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Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

An easy homemade Banana Pudding Recipe. Rich and creamy banana pudding between layers of vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. Best of all, this pudding is a no-bake and loved by all at potlucks and parties.

If you appreciate easy, no-bake desserts like our No-Bake Cheesecake or Chocolate Lasagna, you will love this Banana Pudding.

Simple recipe for banana pudding layered in a trifle bowl.

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Banana Pudding Recipe

It’s safe to say that whenever you think of a dessert with bananas, banana pudding instantly comes to mind. Here’s why you’ll LOVE this recipe.

  • No-bake – this dessert just has some assembly required but no cooking, which is so convenient
  • Easy to make and a novice chef may quickly whip it up
  • Beautiful – so appealing aesthetically at a potluck or party
  • Loved by all – great for adults or kids
The top of banana pudding in a trifle bowl.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding

Just a few ingredients are needed for the banana pudding and you can have the dessert ready to serve in no time!

  • Milk – You can use whatever milk you have on hand, we used whole milk.
  • Vanilla pudding – You want to be sure to use INSTANT pudding that doesn’t require cooking. We used vanilla pudding but a banana flavor will work just fine.
  • Vanilla extract – Homemade Vanilla adds the best flavor to the pudding.
  • Sweetened condensed milk – Enhances the creaminess and sweetens the pudding.
  • Vanilla wafers – we love the Nilla wafers brand, but you can use your favorite. See substitution options below.
  • Heavy whipping cream – The whipped cream adds richness to the pudding.
  • Powdered sugar – is added to sweeten the top layer of the pudding. You can leave it out completely.
  • Bananas – The fresh banana slices are what give the pudding its amazing flavor.
Ingredients needed for banana pudding recipe in ramekins.

How to make Banana Pudding

This no-bake dessert is that perfect treat when you need something to serve but don’t want to turn on the oven.

Prepare Pudding:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cold milk with vanilla and pudding until it thickens. Beat in condensed milk.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until fluffy with stiff peaks. Use a spatula to gently fold 2/3 of the whipped cream into the pudding.
  3. Add the powdered sugar into the remaining whipped cream and beat to combine, refrigerate until needed.
Step by step photos how to make pudding filling

Assemble:

  1. Add about 1/4th of the vanilla wafers into the bottom of your trifle bowl and about 1/4th of the bananas. Spread 1/4 of the pudding over the bananas/wafers. Repeat with remaining layers.
  2. Add the remaining whipped cream to the center of the pudding and decorate as desired. Cover and refrigerate for two hours then serve.
How to assemble a banana pudding dessert

Make-Ahead

For best results, Banana pudding can be made up to 24 hours ahead and leftovers should be enjoyed within 2 days of making it. If making the pudding more than two hours in advance, keep the bananas completely covered by the pudding as they will brown if you don’t. Then just add fresh slices of bananas on top when serving.

Serving Ideas

The easiest way to serve this is with a large serving spoon and just scoop out portions. You don’t have to serve the pudding in a trifle bowl. Here are some other great ideas to serve the vanilla pudding:

  • In jars or mini cups – just pipe with a bag for a cleaner look!
  • Casserole – Add to a baking dish, round, square or 3 qt rectangle will all work.
A trifle bowl with banana pudding layered and bananas on the side of the bowl.

Variations

This pudding is so versatile and may be served in so many unique ways.

  • Change the pudding: try chocolate, banana or butterscotch
  • Add berries with the bananas or substitute for bananas.
  • More layers – Instead of just having whipped cream on top of the pudding, double the amount of whipped cream and add layers over the banana pudding.
  • Drizzle caramel over the layers.
  • Add peanut butter between the layers.
No-bake banana pudding layered in a trifle bowl.

Common Questions

Can I substitute the vanilla wafers?

Graham crackers, butter cookies, or even animal crackers.

How to keep bananas from browning?

Bananas will brown quickly as they are exposed to air so keep them completely covered with the pudding. Add the bananas on top right before serving, or don’t add them on top at all.

Can I use cool whip instead of whipping cream?

Cool whip is a great substitute for whipped cream, but it will taste a little sweeter than whipped cream.

Where did Banana Pudding originate?

Banana Pudding is a popular Southern dish in America. It was originally made with homemade custard but the no-cook version has become popular with modern-day home cooks.

