The Best Homemade Best Banana Pudding Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This banana pudding recipe is a treat that brings joy with every bite, combining creamy texture, rich flavors, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for beginners or busy cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of fresh bananas, velvety pudding, and soft cookies creates a dessert everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Serve it chilled for a revitalizing dessert, or enjoy it warm for a comforting twist—either way, it’s delicious.
Recipe

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers for a comforting and nostalgic treat.
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:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth.
- Add the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes:
- For best results, assemble the pudding just before serving to prevent the bananas from browning.
- If desired, garnish with additional vanilla wafers or banana slices.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Serving dish
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours
Cuisine: Southern
Serving: 8-10 servings
Nutrition
Banana pudding is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed as a treat. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving banana pudding with classic pairings like vanilla wafers or freshly whipped cream—they complement it perfectly. Sometimes I get creative and add warm caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet twist. Let’s explore some more ideas to make your dessert even more special!
Classic Pairing Options
When it comes to serving banana pudding, it’s all about finding that perfect balance of flavors and textures that’ll make your meal unforgettable. I love pairing it with crispy, buttery vanilla wafers for a bit of crunch that contrasts the creamy pudding. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds lightness, and a sprinkle of cinnamon brings warmth. Sometimes, I’ll serve it alongside a slice of pound cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness. If you’re going savory, fried chicken or barbecue sandwiches work surprisingly well—their bold flavors complement the sweet pudding beautifully.
Creative Side Dishes
Looking to jazz up your banana pudding spread? Let’s get creative with side dishes. I love pairing it with fresh fruit skewers—pineapple, strawberries, and kiwi add a tangy contrast. Warm cinnamon-sugar pita chips are another go-to, offering a crunchy twist. For something savory, try mini ham-and-cheese sliders—they balance the sweetness perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, whip up some chocolate-dipped pretzels; they’re salty, sweet, and totally addicting. Don’t forget a pitcher of homemade iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down. These sides keep things fun, unexpected, and tasty, making your banana pudding shine even brighter.