Description
This classic Southern American Banana Pudding is a creamy, no-bake dessert featuring layers of instant vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, homemade whipped cream, vanilla wafer cookies, and fresh bananas. Perfectly chilled and assembled in layers, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring it holds its shape well.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, combining carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Layer the Dessert: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the cookies, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill: Cover the assembled pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with additional banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers if desired for added texture and decoration.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and maintain good texture in the pudding.
- For a shortcut, you may substitute homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping.
- This dessert tastes best when chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen.
