Banana Pudding Recipe

This old-fashioned, simple homemade banana pudding is a classic dessert that everyone loves. Layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding are topped with Cool Whip in this quick and easy fluffy sweet treat!

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5 from 7 votes

This delicious, homemade banana pudding is an old fashioned favorite you’ll love. Easy and no-bake, it’s the ultimate Southern dessert, made from scratch in only minutes – with just seven ingredients. 

Make sure you try my classic banana pudding cake as well.

DESSERTS: Lemon Lush | Pineapple Delight | Butter Pecan Crunch

Banana Pudding Ingredients

You Will Need:

• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 large boxes instant vanilla pudding
• 4-6 bananas
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• 1 tub Cool Whip

PRO TIP: You could also make this with instant banana pudding mix for an even more intense banana flavor. Instant cheesecake pudding is another favorite for us! 

How to Keep Bananas from Turning Brown

You’ll want to make sure you’re starting with firm, just-ripe bananas. If you get bananas that are too ripe, they’re likely to brown much quicker.

You can treat the bananas with a spritz of citrus juice. Lemon, orange or pineapple juice all prevent browning. To avoid changing the flavor, you won’t want to use a ton of citrus juice — just a quick brush to each side or spritz from a spray bottle.

Slice your bananas just before you use them. The longer they’re exposed to air, the more likely they are to turn brown. The layers of pudding also help them stay out of the air and maintain their color.

How to Make Banana Pudding:

STEP ONE: In a medium-size bowl whisk together the sweetened condensed milk with the water and milk. Stir in the instant vanilla pudding and blend well.

STEP TWO: Line the bottom of an 8×8 casserole dish with one layer of vanilla wafers.

STEP THREE: Thinly slice your bananas and add a layer of bananas over the wafers.

STEP FOUR: Give your pudding a quick stir and pour a layer of pudding over the bananas.

How to Layer Banana Pudding

STEP FIVE: Repeat the layers using wafers, bananas, pudding, wafers, bananas, pudding until you have filled your dish and make the top layer be a layer of vanilla wafers. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the vanilla wafers to soften.

STEP SIX: Top with Cool Whip before serving and garnish with extra banana slices or wafers.

How to Serve Banana Pudding

My kids love having a dollop of whip cream on top of the banana pudding.

My mom has also served it with a few fresh sliced strawberries and bananas on the top as well.

You can pop a Nilla wafer on top as well. 

I have a friend who shaves a little dark chocolate to sprinkle on top.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these methods.

I also won’t judge you if you just sit and eat the entire pan by yourself, no garnishes needed.

This banana pudding recipe was always a favorite of mine to make and eat — it’s the best ever. It’s simple to layer together and has only a few ingredients. You can’t go wrong with this kind of soul food. It’s one of those recipes that reminds me of childhood and makes me all nostalgic every time I eat it. 

More Recipes You’ll Love:

PIES: Oreo Pie | Cool Whip Pie | Peanut Butter Pie
NO BAKE DESSERTS: Icebox Cake | Easy Ice Cream Cake |Chocolate Lasagna | No-Bake Eclair Cake 

Banana Pudding Recipe

This old-fashioned, simple homemade banana pudding is a classic dessert that everyone loves. Layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding are topped with Cool Whip in this quick and easy fluffy sweet treat!

5 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana pudding, banana pudding recipe, old fashioned banana pudding, southern banana pudding

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chilling: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 91kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 14-ounces each
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 large boxes instant vanilla pudding 5.1-ounces each
• 4-6 bananas
• 1 box vanilla wafers 11-ounces
• 1 tub Cool Whip 8-ounce

Instructions

• In a medium-size bowl whisk together the sweetened condensed milk with the water and milk.
• Stir in the instant vanilla pudding and blend well.
• Line the bottom of an 8x8 casserole dish with one layer of vanilla wafers.
• Thinly slice your bananas and add a layer of bananas over the wafers.
• Next, give your pudding a quick stir and pour a layer of pudding over the bananas.
• Repeat the layers using wafers, bananas, pudding, wafers, bananas, pudding until you have filled your dish and make the top layer be a layer of vanilla wafers.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the vanilla wafers to soften.
• Top with Cool Whip before serving and garnish with extra banana slices or wafers.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 1mg

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