How to Make the Perfect Homemade Banana Pudding
American · Easy · 20 min · 8 servings
This dreamy banana pudding is one of the most popular kid friendly recipes because children love the layers of bananas cookies and cream. Parents can whip this no bake dessert together in minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights and weekend parties.
Why this recipe works
This Homemade Banana Pudding recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 350 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 whole ripe bananas sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding
Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before layering.
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled pudding until fully combined and fluffy. Reserve the remaining whipped cream for the topping. This creates a lighter creamier pudding layer.
Step 3: Layer the Pudding
In a large trifle dish or individual cups place a layer of vanilla wafer cookies followed by a layer of banana slices and then a generous layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.
Step 4: Top and Chill
Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer and garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and a few banana slices. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the cookies to soften into the pudding.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- instant vanilla pudding mix → homemade vanilla custard for a from scratch version
- vanilla wafer cookies → graham crackers for a slightly different crunch
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using underripe bananas that are too firm and starchy instead of sweet ripe ones
- Serving immediately without chilling so cookies stay crunchy instead of softening perfectly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 350 calories, 5g protein, 48g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.
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