Description
This recipe for The Best Banana Pudding Ever is a creamy, luscious layered dessert featuring vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat. The blend of smooth pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy wafers creates a delightful combination that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Layers
- 1 box (12 oz) vanilla wafers
- 5–6 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Set out a 9×13 inch baking dish nearby as your workspace for assembling the layers of this dessert.
- Mix Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to set.
- Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until the pudding mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently incorporate the thawed whipped topping using a spatula, mixing carefully to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Layer Wafers: Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom of the baking dish evenly.
- Layer Bananas: Place a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, ensuring good coverage.
- Layer Pudding: Spoon half of the pudding mixture evenly over the banana layer, smoothing gently with the spatula.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding, followed by another layer of banana slices.
- Top with Remaining Pudding: Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the bananas, then smooth the surface with a spatula for an even finish.
- Garnish: Crush a few additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top for added texture and decoration.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and wafers soften perfectly.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness in the pudding.
- For a richer taste, substitute half the cold milk with cream.
- The dessert can be made a day ahead, as chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- To keep the pudding from becoming too watery, avoid over-slicing the bananas too thin.
- Leftovers should be covered and refrigerated; consume within 3 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Layered Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: banana pudding, layered dessert, vanilla wafers, easy banana dessert, no-bake dessert