Banana pudding is one of those desserts that brings instant joy to the table. Creamy, sweet, and layered with soft cookies and fresh bananas, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and comforting. Whether it’s served at a family barbecue, holiday dinner, or Sunday lunch, banana pudding has a way of disappearing fast, often before the main course is even finished.
What makes banana pudding so special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The silky smooth vanilla pudding blends beautifully with slices of ripe bananas and the tender crunch of vanilla wafers. As the pudding sets, the cookies soften just enough to become cake-like, creating layers that melt in your mouth while still offering a slight bite. It’s simple but never boring.
This dessert is also incredibly versatile. Some prefer a traditional version made from scratch with a homemade custard, infused with real vanilla and cooked to creamy perfection. Others lean toward quicker versions using instant pudding mixes, which still deliver that signature flavor with less effort. Either way, the result is always a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about banana pudding is how well it holds up when made ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill for several hours or overnight only makes it better. The flavors meld together, the cookies absorb the pudding, and the bananas infuse the dish with their natural sweetness. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, it looks as good as it tastes.
You can serve banana pudding in a large trifle dish, in a classic casserole-style pan, or even in individual mason jars for a fun twist at parties. Add a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top or drizzle it with caramel for an extra special touch.
Banana pudding isn’t just dessert. It’s a reminder of good times, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing something sweet. With every creamy, banana-filled bite, it delivers comfort, happiness, and a little taste of home.

Ingredients
- 2 cups milk 2% or Whole
- 2 boxes Vanilla Pudding
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafer Cookies
- 4 bananas
- 2 container Cool Whip medium size
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the vanilla pudding mix and milk together.
- Add the Cool Whip to the pudding mixture and combine.
- Grab a rectangular pan or bowl.
- Layer the bottom with wafer cookies.
- Add a layer of bananas on top of the cookies.
- Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat layering with cookies, bananas, and pudding until the pan or bowl is filled.
- Lastly, spread crumbled cookie pieces on top.
I don’t get why people love banana pudding. This seems too sweet for me. 🤔
This recipe is so easy! My kids loved it. Will make again!!!
I tried it and it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe less Cool Whip next time?
I tried this but my pudding didn’t set right. Maybe I did something wrong? Anyone else have this happen?
Love this! Banana pudding always make me happy. 🙂
My pudding turned out runny. I think I messed up somewhere. Not sure if I’ll try again.
So easy to make!! You don’t even have to cook anything! 🥳
POGO!!! Good Stuff! My grandma used to make this for us! Nostalgia!
Wow, that’s awesome! Banana pudding really brings back memories too!!
Yum! Can I use chocolate pudding instead? Asking for a friend!
I don’t like bananas, but my family does. They loved it! I’m still skeptical tho.
This is a classic! I love banana pudding, but I usually make it from scratch. Some people say it ain’t the same!
I get what you mean! It’s hard to beat homemade, but this one is super easy when you’re in a pinch!
Okay okay, but why not use chocolate pudding instead? 🤔
This recipe is so simple and delicious! My family devoured it in minutes. Definitely a 5-star!
I’m glad to hear you loved it! Banana pudding is always a hit in my family too. 😊
Too many bananas! I like bananas but wow. Next time I will just use 2.
This Banana Pudding is soooo good! I added some chocolate chips and it was amazing! 😊
Chocolate chips? That sounds wild! I gotta try that next time! 🍫
I don’t know, man. Banana pudding with chocolate chips seems kinda weird to me. 😐
YUM!!! 😍 This has become my go-to dessert for potlucks. Everyone requests it now!
I love banana pudding too! It’s seriously the best! 😋
Is this really a banana pudding? Looks more like a cake. Not what I expected.
I dunno, this seems too easy. Can it really taste good? I thought real pudding was cooked? 🤔
Did I read correctly? Only 2 cups of milk? I think it needs more for a creamier texture.
Banana pudding is life! 💖 This recipe is legit!
I dunno… sounds too sweet for me. Can’t go wrong with chocolate though!
Totally agree! Banana pudding is the best dessert ever! 🥳
YUM!! my kids love it! Way better than store bought. Will make again for sure!
This recipe was so easy to follow! My kids loved it! Thank you, Tamika!
Perfect summer dish! I tried with almond milk and it was still great! 👍
Bananas turn brown too fast, should I add lemon juice? I didn’t like it after a day.
Yes, lemon juice can help! I always sprinkle a bit on sliced bananas to keep them fresh longer. It works wonders!
I don’t think using 2 boxes of pudding is right. Seems like too much! I did it with just one box and it turned out fine.