More No-Bake Desserts

No bakes are by far the best kind of dessert. Here are some more of our favorite desserts to try:

Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

4.98 from 159 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Banana Pudding layered in a trifle dish

The easiest recipe for a no-bake banana pudding with layers of pudding, wafers, and fresh bananas. This layered no-bake dessert is stunning to serve and so easy to make.

Author: Valentina Ablaev
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana pudding, best banana pudding recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $10-$14
Calories: 247
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding packages
  • 1 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 11 oz vanilla wafers
  • 4 fresh bananas
  • 3 Tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cold milk with vanilla extract and vanilla pudding until it thickens. Pour in the condensed milk and beat to combine.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add about two-thirds of the whipped cream into the pudding and gently fold in with a spatula.
  3. Add the powdered sugar into the remaining one-third whipped cream and fold with a spatula to combine. Refrigerate until needed.
  4. Add about 1/4th of the vanilla wafers into the bottom of your trifle bowl and about 1/4th of the bananas.

  5. Spread 1/4 of the pudding over the bananas/wafers. Repeat with remaining layers until you have four layers.
  6. Add the reserved whipped cream over top of pudding and decorate as desired. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 247 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 0.001g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 36mg2%
Potassium 289mg8%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 809IU16%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 94mg9%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Valentina Ablaev

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Connie
    March 25, 2023

    I made this last night and the family loved it. Great Recipe, Thanks for sharing

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 25, 2023

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Connie!

      Reply

  • Siba
    March 20, 2023

    Hi
    Where are the ingredients dosage listed???
    You say add milk, add this add that but nowhere does it say how much.
    Missing doses is pretty bad for a recipe site… Ill have to look somewhere else

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 20, 2023

      Hi Siba, please scroll down to the recipe card which has all of the ingredients listed in detail.

      Reply

  • Elizabeth H Cumming
    March 10, 2023

    I like my banana pudding warm. Can I use the pudding you cook instead of instant?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 10, 2023

      HI Elizabeth, I haven’t tried this as a warm pudding so I’m not able to offer advice on that. If you experiment, please let me know how it goes.

      Reply

  • Katy
    March 8, 2023

    I’m making this for my inlaws this weekend. I’m wondering how far in advance I can make this?
    If I make it Thursday and serve it Friday or Sat would it still be good or should I make and serve the same day?
    Thanks!! Can’t wait to try this!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 8, 2023

      Hi Katy, I have a “Make-Ahead” notes section on the recipe, I recommend referring to that for all my tips on making it ahead. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  • Andy
    March 8, 2023

    Hi my wife is from Ukraine and said this super sweet dessert is definitely for Americans. I’d like to try omitting the powdered sugar and condensed milk and use sugar free pudding. Do you think it will still be good?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 8, 2023

      Hi Andy! I think it could work but I have not tested it to advise. Please let us know how it turns out if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Gigi
    March 5, 2023

    Your recipes are a go to for me! This one was so easy and delicious! I had some ripe bananas that I didn’t know what to do with and this was perfect! Had some to share with a neighbor and earned some brownie points with them as well! Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 5, 2023

      You are so welcome, Gigi! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Lilian Meredith
    February 13, 2023

    I took your dessert to my Church Super Bowl party. This is my first time making your dessert recipe. I went this morning the bowl was empty and cleaned. WOW! My Pastor didn’t get any of my pudding. LOL yes it was a big hit. Thanks again Lilian Meredith

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 13, 2023

      Hi Lilian! That’s great to hear. I’m so glad it was a hit. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Lilian Meredith
    February 12, 2023

    This recipe was my first time. I doubled the recipe but omitted the Confection sugar. OMG!! my husband just had some. He said it was delicious and glad I omitted the sugar in my whipping cream. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 12, 2023

      Glad your husband enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Darla Humphrey
    February 4, 2023

    I also love this recipe. The only issue I have is that the bananas turn brown after a bit. Any recommendations for how to prevent this? I tried a bit of lemon juice but it didnt seem to work. Thank you! Darla

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 4, 2023

      Hi Darla! The lemon juice can help, but they will still go brown with time. Also, be sure to keep the bananas completely covered by the pudding.

      Reply

  • Cindy Ann
    January 16, 2023

    This recipe is fabulous! Thank you so much Natasha. Like another reviewer, I would give this 10 stars if I could, it is that delicious!
    I do have a question…The glass bowl I used to make this is not quite the right shape and I don’t have a trifle dish.
    Any idea whether this recipe will be enough to layer in a 9 x 12 oblong casserole dish? Or do you think I should use a casserole dish half of that size? Thank you again. This recipe is a keeper!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 16, 2023

      Hi Cindy! I’m so glad you love this recipe. It really is one of our favorites for potlucks and quick entertaining. I have tested this in a casserole dish, it was a 3qt rectangular. I’ll attach the link to the one i used right HERE.

