Classic Banana Pudding
Classic Banana Pudding is a creamy, nostalgic dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and smooth vanilla pudding. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a luscious texture and comforting flavor that delights all ages.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free wafers are used)
Main Ingredients
- Vanilla Wafers – enough to create multiple layers in your dish
- Fresh Bananas – 3 to 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – 1 package (3.4 oz)
- Milk – 2 cups (for pudding preparation)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – 1/2 cup
- Heavy Whipping Cream – 1 cup (for whipping to soft peaks)
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to enhance creaminess and sweetness.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to keep it light and airy.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a clear glass dish or individual cups, start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, then spoon a generous layer of pudding mixture on top. Repeat layers until the dish is filled, ending with pudding on top.
- Chill It Well: Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, add a few vanilla wafers or banana slices on top for presentation and added texture.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with yellow skin and speckles for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Layer evenly to ensure each bite includes wafers, banana, and pudding.
- Fold whipped cream gently to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Chill the pudding for several hours to soften the wafers perfectly without them becoming mushy.
- Assemble close to serving time to prevent bananas from browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: banana pudding, classic dessert, no bake, creamy dessert, southern dessert, vanilla pudding, easy dessert