Fluffy Dreamy Banana Pudding Recipe for Sweet Cloud-Like Joy

Creamy desserts always hit the spot, especially when they feature a classic banana pudding that melts hearts.

Southern charm shines through this simple yet delectable banana pudding recipe that promises pure comfort.

Layers of smooth custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers create a heavenly combination.

Each spoonful brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and sweet summer afternoons.

The rich, velvety texture promises to delight even the most discerning dessert lovers.

No gathering feels complete without this crowd-pleasing treat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this timeless southern classic.

Serve the Best Banana Pudding Ever to Impress

• Slice of Heaven: Serve this banana pudding as a delightful dessert after a hearty family meal, creating a sweet finale that everyone will adore.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack individual portions in mason jars for a portable treat that's easy to transport and share at outdoor gatherings or potlucks.
• Fancy Presentation: Garnish each serving with a fresh banana slice and a whole vanilla wafer standing upright, transforming the classic dessert into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
• Brunch Companion: Offer this pudding as a decadent addition to weekend brunch spreads, complementing savory dishes with its creamy, sweet profile.

Store Banana Pudding for Chilled, Ready-to-Eat Bites

• Refrigerate the banana pudding for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor blending and texture development.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring maximum enjoyment of creamy layers and crisp wafer elements.
• Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain pudding's delightful consistency.
• Keep the dessert consistently chilled at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards while preserving the pudding's delectable quality.

FAQs

• Can I use instant pudding mix instead of homemade?

Yes, instant pudding mix works perfectly and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for mixing with milk.

• How do I prevent bananas from browning?

Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering. This helps prevent oxidation and keeps them looking fresh.

• What if I don't have a trifle dish?

No problem! You can use any clear glass dish or a regular baking pan. The key is to see the beautiful layers.

• Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s sweet, creamy, and has simple ingredients that children love. Kids can even help with layering the pudding.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Behind the Best Banana Pudding Ever

• Pudding Mix: Instant that transforms liquid into silky smooth comfort, choose a high-quality vanilla flavor for best results.
• Cold Milk: Provides richness and helps activate pudding's thickening power, use whole milk for extra creaminess.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luxurious sweetness and dense texture, select a trusted brand for consistent flavor.

• Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet foundation that gives natural sugar and creamy texture, select yellow bananas with minimal brown spots.
• Vanilla Wafers: Provides delightful crunch and classic dessert texture, choose crisp cookies that hold their shape when layered.

• Whipped Topping: Creates light, airy crown that complements rich pudding layers, use fresh or store-bought for convenience.
• Additional Vanilla Wafers: Adds decorative crunch and textural contrast, crush just before serving to maintain crisp texture.

Tools to Assemble the Best Banana Pudding Ever

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for whisking pudding ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix, milk, and condensed milk without lumps.
• Trifle dish or baking dish: Ideal for creating beautiful, layered dessert presentation.
• Knife: Needed for slicing bananas into even layers.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helps spread pudding and whipped topping evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make the Best Banana Pudding Ever at Home

• Whip Up Creamy Pudding

Mix pudding ingredients until silky smooth, creating a luscious base that’ll make taste buds dance. Let the mixture rest and thicken for a few minutes while you prep your other goodies.

• Create Delicious Layers

Grab your favorite serving dish and start building your masterpiece. Begin with a foundation of crispy vanilla cookies, then add a blanket of fresh banana slices. Generously pour your dreamy pudding mixture over the top, making sure every bite will be a flavor explosion.

• Stack and Build

Continue layering your ingredients like an edible work of art. Alternate between cookies, bananas, and that heavenly pudding until you’ve used everything up. Your final layer should be a luxurious pudding blanket that promises pure deliciousness.

• Crown with Clouds

Spread a fluffy cloud of whipped topping across the surface, making it look like a dessert dream. Crush some extra cookies and sprinkle them on top for a crunchy, decorative finish that’ll make everyone’s eyes pop.

• Chill and Let Happen

Tuck your creation into the refrigerator for at least four hours. Overnight is even better, allowing all those incredible flavors to mingle and create a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Elevating Your Banana Pudding Game

• Prepare the pudding mixture and layers up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and allow flavors to develop fully.
• Toss sliced bananas with a splash of lemon juice to prevent quick browning and keep them looking fresh and appetizing in the dessert.
• For added crunch, mix in some toasted chopped pecans or almonds between layers to create an unexpected nutty dimension and textural contrast.
• Create a lighter version by using sugar-free pudding mix, fat-free milk, and light whipped topping for a lower-calorie alternative that doesn't compromise on delicious flavor.
• Use clear glass serving dishes to showcase beautiful layers, making the dessert as visually appealing as it is delectable for stunning table presentation.

Dreamy Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Southern-style banana pudding combines creamy layers of vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers. Homemade comfort dessert delights with rich flavors you’ll savor down to the last sweet spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 3 cups (750 ml) whole milk
• 1 box (12 oz / 340 g) vanilla wafers
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Pudding Preparation: Whisk pudding mix, chilled dairy, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and silky. Let the mixture rest to thicken and develop a creamy consistency.
2. Layering Foundation: In a clear serving dish, create the first layer with crisp vanilla wafers, establishing a crunchy base for the dessert.
3. Banana Distribution: Slice ripe bananas into uniform rounds, positioning them evenly over the wafer layer to ensure consistent fruity flavor throughout the pudding.
4. Pudding Coating: Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the banana layer, completely covering the fruit and filling all available spaces with creamy goodness.
5. Strategic Layering: Continue building layers of wafers, banana slices, and pudding, alternating methodically until all ingredients are incorporated. Finish with a final pudding surface for a smooth top.
6. Topping Finesse: Spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the surface, creating a light, airy crown for the dessert.
7. Decorative Finish: Crush additional vanilla wafers and delicately sprinkle the crumbs over the top, adding textural complexity and visual interest.
8. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the pudding for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify for an ultimate taste experience.

Notes

• Banana Ripeness Check: Choose bananas with golden-yellow skin and minimal brown spots for optimal sweetness and texture without mushiness.
• Prevent Browning Trick: Toss banana slices in a touch of lemon juice to prevent discoloration and maintain fresh appearance during layering.
• Pudding Consistency Control: Whisk pudding mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy base that sets perfectly.
• Chilling Optimization: Allow dessert to rest in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop rich, harmonious flavors and allow layers to meld together.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg