If you’re on the hunt for the Best Banana Pudding Ever, you’ve just stumbled upon a classic Southern dessert that’s sure to impress. Creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped topping create a delightful experience in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this banana pudding recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and nostalgia.
Ingredients:
1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups cold milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
Directions:
Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Set aside for a few minutes.
Make Whipped Cream: In another bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a rich and fluffy homemade whipped cream.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding along with the sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Layer the Dessert: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the bottom with vanilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices, followed by half of the pudding mixture spread over the bananas.
Repeat the Layers: Continue layering with more vanilla wafers, banana slices, and the remaining pudding mixture on top.
Final Touch: If desired, top with additional vanilla wafers for decoration. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve the banana pudding in individual dessert cups or mason jars. This not only looks appealing but also makes it easy for guests to enjoy.
Garnish: Before serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top and garnishing with additional banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers for extra texture and visual appeal.
Chill Before Serving: Make sure to refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly, enhancing the overall taste.
Temperature: Banana pudding is best served cold. If you’re bringing it to a gathering, keep it in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain its temperature.
Pairing Options: This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, sweet tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the pudding fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Duration: Enjoy the banana pudding within 3–4 days for the best taste and texture. The bananas will start to brown after a couple of days, but the pudding itself will still be delicious.
Prevent Browning: To slow down the browning of the banana slices, you can lightly coat them with lemon juice before adding them to the pudding layers. This will help maintain their color.
Do Not Freeze: While this dessert is delicious, it is not suitable for freezing. Freezing can alter the texture of the bananas and the pudding, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
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Conclusion:
This Best Banana Pudding Ever recipe is not only easy to make but also brings a taste of Southern comfort to your table. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this banana pudding will be the star of your dessert table. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor!
📖 Recipe:
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Best Banana Pudding Ever
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the Best Banana Pudding Ever, a creamy and dreamy dessert layered with rich vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped topping. This classic Southern treat is easy to make and perfect for any gathering, offering a taste of nostalgia in every bite. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser at your next family event or potluck!
Ingredients
1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating homemade whipped cream.
- Gently fold the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk into the prepared pudding until smooth and combined.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer vanilla wafers to cover the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, then spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat layers with more wafers, bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture.
- Top with additional vanilla wafers if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For best flavor, prepare the pudding the night before and refrigerate overnight.
To prevent bananas from browning, lightly coat them with lemon juice before layering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 290 kcal