This banana pudding recipe is a total winner, no cooking required, super easy to make, and absolutely delicious! With layers of creamy pudding, fresh banana slices, and Nilla wafers, it’s the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Honestly, it’s the best banana pudding I’ve ever had (and my friends agree). A true Southern classic, this no-bake dessert is always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it ahead for a potluck, party, or just to eat immediately!
Craving a classic Southern treat but short on time? This nanner pudding recipe is your go-to! While I love making desserts from scratch, using instant pudding here is a total lifesaver. The combo of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers is always a hit, and the best part? It’s super quick to throw together!
The bananas are the star of the show, and you’ll need about four medium ones. Personally, I like mine a little firm for a nice texture contrast, but you can go with whatever ripeness you love.
I usually serve it in a big trifle dish for that “wow” factor, but mini versions are just as cute and perfect for easy serving. Simply layer everything up, pop it in the fridge, and it’s ready when you are.
This nanner pudding is the real deal, layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers. It’s pure dessert heaven and one of my favorites!
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⭐Why You'll Love This Nanner Pudding Recipe
- Easy & Delicious: No need for fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples like sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding, and bananas, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser in no time.
- No-Bake Convenience: This recipe is perfect for hot days or when you're short on time. Just layer everything, pop it in the fridge, and you’re all set!
- Make Ahead: It’s great for prepping ahead since it needs a few hours (or overnight) to set and let the flavors blend. Perfect for parties or picnics so you can enjoy the day without stress.
- Beautiful Presentation: With layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, this dessert always looks impressive, whether served in a big trifle dish or in individual bowls.
🧾Nanner Pudding Ingredients
Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this nanner pudding recipe:
- Milk: I prefer whole milk for a creamy, smooth pudding. The richness helps balance the sweetness of the condensed milk and creates a velvety texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the pudding its sweet, rich flavor and creamy texture. It adds depth without needing extra sugar, and thickens the pudding beautifully.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: I love using this to quickly thicken the pudding. It creates a custard-like base with a nice vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas and cookies.
- Heavy Cream: Cold heavy cream adds richness and makes the pudding extra creamy. When whipped, it gives a light, fluffy contrast to the thick pudding, making it feel luxurious.
- Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): I use this to sweeten and stabilize the whipped cream. It dissolves easily, creating smooth, sweet cream that holds its shape when layered.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and adds a warm, aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the pudding and bananas.
- Vanilla Wafer Cookies: These cookies add a nice crunch and texture to the dessert. They soften in the pudding, giving the dessert a cake-like feel. If you can’t find them, graham crackers or butter cookies work too.
- Bananas: I choose large bananas for their fresh, natural sweetness and creamy texture. They add a fruity balance to the richness of the pudding and a nice contrast to the crunchy wafers.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Banana Pudding
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a small pan, heat milk and condensed milk over medium until it boils, then take it off the heat.
2. Whisk the vanilla pudding mix into the milk until smooth and lump-free.
3. Pour the vanilla pudding into a large bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
4. In a bowl, whip heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
5. Take the pudding out of the fridge and gently fold in ⅔ of the whipped cream. Reserve the rest of the cream.
6. In a large bowl or dish, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom.
7. Spread the pudding mixture over the cookies.
8. Add another layer of cookies, then place a row upright against the dish with the flat sides facing out.
9. Top the cookies with a layer of banana slices and spread a layer of pudding over the banana slices.
10. Layer the ingredients until finished, ending with whipped cream on top.
11. Crush some vanilla wafers and sprinkle the crumbs on top for decoration.
12. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours (or overnight) to blend the flavors and soften the cookies.
📖Variations
- Chocolate Nanner Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding (just swap in instant chocolate pudding mix) between the vanilla pudding and banana layers. It creates a rich, chocolate-banana combo that’s heavenly. For extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Caramel Nanner Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce between the vanilla pudding and banana layers. The buttery caramel complements the bananas perfectly. For a bit of crunch, add toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the creamiest, dreamiest pudding, go with whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk. These ingredients add richness and the perfect smooth texture.
Prevent Lumps: When mixing the pudding mix with the milk and condensed milk, whisk well to avoid lumps. You can also sift the pudding mix before adding it for a super smooth finish.
Use Ripe, Fresh Bananas: Choose firm, ripe bananas, not too soft or too hard. Slice them just before layering to keep them from browning. If you’re prepping ahead, a little lemon juice will help prevent oxidation.
Storage: Leftovers? Just cover the pudding with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. It’ll soften a bit, but still be delicious!
🍌More Banana Recipes to Try!
If you love using bananas when you are cooking, then check out the following recipes for inspiration:
- Chocolate Banana Cake
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Banana Foster Pudding
- Banana and Quick Oat Cookies
- Cocoa Banana Cake
- Banana Bread
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 ml Whole Milk
- 397 g Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1 Can
- 144 g Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 720 ml Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoon Icing Sugar
- 3 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 425 g Vanilla Wafer Cookies - 1 Box
- 4 Large Bananas
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat milk and condensed milk over medium until boiling, then remove from heat.
- Add vanilla pudding mix to the milk mixture and whisk together until smooth and well combined without lumps.
- In a large bowl, pour the vanilla pudding, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
- In a separate bowl, pour the heavy cream, then add icing sugar and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Once the pudding mixture is set, remove from the refrigerator then fold in the ⅔ of freshly whipped cream gently until well combined. Place the remaining whipped cream in the fridge.
- Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch (1.27cm) thick pieces.
- In a large bowl or trifle dish, layer the vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom.
- Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the cookies.
- Add another layer of cookies, then stand a row of cookies upright along the side of the dish with the flat sides facing outward.
- Add a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies.
- Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the banana slices.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Crush a few vanilla wafer cookies and sprinkle the crumbs over the top for decoration.
- Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the cookies soften.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
This nanner pudding is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. The vanilla wafers add a lovely crunch, and the bananas are perfectly ripe. I'll definitely be making this again and again!