Description
This Easy Banana Pudding Recipe is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and delightfully layered with banana slices, Nilla wafers, and whipped topping. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, it requires no baking and comes together quickly, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Pudding Mix
- 5.1 ounces Instant Banana Cream pudding (1 box)
- 3 cups cold milk
Layers
- 11 ounces Nilla Wafers (1 box)
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (whipped topping)
Instructions
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cold milk and instant banana cream pudding mix. Beat or whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Set aside cookies for topping: Reserve about 5 Nilla wafers for decoration on top of the pudding. Then, place a single layer of Nilla wafers evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan or casserole dish.
- Layer bananas: Add a layer of sliced bananas over the Nilla wafers, distributing them evenly.
- Mix in Cool Whip: Whisk in half of the Cool Whip into the prepared pudding mixture until well combined and creamy.
- First pudding layer: Pour half of this pudding mixture evenly over the banana and cookie layers. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of Nilla wafers on top of the pudding, followed by another layer of sliced bananas.
- Final pudding layer: Spread the remaining half of the pudding mixture over the second banana and cookie layer, smoothing it evenly.
- Top with Cool Whip and crushed cookies: Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding as the final layer. Crush the reserved Nilla wafers and sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the Cool Whip for garnish.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the pudding for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Use firm, ripe bananas for optimal texture; overly ripe bananas may become mushy.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
