes to mind. Here’s why you’ll LOVE this recipe.

• No-bake – this dessert just has some assembly required but no cooking, which is so convenient
• Easy to make and a novice chef may quickly whip it up
• Beautiful – so appealing aesthetically at a potluck or party
• Loved by all – great for adults or kids

Ingredients for Banana Pudding

Just a few ingredients are needed for the banana pudding and you can have the dessert ready to serve in no time!

• Milk – You can use whatever milk you have on hand, we used whole milk.
• Vanilla pudding – You want to be sure to use INSTANT pudding that doesn’t require cooking. We used vanilla pudding but a banana flavor will work just fine.
• Vanilla extract – Homemade Vanilla adds the best flavor to the pudding.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Enhances the creaminess and sweetens the pudding.
• Vanilla wafers – we love the Nilla wafers brand, but you can use your favorite. See substitution options below.
• Heavy whipping cream – The whipped cream adds richness to the pudding.
• Powdered sugar – is added to sweeten the top layer of the pudding. You can leave it out completely.
• Bananas – The fresh banana slices are what give the pudding its amazing flavor.

How to make Banana Pudding

This no-bake dessert is that perfect treat when you need something to serve but don’t want to turn on the oven.

Prepare Pudding:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cold milk with vanilla and pudding until it thickens. Beat in condensed milk.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until fluffy with stiff peaks. Use a spatula to gently fold 2/3 of the whipped cream into the pudding.
3. Add the powdered sugar into the remaining whipped cream and beat to combine, refrigerate until needed.

Assemble:

1. Add about 1/4th of the vanilla wafers into the bottom of your trifle bowl and about 1/4th of the bananas. Spread 1/4 of the pudding over the bananas/wafers. Repeat with remaining layers.
2. Add the remaining whipped cream to the center of the pudding and decorate as desired. Cover and refrigerate for two hours then serve.

Make-Ahead

For best results, Banana pudding can be made up to 24 hours ahead and leftovers should be enjoyed within 2 days of making it. If making the pudding more than two hours in advance, keep the bananas completely covered by the pudding as they will brown if you don’t. Then just add fresh slices of bananas on top when serving.

Serving Ideas

The easiest way to serve this is with a large serving spoon and just scoop out portions. You don’t have to serve the pudding in a trifle bowl. Here are some other great ideas to serve the vanilla pudding:

• In jars or mini cups – just pipe with a bag for a cleaner look!
• Casserole – Add to a baking dish, round, square or 3 qt rectangle will all work.

Variations

This pudding is so versatile and may be served in so many unique ways.

• Change the pudding: try chocolate, banana or butterscotch
• Add berries with the bananas or substitute for bananas.
• More layers – Instead of just having whipped cream on top of the pudding, double the amount of whipped cream and add layers over the banana pudding.
• Drizzle caramel over the layers.
• Add peanut butter between the layers.

Common Questions

More No-Bake Desserts

No bakes are by far the best kind of dessert. Here are some more of our favorite desserts to try:

• No Bake Cheesecake
• Raspberry Mousse Cups
• Tiramisu
• Chocolate Oreo Pudding
• No-Bake Chocolate Spartak