Description
This classic Banana Pudding recipe features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all topped with homemade whipped cream. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert that is refreshing, easy to assemble, and delightful with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding Mixture
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 serving size)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
For Assembly
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
- Add pudding and flavorings: Mix in the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined and begins to thicken.
- Prepare whipped cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Then continue beating just until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
- Fold whipped cream into pudding: Reserve 2½ cups of the whipped cream for topping the dessert later. Carefully fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding mixture until combined, maintaining the light and airy texture.
- Layer the pudding: In a glass trifle bowl or similar dish, start by lining the bottom with a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices, then cover completely with a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers—wafers, bananas, pudding—until all ingredients are used up, ensuring the final layer is pudding.
- Top and chill: Spread the reserved whipped cream evenly over the top layer. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish the pudding with extra banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid browning and mushiness.
- You can prepare this dessert a day in advance; it tastes better once the layers have melded overnight.
- Use chilled heavy cream and bowl for easier whipping of cream.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for whole milk and use low-fat cream cheese; however, texture and richness will vary.
