Description
Classic Banana Pudding is a timeless and comforting dessert featuring silky layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this easy-to-make treat combines simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy, and delightful dessert that tastes even better when made ahead.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Vanilla Wafers – about 45 wafers
- Fresh Bananas – 4 to 5 ripe but firm bananas
Pudding Mixture
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – 2 (3.4 oz) packages
- Milk – 4 cups (whole milk preferred)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – 1 (14 oz) can
Topping
- Whipped Topping or Fresh Whipped Cream – 2 cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping or fresh whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice bananas into thin, even rounds to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every layer.
- Layer Your Ingredients: In a large glass dish or individual cups, start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers. Next, add a layer of banana slices, then top with a generous scoop of pudding. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a final pudding layer on top.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread a thick layer of whipped topping or fresh whipped cream over the final pudding layer to add lightness and moisture.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften to a perfect pudding texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushy texture.
- Layer ingredients evenly for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill pudding thoroughly to enhance flavors and texture.
- Assemble close to serving time if possible for the freshest texture.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting pudding before assembling, adding more condensed milk or sugar if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg