Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with layers of sweet bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers, this Classic Banana Pudding is an easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something sweet!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pudding
1 package (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz whipped topping, thawed
For the Layers
5–6 ripe but firm bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
Extra vanilla wafers and banana slices for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes, until smooth and thickened.
- Add the sweetness: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until completely combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until the pudding mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Start layering: Place a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a large glass serving dish or trifle bowl.
- Add bananas: Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the cookies.
- Add pudding: Spread a layer of the creamy pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat: Continue layering cookies, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used. Finish with a layer of pudding.
- Decorate: Top with whipped topping, crushed vanilla wafers, and a few whole vanilla wafers.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend and the cookies to soften.
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Method: No-Bake
💡 Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
Use bananas that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape.
Chill the pudding for several hours before serving for the best texture.
Add the decorative banana slices shortly before serving to help prevent browning.
For extra cookie flavor, crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top.
🍌 Why You’ll Love It
This banana pudding is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, whipped topping, and classic vanilla wafers makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!