This no-bake banana pudding recipe is a creamy, dreamy dessert classic. Top with whipped cream for an easy, eye-popping treat that will wow your dinner guests.

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Flavor: Vanilla pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers create a trifecta of cozy, sweet & creamy flavor.
Skill Level: Just whip, layer, top, and serve. It’s easy enough that even smaller kids can help assemble the layers.
Recommended Tools: A trifle bowl is perfect for showcasing all those delicious layers.
Swaps: Swap out Nilla Wafers for Biscoff cookies or even homemade peanut butter cookies.

ingredients to make banana pudding, with labels

Sweet and Simple Ingredients

Nilla Wafers: Nilla wafers soak up that vanilla goodness while still maintaining their structure.
Creamy Dairy: For the richest flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk. No need to get the brand name of instant pudding; any basic vanilla pudding mix works.
Whipped Cream: Make your own fresh whipped cream, or if time is short, use a tub of Cool Whip instead.
Bananas: For the best results, use fresh, firm but ripe bananas. Save the older bananas for banana bread or banana cake.

Variations

For a twist, use layers of graham crackers in place of vanilla wafers.
If time permits, try using homemade vanilla custard to make this the best banana pudding recipe. (Serve any extra with fresh berries for an extra sweet treat!)
Add pops of color and layer in some blueberries, sliced strawberries, or top banana pudding with a sprinkle of homemade granola or candied pecans.

adding banana slices to cookie wafers to make Banana Pudding

adding pudding layer to dish to make Banana Pudding

How to Make Banana Pudding

Mix the pudding layer and make whipped cream. Fold them together (reserving some whipped cream as per full recipe below).
Layer the trifle dish with cookies, slices of banana, and pudding.
Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used up.
Top with whipped cream, cover, and chill pudding.

This dish is best made ahead!

Ensure you cover the banana slices fully with pudding to prevent browning.

Chill in the refrigerator overnight or up to 4 days. Top with fresh banana slices right before serving.

close up of Banana Pudding with a part missing

Banana Pudding Pro Tips

To prevent browning, slice bananas just before using and ensure they’re fully covered with pudding. And if you’re using a layer of banana slices as a garnish, slice them right before serving.
For the best results, chill banana pudding overnight or for at least 4 hours before serving.
Store banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

The Best Banana Desserts

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Desserts

Did you make this Banana Pudding Recipe? Leave a rating and comment below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

4.98 from 110 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

Banana Pudding

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 18

Easy banana pudding is a no-bake classic with layers of fresh bananas, smooth vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream.

Save Rate Print

Servings 18

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Chill Time 4

Total Time 4 35

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened
▢ 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
▢ 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix 6 serving size
▢ 2 cups whole milk
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 3 cups heavy whipping cream
▢ ¼ cup powdered sugar
▢ 5 bananas ripened
▢ 1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese with the condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to beat until fluffy.
Add in pudding mix, milk, and vanilla. Continue beating until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating; stop as soon as you see stiff peaks forming.
Reserve 2½ cups of whipped cream for topping. Carefully fold the rest of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
Line the bottom of a glass trifle bowl with vanilla wafers. Top with sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture, ensuring that the bananas are completely covered. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
Top with the reserved whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Garnish with additional banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers just before serving, if desired.

Video

Notes

Cookies: Other options for cookies are graham crackers, digestive biscuits, Biscoff, or chessmen cookies.
Dish: To make in a 9×13-inch pan or two 9×9-inch pans: Line the bottom of the pan(s) with vanilla wafers, and top with sliced bananas. Spread the pudding mixture over the top, ensuring the bananas are completely covered. Garnish with reserved whipped cream.
Bananas: Completely cover the bananas with the other layers to keep them from browning.
Chill: Allow the dessert to sit at least 4 hours, but overnight is better if possible. This softens the cookies.
Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

4.98 from 110 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

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