There’s something positively irresistible about EASY BANANA PUDDING—each creamy, dreamy spoonful brings back memories of weekend barbecues, birthday potlucks, and those just-because-there’s-ripe-bananas-on-the-counter type of evenings. This is the classic no-fuss dessert that always steals the show, marrying silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, fluffy whipped topping, and those iconic vanilla wafers into layer upon layer of pure comfort. Whether you’re whipping this up for your own crew or trying to wow guests with a southern staple, you’ll find equal parts nostalgia and ease in every bite.

EASY BANANA PUDDING Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great desserts don’t need to be complicated! Each of these ingredients plays a starring role in EASY BANANA PUDDING: they add flavor, create layers of luscious texture, and round out the treat’s sunny color. Don’t skimp on quality—every element shines here, so let’s make each one count.

5 oz box instant vanilla pudding: The heart of the creamy filling; using instant pudding keeps things wonderfully quick and foolproof.
2 cups whole milk: Whole milk provides richness and helps the pudding set with that silky, spoonable texture.
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk: Adds a luscious sweetness and an ultra-creamy finish you just can’t fake.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Real vanilla makes all the difference here, boosting natural flavors and adding warmth.
8 oz whipped topping, thawed and divided: Half goes inside for fluffiness, the rest for that billowy topping everyone loves.
4 large bananas: Look for perfectly ripe bananas—they’ll slice easily and lend the right balance of sweetness.
12 oz box vanilla wafers: These classic cookies create soft, cake-like layers after absorbing the luscious pudding.

How to Make EASY BANANA PUDDING

Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your instant vanilla pudding, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and dreamy. A few minutes with a whisk here is all it takes for everything to come together. Once it’s lump-free, gently stir in the vanilla extract. Cover the bowl and let the pudding chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes—it’ll thicken up and give your EASY BANANA PUDDING a sturdy but creamy base.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping

After the pudding mixture has set, it’s time to gently fold half of your thawed whipped topping into it. Use a spatula and a light hand—this step transforms the pudding with airiness, so don’t whip too much or you’ll lose that lovely fluff. Once just combined, set aside and keep the rest of the whipped topping for the final flourish.

Step 3: Slice the Bananas

Peel your bananas and slice them into nice, even 1/2-inch coins. If you’re prepping in advance or don’t want your bananas to brown, you can toss them lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice—just enough to keep them fresh, but not enough to alter their flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now for the fun part! In your favorite trifle dish or a large bowl, start by covering the bottom with a single, even layer of vanilla wafers. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas, then pour over about a third of your pudding mixture, spreading it to the edges. Repeat this process twice more—cookies, bananas, pudding—ending with a generous swoosh of pudding on top. The stacked layers look gorgeous and ensure every scoop gets a bit of everything.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the assembled EASY BANANA PUDDING and pop it back in the fridge for at least two hours. This gives the cookies time to soften into cake-like layers and lets all those beautiful flavors meld. Trust me: waiting is the hardest part, but it’s so worth it in the end.

Step 6: Top and Serve

When it’s time to serve, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding, then go wild with a scatter of extra banana slices and vanilla wafers on top. Dessert never looked (or tasted) so inviting!

How to Serve EASY BANANA PUDDING

Garnishes

The magic is in the details! I love adding a flourish of extra whipped topping, a handful of crumbled vanilla wafers, and a ring of freshly sliced bananas on top right before serving. You could even dust with a touch of cinnamon for warmth or shaved chocolate for a playful touch—the little extras make your EASY BANANA PUDDING a true showstopper.

Side Dishes

You can easily serve this with a platter of fresh berries, a tangy lemon bar, or even a simple bowl of mixed fruit to offset the pudding’s sweetness. Pairing with coffee or a refreshing iced tea also makes for a lovely, balanced dessert course.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling extra festive, assemble the EASY BANANA PUDDING in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for an adorable, portable treat. For parties, consider a build-your-own pudding bar, offering guests choices of wafers, pudding, toppings, and fruit. Folks of all ages will have as much fun making them as they do eating them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the crowds have thinned and the sweet cravings are satisfied, cover your leftover pudding tightly with plastic wrap or scoop it into an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, EASY BANANA PUDDING will keep happily for up to three days, though it’s at its absolute best within the first two.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze EASY BANANA PUDDING, but be aware that both bananas and pudding don’t always thaw beautifully. Bananas may go mushy and the texture of the pudding can change, so freezing is best reserved for true emergencies—otherwise, it’s worth enjoying fresh!

Reheating

Luckily, EASY BANANA PUDDING is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so there’s no reheating required. Simply serve it straight from the fridge; if it’s been in there for a while, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade whipped cream, simply whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. It’ll taste fresh and light, adding a special homemade touch to the dessert.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

Slicing the bananas just before assembling is key! If you need to prep ahead, lightly toss the slices in lemon juice to slow browning. The pudding layers also help seal out the air, keeping your bananas pretty for longer.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

You can definitely experiment! While vanilla is classic for EASY BANANA PUDDING, banana or even cheesecake-flavored puddings can put a fun twist on the original recipe—just be mindful of the added sweetness from other flavors.

What type of dish works best for assembling?

A glass trifle dish is traditional and lets you show off the beautiful, colorful layers. But don’t fret if you don’t have one—a deep bowl, a casserole dish, or even individual glasses all work and still deliver plenty of wow-factor.

How far in advance can I make EASY BANANA PUDDING?

This is one of those perfect make-ahead desserts! You can assemble it up to a day ahead; just wait to add the final garnishes until right before serving to keep the bananas and cookies fresh and pretty.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like gathering around the table and diving into a big dish of EASY BANANA PUDDING. Whether you’re serving it up for a special celebration or a simple weeknight treat, every spoonful promises comfort, nostalgia, and pure delight. Give this recipe a try—your friends and family will be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

EASY BANANA PUDDING Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this easy banana pudding recipe that combines creamy vanilla pudding with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding:

1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
2 cups whole milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz whipped topping, thawed, divided

Additional Ingredients:

4 large bananas
1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers

Instructions

Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir in vanilla extract. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Prep: Fold half of the whipped topping into the chilled pudding.
Assemble: Layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mix in a trifle dish or bowl. Repeat layers, ending with pudding mix.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve: Top with whipped cream, banana slices, and vanilla wafers.

Notes

Leftover pudding should be stored in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
For optimal freshness, consume within 2 days, although it can last up to 3 days when stored properly.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American