Banana Pudding

With parts rich vanilla pudding, crunchy vanilla wafers, and fresh sliced bananas, this no-bake Banana Pudding recipe is a crowd-pleasing layered dessert that is fun to make and display on any dessert table!

Desserts in a trifle bowl taste better, and this banana pudding dessert is no exception! With creamy vanilla pudding, crunchy wafers, and some bananas, this layered dessert makes my sweet tooth happy. Kids love it, too! They can pick it apart and enjoy it, making it a finger-licking good time!

This banana pudding trifle is excellent for spring holiday parties, BBQs, and family gatherings. It’s a fun alternative to a traditional birthday cake, too! Just add some candles! With one part fruit, this banana pudding dessert can grace the breakfast table, brunch line, or dessert bar on any occasion!

How to Make Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

As a no-bake layered dessert, this banana pudding recipe is a great beginner recipe that requires patience and creativity!

Banana Pudding Ingredients

• 2 cups cold milk
• 2- 3.4-ounce packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • It must be instant vanilla pudding!
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream OR 12 ounces Cool Whip or Whipped Topping, thawed
• 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
• 11 ounces Nilla Wafersor vanilla wafers, 1 regular box
• 5-7 bananas, sliced
  • Having more bananas on hand than needed is right for this banana recipe. This way, you can cut out bad or brown spots and have only fresh banana slices for a better presentation.

Equiment

• Trifle Bowl
  • This simple but elegant trifle bowl from Anchor Hocking Monaco Glass showcases layered desserts in a fun way! Its clear sides allow for an unobstructed view of your best trifles. We love using this bowl for strawberry or Brownie Trifle!
• Measuring cups
  • My sister has a similar set of these measuring cups and loves how they stack together!

Banana Pudding Instructions

Make the vanilla pudding layer: Whisk the cold milk and vanilla pudding packets in a large mixing bowl until it starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. Then, blend in the sweetened condensed milk.

Make the whipped topping: Using a hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream on high in a medium mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold 2/3 of the whipped topping into the vanilla pudding until well incorporated. Then, mix the powdered sugar into the rest of the whipped topping. Store both these dishes in the refrigerator until they are needed.

Slice the bananas into 1/4-1/2″ pieces. Start with 1-2 bananas. Slicing the bananas as you go will ensure they don’t brown while sitting to be assembled into the dessert.

The assembling: Next, reserve a handful of vanilla Wafers(about 1/5) for the garnish. Then, slightly crush a remaining 1/4 of the wafers on the bottom of the trifle bowl.

Then layer 1-1 1/2 sliced bananas onto the crushed wafers.

Dollop 1/4 of the vanilla pudding on top of the vanilla wafers and sliced bananas, and carefully spread the pudding into an even layer. Repeat this process 3 more times for a total of 4 layers. Then, chill the banana pudding dish in the refrigerator for 2 hours, allowing the layers to set and blend.

Finally, take out the remaining whipped topping, your reserve of vanilla wafers, and the last banana. Add one more layer of vanilla wafers(don’t crush these; reserve 4-5 wafers for later) and sliced bananas, and top the dish with the whipped topping. Garnish with a sprinkle of any remaining crushed vanilla wafers on top. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for a Great Banana Pudding Dish

• Freeze the bowl to make whipped topping 10 minutes beforehand. The chilled bowl helps set up the cream faster, which is less work!
• Crushing the Vanilla Wafers makes them easier to eat and serve to guests. Try spooning an entire wafer, a banana slice, and some pudding into one bite; it gets to be a mouthful. By slightly crushing the wafers, you can effortlessly experience all these amazing flavors in one bite!
• Do NOT skip the chilling. It really helps the dish set up, become the creamy goodness it is, and blend those flavors!
• Garnish the banana pudding right before serving. Bananas will brown once exposed to air, so assemble the top layer right before serving to keep them fresh and beautiful.
• Fun Fact: Our family prefers organic bananas. We did a taste test once and realized that organic bananas are slightly sweeter and taste better! Win, win! Try it out and let us know your thoughts!

Storing Banana Pudding

Leftover banana pudding can be stored in an airtight container for several days. The bananas will brown once exposed to air, but this will not affect the taste of the dish.

More Great Potluck Dishes for Your Next Gathering

Much like banana pudding, this Raspberry Fluff is an excellent no-bake dessert that works for any occasion throughout the day! It’s a light and savory pudding dish with raspberries. It’s a great dish for both kids and adults to enjoy!

Speaking of a raspberry dish that will make you swoon, this Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Danish might be the next best thing since sliced bread! Who can say no to fresh raspberries and a cheesecake filling baked in a buttery soft pastry? It’s a must-try recipe!

Chicken Salad: It’s savory, sweet, and simple to make! This easy chicken salad recipe is worth a try and won’t disappoint! From chicken salad sandwiches to topping it on toast and crackers, this is an easy dish for lunch on the go!