Banana Pudding Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This banana pudding recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for its creamy texture and nostalgic flavor.

• It’s creamy and dreamy, with layers of pudding, bananas, and cookies that melt in your mouth.
• You only need simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
• It’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks, and always gets a thumbs-up.

Recipe

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that combines creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers for a deliciously comforting treat. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for gatherings or a sweet family dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups cold water
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth.
2. Add the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
5. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes:

• For best results, assemble the pudding a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Substitute homemade whipped cream with store-bought for convenience.

Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Servings: 8-10

Nutrition

Banana pudding is a delicious dessert, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Below is a breakdown of the key nutrients per serving.

What To Serve With It

When I serve banana pudding, I love pairing it with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas for a light, invigorating touch. Sometimes, I go for classic Southern sides, such as buttery biscuits or crispy fried chicken, to balance the sweetness. These combinations always make the dessert feel even more special.

Fresh Fruit Pairings

Though banana pudding is delicious on its own, I love adding fresh fruit to make it even more special. Try fruit combinations like strawberries and blueberries for a burst of color, or sliced peaches for a summery twist. Seasonal fruits keep it fresh—think apples in fall or kiwi in spring. A handful of raspberries adds tartness, balancing the pudding’s sweetness perfectly. It’s a simple upgrade that feels fancy!

Classic Southern Sides

Nothing completes a comforting bowl of banana pudding like the perfect Southern side dishes. I always pair mine with tender collard greens, slow-cooked with just a hint of spice, and a slice of warm, crumbly cornbread. They’re hearty enough to balance the sweetness, yet simple enough to let the pudding shine. Trust me, this combo feels like home on a plate—it’s pure Southern comfort.