Simple Banana Pudding Recipe

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Yields: 8 servings

Chef’s Notes

Banana pudding is one of those timeless desserts that instantly brings comfort. As a chef, I’ve seen it served everywhere—from family barbecues to upscale restaurant menus—because it’s versatile, easy, and deeply satisfying. This recipe keeps things simple but delivers a rich, creamy texture layered with sweet bananas and vanilla wafers. Over the years, I’ve learned that balancing flavors and textures is the key to making this dish truly memorable.

If you love banana-based desserts, you might also enjoy this delicious Banana Brownie Recipe for another sweet treat idea.

The beauty of banana pudding is that it requires no baking and uses everyday ingredients, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick dessert that wows. Let’s get started!

Technical Tips

• Ripe Bananas Matter: Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for natural sweetness and creaminess. Avoid overripe bananas as they’ll become too mushy.
• Prevent Browning: Toss banana slices in a splash of lemon juice to keep them from browning without altering flavor.
• Smooth Custard Hack: If you’re making custard from scratch, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps. For this recipe, we’re keeping it simple with instant pudding mix, but the technique applies if you level up next time.
• Chill for Depth: Letting the pudding chill allows flavors to meld and gives the wafers time to soften slightly, creating the perfect spoonful.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold whole milk
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafers
• Optional: Whipped cream and crushed wafers for garnish

Professional Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it set for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated. This step ensures extra creaminess without making the pudding too heavy.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

1. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pro Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters beforehand for faster results.
2. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth. Avoid over-mixing to keep it light and airy.

Step 3: Layer the Dessert

1. Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl. Add a layer of banana slices on top.
2. Spread 1/3 of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers twice, ending with pudding on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

Troubleshooting Guide

• Pudding Too Thin? Ensure the pudding mix sets properly before adding whipped cream. Chill longer if needed.
• Bananas Browning? Coat with lemon juice as mentioned above or slice bananas just before serving.
• Layers Sliding? Chill between layers for 15 minutes if assembling in a tall trifle dish to prevent slipping.
• Overly Sweet? Reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly, but don’t skip it—it adds richness!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream has a fresher taste and creamier texture. If using store-bought, aim for unsweetened varieties.

How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days. After that, the bananas may soften too much, and the wafers could become soggy.

Can I make banana pudding in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and let it chill overnight for the best flavor.

How can I make this banana pudding healthier?
Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk and use light whipped topping instead of heavy cream. Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk if you prefer less sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Banana pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory-maker. I’ve served this dish at countless gatherings, and it always brings smiles. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or a weeknight treat, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—try adding caramel drizzle or layering in chocolate chips for a twist. Cooking is about having fun and making something that brings joy to the table. Enjoy your banana pudding adventure, and let me know how it turns out!