      Reply

  • Rosemary
    December 23, 2022

    I’ve never had banana pudding but my in-laws love it. I don’t have the sweetened condensed milk but I am using Cool Whip. Will it be sweet enough? Do I need to add more milk?
    Thanks for your help.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 23, 2022

      Hi Rosemary! I have not tested this recipe without sweetened condensed milk. You’ll have to experiment with it.

      Reply

      • Rosemary
        December 23, 2022

        It was delicious. A huge hit even with my homemade sweetened condensed milk. 😉
        Thank you for your recipe. ❤️❤️

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 23, 2022

          I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Rosemary!

          Reply

  • Sourpatch
    December 22, 2022

    Hi, I made this recipe for my coworkers and they loved it. Thank you for the amazing recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 22, 2022

      I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  • Z Cortes
    December 7, 2022

    this looks absolutely wonderful. im planning on making it for a birthday but I was wondering if you could freeze this recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 7, 2022

      Hi Z, I haven’t tested freezing this myself; since it’s a pudding, I worry it will separate, and the consistency won’t be the same afterward.

      Reply

    • Will
      February 3, 2023

      I have made this recipe many times (thanks so much) and do freeze portions on occasions w no issues

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        February 3, 2023

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Will!

        Reply

  • Linda
    December 6, 2022

    This is absolutely delicious! The pudding mixture is soft, silky and scrumptious!! I will never go back to the ‘traditional’ southern banana pudding that I grew up on. I would give this recipe 10 stars if possible, it’s that good people, TRY IT!!! Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 6, 2022

      Love it! Thanks so much for this amazing review, we’re happy that you love this recipe!

      Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 6, 2022

      Hi Linda, love it! Thanks so much for this amazing review, we’re happy that you like this recipe!

      Reply

  • Brandy
    November 26, 2022

    My new go-to banana pudding recipe! I made this for Thanksgiving and it was sooo good! I also love that it was very easy to make.

    Reply

    • Brandy
      November 26, 2022

      I also wanted to mention that I added a drizzle of caramel to the top to decorate and it was so good!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        November 26, 2022

        I bet that is so good on the bread! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

        Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 26, 2022

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Brandy! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Ronda
    November 25, 2022

    I have never made this before, although I grew up eating at every holiday gathering until a became an adult. What do do do when your 16 ys old son asked you to make it for Thanksgiving? You MAKE it! He found this recipe, I made it yesterday, and he LOVED it

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2022

      Wonderful feedback, thank you! I’m glad that your son loved this recipe a lot!

      Reply

  • Tatiana
    November 22, 2022

    Loveeee this recipe! Although, I have a question on how to corporate the ingredients when doubling the pudding. For instance, if I’m using 4 pudding mixes how many cups of milk, how much evaporated milk and how much vanilla extract?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 22, 2022

      Hi Tatiana! Are you doubling the whole recipe or just the pudding? This recipe does not use evaporated milk, it uses heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk (I assume you meant to say that). You could follow the same instructions and just double the ingredients to make 4 packs instead of 2 packs. Still reserve some whipped cream for the top layer.

      Reply

      • Tatiana
        November 23, 2022

        Hi! Yes ma’am, I meant condensed haha and yes, I’ll be doubling as well just wanted to be certain. Thank you lots for responding!

        Reply

  • Gilberta
    November 20, 2022

    I haven’t tried this recipe yet but I was wondering if I can use this pudding recipe for banana cream pie?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 20, 2022

      Hi Gilberta, I’m honestly not sure unless I test it. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Lexi
    November 19, 2022

    This calls for two boxes of pudding. The directions on each box call for two cups of milk per box. Should I only use 2 cups of milk for both boxes or follow the directions and use four cups of milk for two boxes?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 19, 2022

      Hi Lexi, you are just using the pudding powder. Don’t worry about prepping it according to the package instructions. Just follow the written instructions in my recipe.

      Reply

  • Sativa petrusek
    November 7, 2022

    Made this last night. I didn’t have luck making the cool whip. I recommend just buying it. The rest of it turned out good but was super sweet.

