Creamy Dreamy Banana Pudding Recipe – Sweet Nostalgia In A Bowl

Creamy desserts hold a special place in our hearts, and this dreamy banana pudding recipe brings pure comfort to the table.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic treat with layers of decadent goodness.

Silky vanilla custard weaves magic between soft vanilla wafers and ripe banana slices.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance of textures and sweet nostalgia.

Clouds of whipped cream crown this heavenly dessert, adding an extra touch of indulgence.

The simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 13

What Makes Banana Pudding So Sweet

• Cold Milk: Ensures smooth, velvety pudding texture with perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides rich, creamy foundation with classic sweet flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luxurious sweetness and silky smooth mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances depth of flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.

• Vanilla Wafers: Adds delightful crunch and nostalgic cookie base for pudding.
• Bananas: Brings natural sweetness, creamy texture, and classic southern dessert element.

• Whipped Topping: Creates light, airy crown with cloud-like soft texture.
• Optional Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Provides delicate crumbly garnish for extra visual appeal and textural contrast.

Tools You’ll Need For Banana Pudding Fun

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking pudding mixture and folding whipped topping.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix, milk, and creating smooth consistency.
• 9×13-inch Dish or Trifle Bowl: Key for layering wafers, bananas, and pudding.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing bananas neatly.
• Sharp Knife: Used to slice bananas into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure milk and pudding mix accurately.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers pudding while chilling in refrigerator.
• Serving Spoon: Allows easy scooping when serving dessert.

How To Whip Banana Pudding Like A Pro

• Create Creamy Base

Whip together milk and pudding mix until it transforms into a silky smooth texture. Blend in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla for extra richness. Gently incorporate whipped topping for a cloud-like consistency.

• Build Delicious Layers

Start by creating a foundation of crispy vanilla wafers in your serving dish. Add fresh banana slices, creating a sweet golden pathway. Pour pudding mixture generously over the layers, ensuring each wafer and banana gets coated in creamy goodness. Repeat the layering process until your dish is beautifully filled.

• Add Dreamy Topping

Crown your dessert with a fluffy blanket of remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle crushed wafer crumbs on top for a delightful crunch that adds visual appeal and extra texture.

• Chill and Enjoy

Wrap your masterpiece in plastic and let it rest in the refrigerator. Allow the flavors to mingle and settle for at least 4 hours. When ready, serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert delight.

Tips To Keep Banana Pudding Light And Creamy

• Banana Pudding Perfection: Expert Tips & Twists
• Wafer Wisdom: For extra crunch, lightly toast vanilla wafers in the oven for 2-3 minutes before layering to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful texture.
• Banana Browning Prevention: Toss freshly sliced bananas with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them looking fresh and appetizing in the pudding layers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert the night before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more intense taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers to make the dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to give the pudding a unique twist, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth and depth.

Serve Banana Pudding In Style

• Sweet Banana Comfort Pairings
• Warm Spice Companion: Serve alongside a steaming mug of cinnamon-dusted coffee or chai tea to complement the pudding's creamy sweetness.
• Texture Crunch Boost: Top each serving with extra crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, or sliced almonds for delightful added crunch.
• Cool Dessert Contrast: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the classic banana pudding experience.
• Fresh Fruit Accent: Garnish with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a few fresh mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Store Banana Pudding Without Losing Flavor

• Smart Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly, creating a creamy, dreamy dessert that's cool and refreshing.
• Airtight Storage Solution: Transfer any leftover pudding to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors for up to 3-4 days.
• Banana Browning Prevention: Add a splash of lemon juice to sliced bananas before layering to slow down oxidation and keep them looking beautifully golden and appetizing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance, which actually improves the flavor as the wafers soften and ingredients blend deliciously together.

Dreamy Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Southern banana pudding blends creamy layers of vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers into a classic dessert. Nostalgic and comforting, this sweet treat welcomes you to savor Southern hospitality with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 5 bananas (ripe, sliced)
• 1 package (16 oz/454 g) vanilla wafers
• 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) cold milk
• 1 can (14 oz/396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package (5 oz/142 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) vanilla extract
• 1 container (12 oz/340 g) whipped topping, thawed (or 3 cups homemade whipped cream)

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Instructions

1. Pudding Preparation: Whisk cold milk with vanilla pudding mix until it thickens, then blend in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Fold half of the whipped topping into the mixture, creating a silky, creamy base.
2. Foundation Construction: Line the bottom of a glass dish with vanilla wafers, covering the entire surface. Layer sliced bananas completely over the wafer foundation, ensuring no gaps remain.
3. Layering Technique: Pour pudding mixture over the banana layer, allowing it to seep between wafers and fruit. Systematically repeat the layering process – wafers, bananas, pudding – building elegant strata until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pudding top layer.
4. Finishing Touches: Spread remaining whipped topping across the surface in a smooth, even layer. Crumble additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle over the top for textural contrast and visual interest.
5. Chilling and Serving: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows flavors to meld and textures to harmonize. Serve thoroughly chilled, revealing the dessert’s beautiful layered composition.

Notes

• Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Cold milk and pre-chilled ingredients ensure a smoother, more stable pudding consistency.
• Layer with Precision: Place wafers and bananas carefully to create even, visually appealing layers that hold together when served.
• Prevent Banana Browning: Toss banana slices with a touch of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright appearance and prevent oxidation.
• Customize Texture: For a firmer pudding, reduce whipped topping slightly or use full-fat cream for a richer, more substantial dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg