Crowd Pleasing Banana Pudding
This no-bake dessert layers creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and soft vanilla wafers into a classic, shareable treat. It is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, requiring minimal active prep time. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, creating a moment of pure comfort.
- Prep Time: 25min
- Cook Time: 0min
- Total Time: 4h 25min
- Yield: 12 to 15 servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: no-bake, chilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4-5 large ripe (but not mushy) bananas, sliced
- Optional garnish: additional wafer cookies, banana slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth. Sprinkle the instant pudding mix over the top and whisk vigorously for 2 full minutes. Set aside for 5 minutes to let it set further.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Cream and Pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding base using a spatula, folding from the bottom up until no white streaks remain.
- Layer the Dessert: In a 9×13 inch dish or large trifle bowl, spread a thin layer of the pudding cream. Top with a single layer of vanilla wafers, then a layer of banana slices, then a generous layer of pudding cream. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of pudding cream.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Garnish with optional toppings just before serving.
Notes
For best results, use bananas that are yellow with a few brown speckles. Do not skip the chill time, as it allows the wafers to soften. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding before refrigerating to prevent a skin from forming and slow banana browning. The pudding keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 85
Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/crowd-pleasing-banana-pudding/