There is nothing quite like the nostalgic delight of making The Best Banana Pudding Recipe, a dessert that combines creamy, dreamy pudding, luscious fresh bananas, and the perfect crunch of Nilla wafers. This no-cook recipe whips together rich cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and instant vanilla pudding mix into a velvety mixture that sets beautifully in the fridge. Whether you’re crafting a sweet ending for a family dinner or bringing a crowd-pleaser to your next gathering, this banana pudding delivers on every level with layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl with whipped white cream inside, which has a smooth and fluffy texture. Around the bowl, there are three yellow bananas resting on a white marbled surface. In the second part of the image, the same white bowl contains cream and white powder, with a creamy liquid being poured from above into the bowl, creating a soft splash and mixing effect. The background is also a white marbled texture, keeping the focus on the bowl and ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of The Best Banana Pudding Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smooth cream cheese that adds richness, to the sweetened condensed milk which perfectly balances sweetness and texture, and the fresh bananas that bring natural fruity freshness and moisture.

Cream cheese (8 ounce block, softened): Adds a luscious creaminess and depth to the pudding base for that silky texture you can’t resist.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce can): Naturally sweet and thick, it helps create the rich pudding consistency without cooking.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (5 ounce package): The secret to that perfect vanilla flavor and helps the pudding set just right.
Milk (3 cups, 2% or higher): Adds smoothness and balances the sweetness for a lighter mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic hint that ties everything together.
Whipped topping (8 ounce tub, thawed, divided use): Lightens the pudding mixture and adds fluffy volume to keep it airy and delightful.
Nilla wafers (11 ounce box, divided use): Classic and crisp, these wafers are essential for the signature soft-yet-crunchy layers.
Fresh bananas (5-7, peeled and sliced, divided use): Provides fresh fruity sweetness and moist texture, the heart of any banana pudding.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make The Best Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base

Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial to ensure your pudding is silky and lump-free, setting the stage for that fabulous texture.

Step 2: Combine the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Pudding Mix

Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. This mix is where your pudding gains its signature velvety body and that enticing vanilla flavor profile.

Step 3: Fold in Half of the Whipped Topping

Gently stir in half of the thawed whipped topping. This addition brings an airy, light quality to the pudding filling, balancing out the rich cream cheese and making every bite feel light and luscious.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab your favorite large trifle dish, glass bowl, or a 9×13-inch baking dish to layer up the magic. Start by laying down one-third of the Nilla wafers across the bottom. Follow with a single, even layer of sliced fresh bananas. Spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it gently to cover evenly. Repeat this layering process two more times—wafers, bananas, pudding—building those heavenly layers that make banana pudding so irresistible.

Step 5: Top and Chill

Finish by spreading the remaining whipped topping on the very top for that beautiful fluffy finish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours. This rest time allows the pudding to thicken and the wafers to soften just right, melding all those incredible flavors together.

How to Serve The Best Banana Pudding Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a layered dessert. The first layer at the bottom is made of orange-brown round cookies soaked lightly, surrounded by a thick pale yellow creamy layer filling the gaps. Above this is another layer of the same cookies lightly covered with more pale yellow cream. The dessert is topped with a thick, smooth, white whipped layer spread evenly over the top. On the very top, there are two whole orange-brown cookies, a few banana slices leaning on them, and a small green mint leaf for garnish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred white tiled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple but elegant garnish can elevate your banana pudding to the next level. Consider adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or some freshly shaved white chocolate on top. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a nutty crunch, while a few whole Nilla wafers placed artfully make it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

While The Best Banana Pudding Recipe is a standout dessert on its own, pairing it with light, fresh sides can make a complete treat. A crisp green salad or simple fruit salad works beautifully to refresh the palate. For a cozy, indulgent meal, serve it alongside classic southern comfort foods like fried chicken or barbecue for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the pudding in individual glass jars or parfait cups layered beautifully for an impressive presentation. You can also use mini trifle bowls or even stemmed dessert glasses for a fancy touch. For a fun twist, turn your banana pudding into a parfait with crushed Nilla wafers and whipped cream dollops between the layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover banana pudding tastes just as divine the next day, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and the pudding becomes even more comforting after some chilling time.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this pudding since the texture of the fresh bananas and wafers may suffer. If you do freeze it, use an airtight container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and expect a softer texture.

Reheating

This banana pudding is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Its creamy, chilled consistency is a big part of the charm, so keep it refrigerated and enjoy straight from the fridge for the ultimate experience.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of the instant mix?

Absolutely! Homemade vanilla pudding can work well, but keep in mind that the instant pudding mix helps the dessert set quickly without any cooking. If you use homemade pudding, make sure it’s thickened properly to maintain that classic banana pudding texture.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Bananas should be ripe but still firm. Too ripe bananas can become mushy and may turn the pudding darker after chilling. Look for ones with bright yellow skin and just a few brown spots for the best flavor and texture.

Can I substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?

Yes! Freshly whipped cream adds a lovely fresh flavor and can be a great alternative. Just make sure it is whipped to soft peaks so it blends smoothly into the pudding mixture without deflating.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely. The Best Banana Pudding Recipe is a family-friendly dessert loved by all ages. It’s sweet, creamy, and naturally free from any alcohol or overpowering spices, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

How long does it take to set before serving?

Allow at least 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This chilling time is essential to let the pudding thicken and allows the wafers to soften to that perfect consistency everyone enjoys.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for The Best Banana Pudding Recipe, here’s your golden ticket. With its luscious layers, creamy texture, and perfectly balanced sweetness, this no-cook dessert is as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. I’m excited for you to try it and see why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a hug in a bowl that brings smiles every single time.

The Best Banana Pudding Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

This no-cook banana pudding recipe combines creamy layers of sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers to create a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat, it requires minimal prep and chilling time to meld the flavors beautifully.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pudding Mixture

8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
5 ounce package INSTANT vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk (2% or higher)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounce tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed (divided use)

For the Layers

11 ounce box Nilla wafers (divided use)
5–7 bananas, peeled and sliced (divided use)

Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, ensuring a creamy foundation for the pudding.
Add Pudding Mixture Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture to add lightness and a fluffy texture.
Layer the Dessert: Begin layering in your chosen dish (a trifle dish, large bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish) by placing one-third of the Nilla wafers evenly on the bottom.
Add Banana Slices: Spread a single layer of sliced bananas over the wafers to provide fresh fruitiness.
Pour Pudding Mixture: Pour one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly so all the bananas are covered.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, alternating wafers, bananas, and pudding to build a triple-layered dessert.
Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly on the very top layer.
Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time allows the pudding to thicken and the wafers to soften to the perfect texture.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness.
Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth pudding base.
The dessert can be made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight for enhanced flavors and texture.
If you prefer, substitute COOL WHIP with any whipped topping of your choice.
Use a sturdy dish that can hold the layers without collapsing, such as a trifle bowl or a glass baking dish.

The Best Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need