Easy Banana Pudding Recipe: The Best No-Bake Southern Dessert Made with Pudding Mix

Banana pudding is one classic Southern dessert that features layers of luscious and creamy pudding, ripened banana slices, and crispy vanilla wafers. If you like no-bake dessert recipes, this quick and easy banana pudding recipe is for sure the tastiest one of them all. Perfect for entertaining the family or your taste buds, this recipe is one not to be missed.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best banana pudding recipe, featuring a combination of instant pudding, whipped cream, and fresh bananas. I will also offer some suggestions for preparing a super rich and creamy dessert that will impress. If you are looking for a nice balance of taste and simplicity in your dessert computing this is the guide to go.

Banana Pudding (What you need to make it)

The perfect and the best banana pudding recipe made from simple ingredients that are hassle-free to put together which makes a delightful dessert. Ingredients to make this easy banana pudding recipe

Very ripe bananas: Choose fresh but just ripened, not overly brown.

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A little bit of pudding mix helps add creaminess and a thick base to the mixture.

Cold Milk: Some Cold Milk To Make the Instant Pudding Mix (follow directions on box)

Cool Whip: Makes the pudding nice and creamy, with that light airiness.

Vanilla wafers: Now who doesn’t love vanilla wafer cookies to add a little crunch to every mouthful.

Sweetened condensed milk: This contributes to the sweet and creamy mixture of the pudding

What Bananas Are Used in Banana Pudding?

I like to use ripe, sweet bananas that have just reached an intense flavor— not underripe and green (ew), but also not so dusky that they’re falling apart. The mature bananas lend the ideal flavor and consistency to this particular dessert. The pudding is ideally paired with banana slices and vanilla wafers, to give it a good mixture of flavors.

Why Pudding Mix Is The Right Ingredient?

The secret to this quick and easy no-bake banana pudding is in the instant vanilla pudding mix. The pudding mix makes things easier as you can make a perfectly smooth and creamy pudding without cooking anything on the stove. Vanilla pudding and ripe, naturally-sweet bananas… it’s a super sweet combination that truly makes this dessert unique. You can also try a banana cream pudding mix if you prefer for an even bigger burst of both real and artificial nana goodness.

Banana Pudding Recipe: Step by Step

This banana pudding recipe is a breeze to make and just requires some layering of the ingredients while chilling. Make this at home in just a few steps and you have an incredible creamy dessert that everyone will love.

Make the pudding: Place vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk in a mixing bowl. Use it to beat the mixture until frothy. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk and Cool Whip, combining to make a thin pudding mixture.

Cut the bananas: Instead of using frozen, fresh is best and make sure to slice them thinly so every layer has a bite.

Layer the ingredients: After the crust, it’s pudding followed by layers of bananas. Keep on repeating the layers and use all your ingredients.

Chill the pudding: If you have time, chill the pudding: Cover and refrigerate banana pudding before serving for at least 4 hours to blend flavors.

The Best Way to Layer Banana Pudding?

The thing is with this banana pudding you have to layer the damn stuff for it to be truly a magnificent experience. Top with a layer of vanilla wafers then put all the pudding mixture on top. Place sliced bananas on top of the pudding and continue to build layers until the dish is filled. Top with that layer of pudding and sprinkle either vanilla wafers or whipped cream on top.

How to make No-Bake Banana Pudding

The trick to this no-bake banana pudding recipe is that we are using dry instant pudding mix as well as frozen and thawed Cool Whip, which by the way eliminates any cooking. So the recipe comes together super fast, yet is still indulgent and tasty. The flavors are all set and meld together beautifully after a few hours of chilling in the refrigerator.

How to Properly Keep and Serve Banana Pudding

The flavor and texture of the banana pudding improve as it rests a bit in the refrigerator, so it works great for making ahead. In this case, it is important to leave a statement for special storage conditions in order to preserve the consistency and flavor.

Is Banana Pudding an Overnight Recipe?

Yes! And the best part about Banana Pudding: is you can make it in advance. In reality, banana pudding is a dessert that needs to be made at least 4 hours before you want to serve it so the cream/graham/cookies absorb moisture and taste heavenly together. In fact, you could also make it the night before if you plan to serve it for a gathering.

Will Banana Pudding Be Better After a Night in the Fridge?

Chill banana pudding for best results, let it sit in the refrigerator at least 4 hours before serving. This will help the pudding to set, let those vanilla wafers soak in a bit, and the flavors all mingle. Chill for a minimum of 15 minutes, long if you prefer a firmer pudding texture

Our Favorite Ways to Eat Banana Pudding

There are a lot of variations to the classic banana pudding recipe that will never fail, but if you want something different. From scratch banana pudding to alternative toppings, here are some ways you can take this Southern dessert up a few notches.

Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe — Can You Make this at Home?

A traditional banana pudding recipe might include a homemade custard that you make from scratch by cooking vanilla instant mix. Make a decadent, thick custard by cooking egg yolks with milk and sugar (and vanilla extract), then layer it through sliced bananas and wafers as you would the instant pudding.

​Best Banana Pudding Toppings

While the best banana pudding recipe is often just topped with whipped cream or Cool Whip, feel free to be a little creative as far as what else you stick to! Some popular options include:

Crushed vanilla wafers: More crushed vanilla wafers are sprinkled on top of the pudding.

Fresh whipped cream: Make real whipped with heavy whipping cream and a mixer adds some extra indulgence to the dessert.

Banana Slice: Banana slices are perfect to simply garnish the top of the pudding and add a dollop more whipped cream to step this presentation up.
Drizzle caramel: For a slightly more decadent riff, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of your pudding before serving.

Key Takeaways

• Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix simplifies the process, making it a quick and easy dessert.
• Layer vanilla wafers, pudding mixture, and sliced bananas for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Try different variations, like homemade custard or creative toppings, to personalize the dessert.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to make a rich, creamy, and easy banana pudding that your family and friends will love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion.