Easy Banana Pudding

Craving a classic Southern dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying? Dive into the creamy, comforting world of Banana Pudding — a no-bake delight layered with ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, silky pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping.

Ingredients List

Creating this irresistible banana pudding takes just a few familiar ingredients. Each layer plays a role in building the dessert’s flavor and texture.

Core Ingredients

• 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
• 1 (3.4-ounce) small box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk (for preparing the pudding)
• 3–4 large ripe bananas, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

Required Kitchen Tools

While this banana pudding is simple to make, having the right tools on hand ensures clean layers and smooth assembly. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the pudding and milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Whisk or Hand Mixer: A whisk works fine, but a hand mixer will make quick work of blending the pudding.
3. Rubber Spatula: Ideal for spreading pudding and whipped topping evenly.
4. Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the bananas cleanly and evenly.
5. 11×7-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for layering the cookies, pudding, and bananas.

Layering and Assembly

Putting together banana pudding is all about layering — no baking required, just a bit of careful construction and chilling for the best flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding:
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla instant pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk (as directed on the package). Whisk vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the pudding thickens. Place in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the remaining components.
2. First Layer – Vanilla Wafers:
   Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafer cookies across the bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish. About 24 cookies should fit in each layer, depending on the dish size.
3. Second Layer – Pudding:
   Use a rubber spatula to spread half of the prepared vanilla pudding (about 1 cup) evenly over the cookies.
4. Third Layer – Bananas:
   Place a single layer of thinly sliced bananas over the pudding. Try to cover as much surface area as possible for consistent flavor in every bite.
5. Repeat the Layers:
   Add another full layer of cookies, followed by the remaining half of the pudding, and then another layer of banana slices.
6. Final Layer – Whipped Topping:
   Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the final banana layer, using a spatula to create soft peaks or smooth swirls.

Chilling, Garnishing, and Presentation

Letting your banana pudding rest in the refrigerator allows the cookies to soften, the flavors to meld, and the texture to become irresistibly creamy.

Chilling Instructions

After assembly, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is ideal for the most satisfying texture and flavor. This resting time allows the vanilla wafers to absorb moisture from the pudding and bananas, transforming them into tender, cake-like layers.

Garnishing Tips

Just before serving, elevate your banana pudding with simple yet eye-catching garnishes:

• Extra Banana Slices: Thinly slice fresh banana and fan them out on top for a beautiful finish.
• Whole Vanilla Wafers: Press a few into the whipped topping or crumble some over the top for added texture.
• Mint Leaves (Optional): A sprig or two of fresh mint adds a pop of green for contrast and a touch of elegance.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your banana pudding stays fresh and delicious for days to come.

How to Keep Banana Pudding Fresh

To store banana pudding, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2–3 days. While the flavor remains delightful, the bananas may start to brown slightly due to oxidation—this is normal and safe to eat.

Can You Freeze Banana Pudding?

Freezing banana pudding is not recommended, as the bananas tend to become mushy and the pudding may separate when thawed. For best results, make and enjoy it fresh within a few days of preparation.

Conclusion

This Easy Banana Pudding is the kind of nostalgic dessert that never goes out of style.

With its simple ingredients, no-bake layers, and creamy-sweet flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering—from backyard barbecues to cozy family dinners.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its balance of textures: the crunch of the wafers, the silkiness of the pudding, the soft ripeness of the bananas, and the airy lightness of the whipped topping.