This Southern Banana Pudding Recipe is an easy no-bake dessert, ready in 20 minutes, and perfect for family gatherings. With layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and creamy pudding, it's a Southern dessert that always disappears fast.
Need something to pair this dessert with? Try our Southern Meatloaf or this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe!
Southern Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that combines layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a creamy pudding mixture. This dish has roots in Southern cuisine and is often enjoyed at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. Its simplicity and sweet flavor make it a staple in many homes.
If you like this dessert recipe, you may also love our Southern Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix or our Old Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, pudding, and Cool Whip creates a rich and smooth texture.
- Southern Classic: Crave-worthy! Just like this Apple Loaf Cake.
- Quick to Prepare: This no-bake banana pudding takes only 20 minutes to put together, making it perfect for busy parents.
- Impressive Presentation: Layers of bananas and wafers make it a visually appealing dessert.
Southern Banana Pudding Ingredients
- Vanilla Wafers: These classic cookies add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the pudding.
- Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Milk: Whole milk is used to create the rich pudding base.
- French Vanilla Pudding Mix: This adds a smooth, vanilla flavor to the pudding.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Have leftover? Try our Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This sweetens the pudding and makes it extra creamy.
- Cool Whip: Light and fluffy, it gives the pudding a perfect airy texture.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vanilla Wafers: Substitute with Chessmen shortbread cookies for a different style and flavor.
- Cool Whip: Use homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Whole Milk: Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a healthier option.
- Diet-Friendly: Use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Kid-Friendly: Let kids help layer the wafers and bananas for a fun family activity.
Using Chessmen Cookies in Southern Banana Pudding
Chess cookies, often referred to as Chessmen cookies, are buttery shortbread cookies made by Pepperidge Farm. They are a popular alternative to vanilla wafers in desserts like banana pudding because of their rich, buttery flavor and sturdy texture. The cookies have a distinctive appearance, often featuring a chess piece design embossed on them, which adds a decorative touch to the dessert.
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How to Make Southern Banana Pudding
STEP ONE: Prepare the Pudding Mix
Whisk together 2 cups of cold whole milk with the French vanilla pudding mix in a large mixing bowl.
Set it aside until it thickens.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, continuing to beat until well combined and no lumps remain.
STEP THREE: Combine the Mixtures
Fold twelve ounces of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture, then combine it with the French vanilla pudding.
STEP FOUR: Layer the Pudding
In a large serving dish, create layers starting with a base of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced ripe bananas over the wafers. Pour the pudding mixture over the bananas.
Top with remaining whipped cream, then chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Remove and garnish with remaining crumbled wafers, whole wafers, and bananas on top.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Allow the pudding to chill for at least 4 hours to set properly and develop the flavors.
✔️ DO Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness in the pudding.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly. No reheating is required.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Making Southern Banana Pudding a day ahead allows the flavors to blend well. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
To make this recipe healthier, use sugar-free pudding mix, low-fat cream cheese, and light Cool Whip. You can also substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter option.
The cookies may not soften adequately if the pudding doesn't chill long enough. Chessmen cookies are sturdier than vanilla wafers, so they need sufficient time to absorb moisture from the pudding and bananas.
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📖 Recipe
Southern Banana Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or Stand Mixer
- Large serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla wafers, 11 ounces reserve some for topping
- 6 bananas, sliced reserve one half of a banana for topping
- 2 cups milk
- 5 ounces French vanilla or vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 16 ounces Cool Whip reserve 4 ounces for topping.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of cold whole milk with the French vanilla pudding mix. Set it aside until it thickens.
- In another mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Fold 12 ounces of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture, then combine it with the French vanilla pudding.
- In a large serving dish, create layers starting with a base of vanilla wafers (reserve some for topping).
- Add five sliced ripe bananas over the vanilla wafers.
- Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Finish with a layer of the remaining Cool Whip. Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Remove and Garnish with reserved crushed wafers, whole wafers, and bananas.
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Notes
- Vanilla Wafers: Substitute with Chessmen shortbread cookies for a different style and flavor.
- Cool Whip: Use homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Whole Milk: Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a healthier option.
Jami Powell says
One of our favorite desserts!