    Reply

  • Angela
    October 26, 2022

    I must have done something wrong. I used (4) 1.5 oz of pudding (.8 oz less than what’s called for, (2 cups) cold milk, and (1 tsp) vanilla extract and beat according to the instructions but the pudding came out very gummy. Even after I beat the condensed milk in and even after adding the whipped cream. I did use fat free pudding and fat free condensed milk because, for whatever reason, that’s all that was available. Could that have been the problem?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 27, 2022

      Hi Angela, I haven’t tried those substitutions, so I can’t speak to that. Substitutions may hinder the recipe outcome. I always suggest making a recipe as written the first time around, including the ingredients. I wish I could be more helpful!

      Reply

  • Natalia
    September 18, 2022

    Good but way too sweet for me. I will try less condensed milk next time though. Wonder if I could replace it with evaporated milk?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 19, 2022

      Sounds good, I haven’t tried using evap milk but let us know how it goes if you do an experiment!

      Reply

  • Krystelle
    September 1, 2022

    I made this tonight for dessert in my new trifle bowl. OMG! What a hit! The entire family loved it. They even opened the other box of vanilla wafers and were dipping them into the pudding! Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I love all your recipes. They’re tried and true, and so easy to make!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 1, 2022

      That’s awesome! So glad it was a hit. I love how easy this is to make. 🙂

      Reply

  • Gladys
    August 29, 2022

    The sweetened condensed milk is DO unnecessary. Aside from that, the recipe is great. It’s just sickening sweet.

    Reply

  • Dana Otwell
    August 29, 2022

    Is it suppose to be super thick? Mine turned out very thick, similar to cookie dough. This could be because i used sugar free pudding and fat free sweetened condensed milk. It tastes amazing!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2022

      I haven’t tried those substitutions, so I can’t speak to that, but it’s likely. Substitutions may hinder the recipe outcome. I always suggest making a recipe as written the first time around.

      Reply

  • Shirley Camilleri
    August 28, 2022

    Can you please tell me what vanilla pudding mix is? I live in Yorkshire, England.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2022

      Hi Shirley, this would need to be confirmed, but according to Google, “In the UK, the most similar product is Angel Delight, sharing the same list of ingredients and offering the same texture and taste” I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Patricia Battersby
    August 28, 2022

    You’re my go to creator for all good recommendations. This is a great recipe. I substitute one of the puddings for chocolate. The two compliments each other well. Thanks for all the inspiration!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 28, 2022

      Thank you so much for your trust, Patricia. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!

      Reply

  • Raegan
    August 25, 2022

    wow as a 10 year old baker you help me bake so much stuff your the #1 cooking blog your funny thell us the recipe clearly and let kids get involed, you inspired me to make up my own dishes! thanks a bunch!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 25, 2022

      It is my pleasure to help and share these recipes. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!

      Reply

  • Freya Petersen
    August 24, 2022

    Love all your recipe’s. But why does the name Valentina Ablaev come up all the time. If I make a comment to you I have always thought that you were the one responding back. Seems strange.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 24, 2022

      Hi Freya, we have 2 contributors who guest post occasionally and this is one of her recipes. We are very selective about who becomes a contributor and we trust her recipes and some of them have become some of our most popular recipes on the site. I hope you love the Banana Pudding as well.

      Reply

      • Freya Petersen
        August 27, 2022

        Don’t take this the wrong way but I do think that she should have her own site. You could use her name as a contributor but I go on your site because I value everything that you post just my opinion.

        Reply

        • Mariya
          September 3, 2022

          She can have anyone contribute to her blog that she wishes. Valentina does have her own blog- it’s called https://valentinascorner.com/.

          Natasha includes the contributor’s name after the post so readers can see whose recipe it is. There are others also.

          Reply

  • Lisa
    August 24, 2022

    I’m a southern girl and grew up eating banana pudding. This recipe looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. Your recipes always turn out wonderful. Keep it up girl!! You’re the best.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2022

      Thanks, Lisa. I hope it becomes your new favorite recipe!

      Reply

  • Melissa
    August 23, 2022

    Love this recipe – the filling is so thick and delicious. So easy to make and everyone loved it! Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 23, 2022

      Thanks for the awesome feedback, Melissa!

      Reply

  • Erin
    August 23, 2022

    This recipe is a classic. It never goes out of style. Thanks for reminding me how good it is…and easy to make!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 23, 2022

      It’s my pleasure, Erin. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • wilhelmina
    August 23, 2022

    This pudding is wonderful! It’s great on it’s on or as part of a bigger dessert. Save this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 23, 2022

      I’m so happy you loved it, Wilhelmina! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

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