Creamy Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers Recipe
This classic Banana Pudding recipe features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers. The pudding is made with sweetened condensed milk and instant vanilla pudding mix, then folded with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy texture. Layered in a dish and chilled to perfection, this dessert is a comforting Southern favorite that’s perfect for family gatherings or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
For the Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy cream
For Assembly
- 4 cups sliced barely ripe bananas
- 1 (12-ounce) box Nilla Wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and ice cold water together using a hand mixer until well combined. Add the vanilla instant pudding mix to the bowl and continue beating for 2-3 minutes until fully incorporated. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to chill and set.
- Whip the cream: In a separate large bowl, use an electric or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the cream a light and fluffy texture essential for folding into the pudding.
- Fold whipped cream into pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture using a spatula. Take care to combine evenly while keeping the whipped cream light and not deflating it too much for a creamy texture.
- Layer the dessert: In a trifle dish, 9×13-inch pan, or individual serving jars, start by arranging one-third of the Nilla Wafers 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.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process two more times using the remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture. Reserve some bananas and wafers to decorate the top layer for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill and serve: Cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 8 hours, allowing the pudding to fully set and the wafers to soften slightly. Avoid chilling longer than 8 hours to prevent the bananas from browning. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe bananas to prevent them from turning mushy after chilling.
- For best results, prepare the pudding the day before you plan to serve the dessert to allow ample chilling time.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whipped topping for a lighter alternative.
- To avoid browning bananas, add lemon juice to sliced bananas before layering if you plan to serve after longer chilling.
- This dessert is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of assembly for optimal freshness.
Keywords: Banana pudding, classic banana pudding recipe, layered dessert, Nilla Wafers, vanilla pudding, whipped cream dessert
