Banana Pudding Recipe
A creamy and luscious Banana Pudding dessert featuring layers of smooth vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and fluffy whipped cream. This beloved Southern classic is perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding Base
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 serving size)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
For Assembly
- 5 ripe bananas
- 1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Add Pudding Mix and Flavorings: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating with the hand mixer until everything is well combined and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream holds its shape.
- Combine Whipped Cream and Pudding: Reserve 2½ cups of the whipped cream for topping. Gently fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding mixture, taking care not to deflate the fluffiness.
- Layer the Dessert: Line the bottom of a glass trifle bowl with a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, then spoon a layer of the pudding mixture to cover the bananas completely. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
- Add Topping and Chill: Spread the reserved whipped cream evenly over the top layer. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, garnish the pudding with additional banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas so they hold their shape during layering.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture as the vanilla wafers soften perfectly.
- This pudding can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and use a compatible pudding mix.
- Use a glass trifle bowl or a clear dish for an appealing layered presentation.
Keywords: Banana pudding, vanilla pudding, layered dessert, Southern dessert, no-bake dessert
Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/banana-pudding-recipe/
