There are few things more comforting than a generous serving of banana pudding. Perfectly creamy and sweet, this rich dessert is an all-American classic! It also requires zero baking, so you can make it in a pinch. Serve this delicious banana pudding in a large casserole or trifle dish, or divvy it up into individual cups.
Things You’ll Need
- 4 bananas
- 12 ounces vanilla wafers
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold water or milk
- 14 ounces condensed milk
- 16 ounces whipped cream, chilled
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 1
In a large bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk or water. Add the condensed milk, then beat to combine. Cover and chill for 5 minutes or until set.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 2
Add half the whipped cream (8 ounces). With a spatula, fold until just combined. Take care to avoid over-mixing.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 3
Slice the bananas.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 4
In a large casserole or trifle dish, add a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of bananas on top.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 5
Add a layer of pudding.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 6
Follow with a layer of whipped cream, carefully spreading it into an even layer.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 7
Repeat the layers until the dish is full. Top with whipped cream and garnish with vanilla wafers and banana slices. If you’d like, add a sprinkling of crushed wafers or ground cinnamon.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Step 8
If you don’t have a large dish (or if you’re looking for a party-friendly option), serve the banana pudding in individual glasses or jars. Simply follow the steps above.
Another option is to place the wafers and bananas flat against the glass. This technique, which makes the tasty layers more visible, can be used in both large and small dishes.
To use this method, spoon a layer of pudding along the bottom. Add the wafers along the edge, then fill in the center with pudding.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Top with a layer of whipped cream, then add banana slices. Again, make sure the bananas are flat against the glass.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Fill the center with pudding, top with whipped cream and garnish with a vanilla wafer.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
Banana pudding is best served cold, so make sure the ingredients are chilled before you layer them.
Otherwise, you can make the banana pudding in advance by preparing all the layers except the garnish. Just before serving, add the vanilla wafers and freshly cut bananas. (If you top the pudding with banana slices before chilling, the bananas will brown.)
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez
