Description
This classic Banana Pudding is a creamy, no-bake dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafer cookies, ripe bananas, and smooth vanilla pudding folded with whipped cream. It’s a beloved Southern treat that’s easy to prepare ahead and perfect for gatherings or a comforting sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare pudding base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set properly.
- Whip the cream: Once the pudding base is chilled, whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl using a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This ensures the cream holds its volume and adds a light texture to the dessert.
- Combine pudding and cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully blended and smooth, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Assemble layers: In a 9×13-inch dish, begin with a layer of vanilla wafers, then add a layer of sliced bananas, and follow with a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of pudding.
- Garnish and chill: Optionally, crumble a few vanilla wafers on top for added texture and garnish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
- Serve: Serve the banana pudding chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- To prevent banana slices from browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice before layering.
- For a flavor twist, try using banana-flavored pudding mix.
- Optionally add a layer of whipped cream on top before serving for extra creaminess.
