Creamy & Classic Banana Pudding Recipe | Easy Homemade Dessert

Craving a nostalgic, comforting treat? This banana pudding recipe is everything you want—cool, creamy layers of pudding, sliced bananas, and soft vanilla cookies, all coming together in a dessert that’s both crowd-pleasing and easy to make. Crafted with SEO-friendly and humanized language, this recipe post is perfect for your food website—and your next family gathering!

Banana Pudding Recipe

✨ Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding

• Ultra-creamy pudding with fresh bananas in every layer

• No-bake and simple to prepare—just assemble and chill

• A huge hit at potlucks, holiday dinners, and summer cookouts

• Make-ahead friendly for low-stress entertaining

• Customizable: adds your favorite cookies or whipped cream

📋 Ingredients for the Best Banana Pudding

• 3–4 large ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1½ cups cold water

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 tub whipped topping)

• 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (about 45–50 cookies)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish: Extra sliced bananas, cookie crumbs, or a dusting of cinnamon

👩🍳 How to Make Banana Pudding – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Creamy Pudding Layer

• In a large bowl, whisk together cold water and sweetened condensed milk until well blended.

• Add the instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth.

• Cover and refrigerate until set (at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare Whipped Cream

• In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

• Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully combined and fluffy.

Short on time? Use store-bought whipped topping for a quicker prep.

Step 3: Layer the Pudding

• In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom.

• Top with sliced bananas.

• Spread a third of the pudding mixture over the bananas.

• Repeat layers—cookies, bananas, pudding—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding layer on top.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

• Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is even better for flavor and soft cookies).

• Before serving, garnish with extra cookies or banana slices.

Pro Tip: Letting your pudding chill overnight gives it the best, creamiest texture and lets flavors meld perfectly!

🍌 Ideas to Customize

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a Southern twist.

• Use chessmen or butter cookies for variety.

• Layer in fresh berries for color and tartness.

• Prepare mini banana pudding cups for snack-sized treats or parties.

🥣 Serving & Storage Suggestions

• Serve chilled in a big trifle bowl, glass dish, or cute jars.

• Best enjoyed within 2 days—the bananas will stay freshest and the cookies will have that perfect, cakey texture.

📝 Recipe Variations

• Lighter Banana Pudding: Use low-fat milk and light whipped topping.

• Extra Banana Flavor: Substitute banana pudding for vanilla for double flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cookies.

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💬 Did You Make This Banana Pudding?

Share your best banana pudding creations in the comments below! What’s your family’s favorite way to serve or top this classic? Tag your photos on social with #BananaPuddingMagic and keep the tradition going!