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A quick and easy Banana Pudding Recipe that tastes just like you remember it from your childhood.  Layer upon layer of bananas, creamy pudding, and Nilla Wafers. Yum!

An overhead shot of a bowl of Banana Pudding.

Banana lovers this one is for you. Banana Pudding is a classic dessert for a reason and this is the quick and easy recipe you’ve been looking for. Whether you use store-bought ingredients or want to make everything from scratch, the basic elements are exactly the same in this light and creamy dessert that tastes just like the one that Grandma used to make.

Ingredients you will need

An image showing all the ingredients you will need to make Banana Pudding including Bananas, Nilla Wafers, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Cool Whip, Vanilla Pudding and Milk.

How to Make the Pudding Mixture

A collage image showing how to make the instant vanilla pudding for the Banana Pudding mixture.

Step 1: Add the milk and the pudding mix into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Stir with a spoon or rubber spatula until thoroughly combined, the pudding will thicken as you stir it.

A collage image showing how to make the pudding mixture.

Step 3: Add the can of Sweetened Condensed Milk to the pudding and stir until combined.
Step 4: Add the Vanilla Extract and stir.
Step 5: Add the Cool Whip and gently fold together with the pudding mixture.
Step 6: The pudding mixture will be thick and fluffy and the Banana Pudding is now ready to be assembled.

How to Assemble

A collage images showing how to assemble the first two layers of the Banana dessert.

Step 7:  You will need a glass bowl for the Banana Pudding. The one we used here is 9″ in diameter and holds 120 oz.  Place a layer of Nilla Wafers on the bottom of the bowl and then add a layer of banana pieces.
Step 8: Add a layer of the pudding mixture and then place a circle Nilla Wafers around the edge of the bowl.
Step 9: Add a second layer of Nilla Wafers and Banana pieces.
Step 10: Add a second layer of pudding mixture.

A collage image showing the steps for layering the Pudding ingredients into the bowl.

Step 11: Press in the second circle of Nilla Wafers around the edge of the bowl and add a third layer of Nilla Wafers and Banana pieces.
Step 12:  Add a third and final layer of pudding mixture.
Step 13: Sprinkle some Nilla Wafer Crumbs over the top of the pudding mixture.
Step 14: Add a Nilla Wafer to the top for a decorative flourish and your Banana Pudding is ready!  Store the Banana Pudding in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.  It will taste best if it has time to set up in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips and FAQs

Ingredient Replacements:  This is a quick and easy Banana Pudding recipe that uses store-bought ingredients but you can definitely replace the pudding with homemade vanilla pudding and replace the Cool Whip with Homemade Whipped Cream. 

How to Store: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The Nilla Wafers will become mushier every day but the Banana Pudding will still taste good.

A serving of Banana Pudding on a white plate in front of the big bowl of the Banana Pudding.

Other Classic Desserts you will love

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Banana PuddingPrint

Banana Pudding

Yield 18-20 servings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

A quick and easy Banana Pudding Recipe that tastes just like you remember it from your childhood.  Layer upon layer of bananas, pudding and Nilla Wafers. Yum!

Ingredients

  • 1 box Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (5.1 oz.)
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz.)
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 containers Cool Whip (8 oz.)
  • 1 1/2 box Nilla Wafters
  • 6-8 Large Bananas

Instructions

  1. Add the milk and the pudding mix into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir with a spoon or rubber spatula until thoroughly combined, the pudding will thicken as you stir it.
  3. Add the can of Sweetened Condensed Milk to the pudding and stir until combined.
  4. Add the Vanilla Extract and stir.
  5. Add the Cool Whip and gently fold together with the pudding mixture.
  6. The pudding mixture will be thick and fluffy and the Banana Pudding is now ready to be assembled.
  7. You will need a glass bowl for the Banana Pudding. The one we used here is 9" in diameter and holds 120 oz.  Place a layer of Nilla Wafers on the bottom of the bowl and then add a layer of banana pieces.
  8. Add a layer of the pudding mixture and then place a circle Nilla Wafers around the edge of the bowl.
  9. Add a second layer of Nilla Wafers and Banana pieces.
  10. Add a second layer of pudding mixture.
  11. Press in the second circle of Nilla Wafers around the edge of the bowl and add a third layer of Nilla Wafers and Banana pieces.
  12. Add a third and final layer of pudding mixture.
  13. Sprinkle some Nilla Wafer Crumbs over the top of the pudding mixture.
  14. Add a Nilla Wafer to the top for a decorative flourish and your Banana Pudding is ready!  Store the Banana Pudding in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.

Notes

Ingredient Replacements:  This is a quick and easy Banana Pudding recipe that uses store-bought ingredients but you can definitely replace the pudding with homemade vanilla pudding and replace the Cool Whip with Homemade Whipped Cream. 

How to Store: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The Nilla Wafers will become mushier every day but the Banana Pudding will still taste good.

Did you Make this Recipe? Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @twosisterscrafting on Instagram so we can see it!

© Two Sisters Crafting
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts