Description

This classic Banana Pudding recipe features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sliced ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies. It’s a no-bake dessert that combines smooth textures with sweet flavors, perfect for a refreshing Southern-inspired treat. Easy to assemble and best when chilled for several hours, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding Mix

1 box (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold whole milk
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Additional Ingredients

4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies

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Instructions

Prepare Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and pure vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Make Whipped Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until thoroughly incorporated and smooth to maintain the fluffiness of the dessert.
Assemble Layers: In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layering steps until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften to a creamy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional crushed vanilla wafers or banana slices for presentation and extra flavor.

Notes

For best texture, assemble the pudding a few hours before serving to allow the cookies to soften without becoming overly mushy.
Use slightly firm bananas to minimize browning during refrigeration.
To reduce sweetness, consider using unsweetened whipped cream or reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.