Easy Classic Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a dessert that many people love for its creamy texture and sweet flavor. It combines rich layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies, making it a delightful treat for anyone. Not only is banana pudding easy to make, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of family gatherings and warm days. For a twist on this classic dessert, you might want to check out a delicious banana pudding cheesecake recipe.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for easy classic banana pudding is simple yet rewarding. It uses common ingredients found in most pantries, making it accessible to everyone. The layers of flavors and textures—creamy pudding, crunchy wafers, and soft bananas—create a dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it is ideal for both children and adults alike, making it a wonderful addition to gatherings, parties, or just a sweet treat at home.
How to Make Easy Classic Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
- ½ brick (4-ounce) cream cheese, softened to room temp
- ¾-1 (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ⅓ cup milk (I use 2%)
- 1 (5.1-ounce) instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 5-6 bananas, thinly sliced
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
Directions:
MAKE THE PUDDING: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth. Take your time to really work the cream cheese. Add ¾ can of the condensed milk if you prefer your desserts less sweet, or the whole can if you like it sweeter. Mix in the vanilla and salt until combined. Then, add milk and pudding mix, continuing to mix on medium-low speed until any lumps in the pudding are gone. Cover and refrigerate this mixture for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight.
WHIP THE CREAM: In a large bowl, add heavy cream and whip it until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Set aside roughly 1¼ cup of this whipped cream in another bowl and refrigerate it. Fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding until no streaks of pudding remain.
ASSEMBLE: Start by adding one-third of the pudding mixture to your serving dish. Next, layer half of the wafer cookies and half of the banana slices on top. Follow this with another one-third of the pudding, more wafers, and bananas (save a few for the top). Add the remaining pudding on top, and then cover it with the reserved whipped cream. If you like, you can add a few banana slices and cookies on top for decoration. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed within 8-10 hours.
How to Serve Easy Classic Banana Pudding
Serve the banana pudding chilled. It can be enjoyed as is, or you can add a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or fresh banana slices for an extra touch. This dessert is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Store Easy Classic Banana Pudding
Store any leftover banana pudding in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to consume it within the same day it is made to ensure the bananas do not brown and the wafers remain crunchy.
Tips to Make Easy Classic Banana Pudding
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If you make the pudding a day ahead, keep the cookies separate until serving to avoid them getting soggy.
- To add more texture, consider layering in some crushed nuts or shredded coconut.
Variation
For a chocolate lover’s twist, you can swap out the vanilla instant pudding for chocolate pudding. This makes a delicious alternative while keeping the other elements the same.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mix, such as chocolate or butterscotch, to add variety.
2. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves about 8-10 people, depending on portion sizes.
3. Can I freeze banana pudding?
It is not recommended to freeze banana pudding, as the bananas may turn mushy and affect the texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Easy Classic Banana Pudding
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful, creamy banana pudding layered with vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- ½ brick (4-ounce) cream cheese, softened to room temp
- ¾–1 (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1⅓ cup milk (2%)
- 1 (5.1-ounce) instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 5–6 bananas, thinly sliced
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Make the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth. Add ¾ can of the condensed milk for less sweetness, or the whole can for sweeter pudding. Mix in the vanilla and salt until combined. Then, add milk and pudding mix, mixing on medium-low speed until lumps are gone. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, add heavy cream and whip until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside 1¼ cup in another bowl and refrigerate. Fold remaining whipped cream into the pudding until no streaks remain.
- Assemble: Layer one-third of the pudding mixture in your serving dish, followed by half of the wafer cookies and half of the banana slices. Add another one-third of the pudding, more wafers, and bananas (save some for top). Finish with remaining pudding and covered with reserved whipped cream. Decorate with banana slices and cookies if desired. Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
Serve chilled, best enjoyed within 8-10 hours for optimal texture. Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
