Banana Pudding

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Banana Pudding
4. How To Serve Banana Pudding
5. Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This banana pudding recipe brings creamy layers, sweet bananas, and vanilla wafers together in the best no-bake dessert. Everyone loves this classic Southern treat at family dinners, potlucks, or holidays. Prep it fast, chill it, and serve up smiles in every bite. Plus, it’s always a hit when you need an easy make-ahead dessert.

You’ll love how easy this dessert comes together—just follow the simple steps below. We’ve added step-by-step photos, helpful pro tips, and time-saving tricks. You’ll also find answers to the most frequently asked questions so you can make it with confidence.

This banana pudding recipe comes together fast with layers of whipped topping, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or any night you need a quick and easy dessert.

The smooth texture and sweet banana flavor make it a crowd favorite. Everyone grabs seconds, so be sure to make plenty!

What you'll need to make this banana pudding:

• 2 (14-ounce) cans of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup of water
• 3 cups of milk
• 2 (5.1-ounce) boxes of instant vanilla pudding
• 1 (11-ounce) box of vanilla wafers (Nilla wafers or another brand of vanilla wafers)
• 4 to 6 bananas
• 1 (8-ounce) tub of Cool Whip

Pudding: Try using instant banana pudding mix if you want a stronger banana flavor. Instant cheesecake or French vanilla pudding also work great!

Cool Whip: This recipe uses Cool Whip, but you can swap in homemade whipped cream if you prefer a from-scratch topping.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures to make the best banana pudding from scratch. Don’t miss the helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started and make this sweet, creamy dessert together!

FIRST STEP: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk with the water and milk. Stir in the instant pudding mix and blend well.

SECOND STEP: Line the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with one layer of Nilla or vanilla wafers.

THIRD STEP: Give your pudding mixture a quick stir and pour a layer of pudding over the wafers.

FOURTH STEP: TThinly slice your bananas and add a layer of banana slices over top of the pudding.

FIFTH STEP: Repeat the layers using wafers, pudding, and sliced bananas until you have filled your dish.

The top layer should be pudding topped with the remaining cookies instead of bananas — this way, you won’t have brown bananas on top.

SIXTH STEP: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the vanilla wafers to soften.

SEVENTH STEP: Top with Cool Whip before serving and garnish with extra banana slices or wafers.

You can serve this banana pudding any time of year, and everyone from kids to adults will love every sweet bite. It’s a no-bake dessert that fits almost any occasion and pairs perfectly with other easy recipes.

• Bring it to parties or potlucks: This creamy pudding travels well and gets scooped up fast. Serve it with sloppy joes or chicken Parmesan sliders.
• Make it for holidays and family dinners: It’s always a hit at Easter, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinner. Pair it with elbow macaroni pasta or dr pepper pulled pork sandwiches.
• Serve it at summer cookouts: Cool banana pudding hits the spot after baked burgers or oven baked ribs. Add a side of corn casserole or cowboy beans.

Banana pudding has been a reader favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why. It checks every box for a no-bake dessert that’s fun to make, easy to serve, and perfect for any crowd.

• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweet bananas and soft cookies, and they’ll ask for it again and again.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It disappears fast at potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it early, chill it, and serve when you're ready.
• Uses Everyday Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry or fridge.
• No Fancy Tools: You only need a spoon, a dish, and a little fridge space.
• Perfect for Any Season: Cool enough for summer, but rich enough for the holidays.

This no-bake banana pudding is always a win, and that’s why our readers come back to it again and again.

Do I need ripe bananas for banana pudding?
Yes, always use ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and a soft texture that blends perfectly.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form before using it.

Does banana pudding need to chill before serving?
Yes, banana pudding needs chill time. Chilling helps the layers set and brings out the best banana flavor and texture.

Can I make banana pudding in a trifle dish?
Yes, you can make it in a trifle dish. It looks great layered and makes serving even easier at parties.

What kind of cookies work best for banana pudding?
Vanilla wafers work best because they soften just right and balance the sweetness of the pudding and bananas.

Can I add extra bananas to the recipe?
Yes, you can add more bananas to your banana pudding. Just slice them thin, so the texture stays soft and creamy.

How thick should the pudding be before layering?
The pudding should be thick enough to hold its shape. If it's too runny, chill it first before you layer everything.

Do I need to cover the pudding while it chills?
Yes, this keeps it fresh and prevents the top from drying out in the fridge.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?
To keep bananas from browning, layer them between pudding and whipped topping. This keeps air out and slows down browning.

Should I serve banana pudding cold or at room temperature?
Serve pudding cold for the best texture and flavor. Chilling helps the layers stay firm and fresh.

Can I serve banana pudding in individual containers?
Yes, use small bowls, jars, or cups. This makes serving easier and keeps each portion neat and ready to grab.

How soon before serving should I take the pudding out of the fridge?
Take it out just before serving. Keeping it cold helps the pudding stay thick and the bananas fresh.

What extra toppings can I add before serving banana pudding?
Add crushed cookies, banana slices, or whipped cream right before serving so they stay fresh.

Does banana pudding need a garnish when serving?
No garnish is required, but adding whipped cream or a cookie on top makes it look fun and finished.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your banana pudding the right way. Keeping it fresh helps the bananas stay soft and sweet, and the layers hold their creamy texture. Don’t skip the steps—each one makes a difference.

Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Just layer everything, cover it tightly, and chill until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover banana pudding?
Store leftover pudding in the fridge in an airtight container. Try to eat it within two days for best texture.

Can I freeze banana pudding?
No, freezing changes the texture and makes the bananas mushy once thawed.

Will the bananas turn brown in the fridge?
Yes, sliced bananas can brown over time. Layer them under the pudding to slow browning and keep the color fresh longer.