Description
This isn’t your average snack-pack banana pudding. We’re going full comfort food nostalgia here — layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe banana slices, and classic vanilla wafers, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream (or meringue if you’re feeling old-school fancy). It’s cool, rich, ridiculously easy, and somehow tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Grandma probably made a version of this in a giant glass trifle dish, and you best believe it disappeared in 10 minutes flat. It’s retro, it’s sweet, and it’s the kind of dessert people fight over at potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Base:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 container Cool Whip if you’re going shortcut-mode)
For the Layers:
5–6 ripe bananas (not mushy, just soft with brown freckles)
1 box Nilla Wafers (or any vanilla cookie you love)
For the Topping:
Whipped cream (fresh or from a can — we don’t judge)
Extra crushed wafers for garnish
Banana slices or mint if you want to show off
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth.
Add in the pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes (longer is fine).
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (or open your Cool Whip if that’s your vibe).
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until smooth and dreamy.
Step 2: Slice Those Bananas
Peel and slice your bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Try not to eat half of them while you work.
Step 3: Assemble the Magic
In a trifle dish, 9×13 baking dish, or individual cups, start layering:
A layer of vanilla wafers
A layer of banana slices
A thick layer of pudding
Repeat until you’ve used up all your goodies, ending with pudding on top.
Step 4: Chill & Set
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — overnight is best. The wafers get all soft and cakey in the best way.
Step 5: Serve & Slay
Top with whipped cream and crushed wafers right before serving. Add a few banana slices or mint sprigs if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in with a big spoon and try not to eat half the dish standing over the sink.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in wine glasses or mason jars for a dinner party flex.
Want to make it extra-rich? Add a layer of cream cheese between pudding layers.
Goes great after BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or honestly… anything.
Notes
Chocolate Banana Pudding: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate — trust.
Boozy Version: Add a splash of bourbon to the whipped cream or pudding. Just not for the kids.
Make It Mini: Use ramekins or clear plastic cups for parties. Instant cute factor.
Cookie Chaos: Use Chessmen cookies or Biscoff for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~4g