Introduction

Banana pudding is a beloved classic dessert that combines creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers for a delightful treat. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a comforting homemade dessert.

A clear glass bowl holds a layered dessert with four visible layers, starting from the bottom: a thick cream layer that is light beige with a smooth, fluffy texture; above it, a layer of round, golden-brown vanilla wafers slightly overlapping; another thick cream layer just like the bottom one; a second layer of vanilla wafers; and finally topped with a generous layer of cream, sprinkled with some crushed wafers and decorated with whole vanilla wafers and banana slices standing upright in the center. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring a black grid pattern and two silver spoons nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups heavy cream
4 cups sliced barely ripe bananas
1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafers

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the sweetened condensed milk and ice cold water together in a large bowl using a hand mixer until combined. Add the vanilla instant pudding mix and continue to beat well for 2-3 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to fully set.
Step 2: In a separate large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream but ensuring it is evenly mixed.
Step 3: In a trifle dish, 9×13-inch pan, or individual serving cups, arrange one-third of the Nilla Wafers in an even layer at the bottom. Add one-third of the sliced bananas on top of the wafers, then spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
Step 4: Repeat the layering two more times with the remaining Nilla Wafers, bananas, and pudding. Reserve a few wafers and banana slices for garnish on top.
Step 5: Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours to allow the layers to set and the wafers to soften slightly. Avoid chilling for longer than 8 hours to prevent the bananas from browning excessively.

Tips & Variations

Use barely ripe bananas for the best texture and sweetness; overly ripe bananas may become mushy in the pudding.
For a boozy twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the pudding mixture before folding in the whipped cream.
Substitute the Nilla Wafers with homemade vanilla cookies or ladyfingers for a different texture.
To keep bananas from browning, toss the slices with a little lemon juice before layering.

Storage

Store the banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best texture and flavor. After this, the bananas may brown and the wafers may become too soft. When ready to serve, stir gently if needed to refresh the texture or let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer consistency.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light yellow dessert topped with a swirl of smooth whipped cream. The top layer is decorated with thin banana slices arranged in a circle, alternated with small oval-shaped brown cookies in the center, and sprinkled with fine brown crumbs covering most of the whipped cream's surface. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture surface, with bunches of yellow bananas, a silver spoon, and some scattered silverware around it, along with a single round cookie near the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make banana pudding ahead of time?

Yes, this banana pudding benefits from making ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften. It’s best to prepare it at least 4 hours in advance, ideally overnight, but not more than 8 hours to avoid browning bananas.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Heavy cream is important for the rich, creamy texture of this pudding. You could use whipping cream as a substitute, but lighter creams or non-dairy alternatives may not whip up as well or provide the same consistency.