Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

5 from 3 votes

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.

Prep Time20

Chill4

Total Time4 20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Servings:

Calories: 421kcal

Author: Jami Powell

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.

Video

Notes

Storage Store no bake banana pudding leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze This dish is not freezer-friendly.

Reheat No reheating required.

Substitutions

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.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition