Description
This best banana pudding recipe combines creamy vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, and homemade whipped cream layered with ripe bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers for a classic Southern dessert. Chilled to perfection, it offers a smooth, luscious treat with delightful textures that meld beautifully after refrigeration.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Set aside to let it properly start to set.
- Make whipped cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light, airy homemade whipped cream.
- Combine pudding and whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk into the prepared pudding mixture until smooth and well combined, being careful to maintain the lightness.
- Assemble the layers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create a base layer by covering the bottom with vanilla wafer cookies. Then add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by spreading half of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
- Repeat layering: Add another layer of vanilla wafers, a second layer of banana slices, and top with the remaining pudding mixture, spreading evenly.
- Final touches and chill: Optionally, top with additional vanilla wafers for garnish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set fully.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy texture.
- Allow the pudding to chill overnight to deepen flavors and improve texture.
- Vanilla wafers can be substituted with thinly sliced pound cake or ladyfingers if desired.
- To lighten the dessert, substitute heavy whipping cream with whipped topping, though texture may vary.
- Ensure that the whipped cream is folded in gently to retain airiness and avoid deflating the mixture.
