The Best Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This banana pudding recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet treat.
- Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
- Creamy and Dreamy: Layers of smooth pudding, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers create a texture that’s irresistibly satisfying.
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish is a classic favorite that’s sure to impress family and friends, making it great for potlucks or gatherings.
Recipe
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that combines creamy pudding, slices of fresh banana, 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
- 1½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 45 cookies)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until well combined.
- Add the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
Nutrition
Banana pudding is a creamy and indulgent dessert, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 12 | 48 | 30 | 5 |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing banana pudding with fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches—it adds a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy dessert. A slice of warm banana bread or cinnamon-spiced pound cake makes it even more comforting, especially on cozy nights. Let’s talk about my favorite combos and why they work so well together.
Fresh Fruit Pairings
When I’m serving up a bowl of creamy banana pudding, I always love adding some fresh fruits to brighten up the flavors. My go-to fruit combinations include juicy strawberries, tart blueberries, or even caramelized bananas for extra richness. Seasonal selections like ripe peaches in summer or spiced apples in fall make each bite feel special. A handful of raspberries adds a pop of color, while kiwi slices bring a revitalizing zing. Just toss them on top or layer them in—it’s that easy! The natural sweetness balances the pudding perfectly, making every spoonful a little celebration of flavor.
Sweet Bread Options
Alongside fresh fruit, pairing banana pudding with sweet bread adds a cozy, comforting touch that’s hard to resist. I love serving it with warm banana loaf—its rich, moist texture complements the creamy pudding perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try zucchini bread; its subtle spice and tender crumb balance the sweetness just right. Toast slices lightly for a crisp edge, or serve them soft for a melt-in-your-mouth bite. Either way, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. It’s that good.
