Rating: 3.89
(34)

Banana Pudding

September 5, 2024

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.

Banana Pudding Dessert
Banana Pudding
3.89 from 34 votes
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.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 2123kcalCarbohydrates: 424gProtein: 35gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 1743mgPotassium: 2950mgFiber: 15gSugar: 306gVitamin A: 1884IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 1122mgIron: 2mg
Author: Tamika Little
Calories: 2123kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: puding
Cooking Method: Nobake
Diet: Low-carb
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. 2 stars
    I don’t get why people love banana pudding. This seems too sweet for me. 🤔

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe is so easy! My kids loved it. Will make again!!!

  3. User avatar kimberlee.thiel98 says:

    2 stars
    I tried it and it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe less Cool Whip next time?

  4. 3 stars
    I tried this but my pudding didn’t set right. Maybe I did something wrong? Anyone else have this happen?

  5. User avatar tanja.stracke says:

    4 stars
    Love this! Banana pudding always make me happy. 🙂

  6. 2 stars
    My pudding turned out runny. I think I messed up somewhere. Not sure if I’ll try again.

  7. User avatar nadine.bogisich2016 says:

    5 stars
    So easy to make!! You don’t even have to cook anything! 🥳

  8. User avatar justin.nienow38 says:

    5 stars
    POGO!!! Good Stuff! My grandma used to make this for us! Nostalgia!

    1. User avatar grady.macgyver says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that’s awesome! Banana pudding really brings back memories too!!

  9. User avatar phyliss.collins says:

    4 stars
    Yum! Can I use chocolate pudding instead? Asking for a friend!

  10. User avatar bridgette.heathcote says:

    4 stars
    I don’t like bananas, but my family does. They loved it! I’m still skeptical tho.

  11. User avatar todd.koepp85 says:

    4 stars
    This is a classic! I love banana pudding, but I usually make it from scratch. Some people say it ain’t the same!

    1. User avatar theodore.hessel says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! It’s hard to beat homemade, but this one is super easy when you’re in a pinch!

  12. User avatar daren.friesen78 says:

    4 stars
    Okay okay, but why not use chocolate pudding instead? 🤔

  13. User avatar ezequiel.larkin29 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so simple and delicious! My family devoured it in minutes. Definitely a 5-star!

    1. User avatar kathryn.schultz86 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear you loved it! Banana pudding is always a hit in my family too. 😊

  14. User avatar dorthea.mante58 says:

    3 stars
    Too many bananas! I like bananas but wow. Next time I will just use 2.

  15. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    5 stars
    This Banana Pudding is soooo good! I added some chocolate chips and it was amazing! 😊

    1. User avatar Draugr Overlord says:

      5 stars
      Chocolate chips? That sounds wild! I gotta try that next time! 🍫

    2. User avatar jenny.beier98 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know, man. Banana pudding with chocolate chips seems kinda weird to me. 😐

  16. 5 stars
    YUM!!! 😍 This has become my go-to dessert for potlucks. Everyone requests it now!

    1. 5 stars
      I love banana pudding too! It’s seriously the best! 😋

  17. User avatar kenny.crist says:

    2 stars
    Is this really a banana pudding? Looks more like a cake. Not what I expected.

  18. User avatar melvin.parker52 says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, this seems too easy. Can it really taste good? I thought real pudding was cooked? 🤔

  19. User avatar gail.hudson26 says:

    3 stars
    Did I read correctly? Only 2 cups of milk? I think it needs more for a creamier texture.

  20. User avatar Wonko the Sane says:

    5 stars
    Banana pudding is life! 💖 This recipe is legit!

    1. User avatar Alease Schaefer says:

      2 stars
      I dunno… sounds too sweet for me. Can’t go wrong with chocolate though!

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree! Banana pudding is the best dessert ever! 🥳

  21. User avatar jacquelyn.wisozk1955 says:

    4 stars
    YUM!! my kids love it! Way better than store bought. Will make again for sure!

  22. 5 stars
    This recipe was so easy to follow! My kids loved it! Thank you, Tamika!

  23. User avatar andy.franecki53 says:

    4 stars
    Perfect summer dish! I tried with almond milk and it was still great! 👍

  24. User avatar Cammar Pilru says:

    3 stars
    Bananas turn brown too fast, should I add lemon juice? I didn’t like it after a day.

    1. User avatar dewitt.satterfield94 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, lemon juice can help! I always sprinkle a bit on sliced bananas to keep them fresh longer. It works wonders!

  25. 3 stars
    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.

3.89 from 34 votes
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