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Banana Pudding Recipe

4.8 from 116 reviews

A creamy and decadent Banana Pudding layered with smooth cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and classic vanilla wafers. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, chilling overnight to meld flavors into a luscious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 serving size)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

Other Ingredients

  • 5 ripe bananas
  • 1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Instructions

  1. Combine Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
  2. Add Pudding Mix and Flavorings: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating using the hand mixer until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating just until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
  4. Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding Mixture: Reserve 2½ cups of the whipped cream for topping. Carefully fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding mixture to maintain its airy texture and lightness.
  5. Layer the Pudding: Line the bottom of a glass trifle bowl with a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafers, followed by a generous layer of the pudding mixture, making sure to cover the bananas completely. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.
  6. Top and Chill: Spread the reserved whipped cream over the top layer as a finishing touch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the pudding with additional banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers to enhance presentation and add texture.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from turning mushy after layering.
  • If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk alternatives.
  • For a more intense vanilla flavor, consider adding a little extra vanilla extract.
  • Make sure the heavy cream and mixing bowl are well chilled before whipping for best results.
  • This pudding tastes even better the next day after flavors have fully melded.

Keywords: banana pudding, no-bake dessert, vanilla pudding, whipped cream dessert, layered pudding, classic banana dessert