Description
This Easy Banana Pudding recipe combines creamy layers of cream cheese and vanilla pudding with ripe bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers for a delightful layered dessert. With its smooth texture and sweet, airy flavor, this classic Southern treat is perfect for any occasion and requires no baking—just simple mixing, assembling, and chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Creamy Pudding Mixture
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided
Layers
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 60 cookies) or butter cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- Crushed vanilla wafers (for topping)
- Additional banana slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Pudding Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until well combined, creating a rich base for the pudding.
- Make the Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so it thickens. Gradually fold this pudding mixture into the cream cheese blend until fully combined, then fold in half of the Cool Whip to add a light and airy texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Begin by placing a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of your chosen serving dish (a trifle bowl, clear bowl, or 9×13-inch pan works well). Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, then spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is pudding for a smooth finish.
- Top It Off: Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish the pudding with crushed vanilla wafers and additional banana slices for an attractive and tasty presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pudding overnight.
- You can substitute butter cookies for vanilla wafers if preferred.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from turning mushy quickly.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the pudding mixture.
- Optional: Add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the pudding flavor.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American Southern
