No-Bake Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a Southern classic that’s loved by many for its creamy, custard-like layers, fresh bananas, and delicate vanilla wafers.

While the traditional recipe usually calls for some baking, this No-Bake Banana Pudding takes a shortcut, meaning you can enjoy all the delicious flavor in just a few easy steps.

Perfect for those warmer months or when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want to turn on the oven, this recipe layers together silky vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and sweet vanilla wafers for a mouthwatering dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible.

No fuss, no bake, just layers of heaven. You’ll have this dessert ready in no time, and I guarantee it will disappear just as quickly! Serve it for dinner parties, potlucks, or just as a treat at home.

Things You Need for This Recipe:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Glass baking dish (or individual serving cups)
• Plastic wrap

Major Steps for This Recipe:

1. Prepare the Pudding Base: Mix instant vanilla pudding mix with milk and whisk until thickened.
2. Layer the Dessert: In your dish or cups, alternate layers of banana slices, vanilla wafers, and pudding mixture.
3. Chill and Set: Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld and to firm up.
4. Finish and Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream, a few extra banana slices, and crushed wafers for a decorative crunch.

Ellie’s Secret Tips On This Recipe:

1. Use Ripe, but Not Overripe Bananas: Select bananas that are ripe, but not too mushy. The right ripeness will give you the best balance of flavor and texture.
2. Let It Sit: Allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight). This gives the flavors time to blend and helps the wafer layers soften to perfection.
3. For Extra Texture: Lightly crush some of the vanilla wafers and add them between layers or on top for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
4. Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, you can mix some whipped cream into the pudding base to give it a lighter, fluffier texture before layering it.
5. Use Quality Pudding Mix: Although you can make this with homemade pudding, the instant vanilla pudding mix provides a classic texture and ease. Go for a high-quality brand for the best result.

No-Bake Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a Southern classic that’s loved by many for its creamy, custard-like layers, fresh bananas, and delicate vanilla wafers.

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can 8 oz whipped topping (or heavy cream for homemade)
• 1 ½ cups vanilla wafers plus extra for topping
• 3 ripe bananas sliced
• Optional: Extra whipped cream or banana slices for garnish

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base

• In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cold milk and 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping to add a light, fluffy texture to the pudding.

Step 2: Layer the Dessert

• In a glass baking dish (or individual serving cups), arrange a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Follow with a layer of sliced bananas, then a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layering process until you have used all of your ingredients, ending with a layer of pudding on top.

Step 3: Chill and Set

• Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Before serving, garnish with a layer of whipped cream (if desired), and decorate with extra banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers on top. Slice and serve, and enjoy!