Banana Pudding Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This banana pudding recipe is a dream come true for dessert lovers, combining creamy layers with a comforting homemade feel. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress everyone at the table.

• Creamy & dreamy texture – The smooth pudding and fluffy whipped cream make every bite melt in your mouth.
• Easy to customize – Swap in vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even add a drizzle of caramel for extra fun.
• Crowd-pleasing favorite – Whether it’s a potluck or family dinner, this dessert disappears fast—trust me, I’ve seen it happen!

Recipe

Banana pudding is a classic dessert that combines creamy custard, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers for a delightful treat. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

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 teaspoon 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 water until well combined.
2. Add the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
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 incorporated.
5. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Notes:

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas. The pudding can be made a day ahead for convenience.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Serving: 8-10

Nutrition

Banana pudding is a classic dessert that combines creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love serving banana pudding with fresh fruit pairings like berries or sliced peaches—they add a bright contrast to its creamy sweetness. If you want something lighter, try pairing it with a simple shortbread cookie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s all about balancing flavors and textures to make the dessert even more satisfying.

Fresh Fruit Pairings

When you’re serving banana pudding, fresh fruit can take it from tasty to unforgettable, adding bright flavors and a pop of color. I love using seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches—they’re sweet, juicy, and pair perfectly with the creamy pudding. For a fun twist, I’ll add tropical flavors like mango, pineapple, or kiwi, which bring a revitalizing tang that balances the richness. Slicing the fruit thin or dicing it small makes it easy to mix in or layer on top. Trust me, a handful of fresh fruit can turn your banana pudding into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Light Dessert Options

Since banana pudding is already rich and creamy, pairing it with something light can balance the meal perfectly. I love serving it with light desserts like lemon sorbet or a simple fruit salad—they’re invigorating and don’t overpower the pudding’s flavor. Another one of my go-to delicious alternatives is angel food cake, which is airy and sweet without being heavy. A scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt works too, adding a cool contrast. These options keep the meal satisfying without feeling too indulgent. Trust me, your guests will appreciate the balance, and you’ll still get to enjoy that creamy banana goodness!