Description
This banana pudding is a no-bake, Southern-style dessert layered with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla Wafers. Light, fluffy, and irresistibly nostalgic, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave a classic, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping (thawed) or homemade whipped cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 box Nilla Wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- Optional garnish: crushed Nilla Wafers, banana slices, extra whipped topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until fluffy and fully combined.
- In a 9x13-inch dish, layer half the Nilla Wafers, half the banana slices, and half the pudding mixture.
- Repeat with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping, crushed cookies, and banana slices if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use banana or chocolate pudding.
- Swap in shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a fun variation.
- Individual servings in mason jars are great for parties.
- Make homemade whipped cream by beating 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form.
