Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Pudding recipe is a blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love. The combination of creamy pudding, smooth cream cheese, and crisp Vanilla Wafers makes each bite a delightful treat. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and has the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether served as a special occasion dessert or just as a comforting snack, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
• 6 to 8 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or equal amount sweetened whipped cream)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and French Vanilla pudding mix until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined.
4. Fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
5. Gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain, creating a light, fluffy mixture.
6. In a 9×13-inch dish, start layering: begin with a single layer of Vanilla Wafers at the bottom.
7. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
8. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, smoothing it out with a spatula.
9. Repeat the layers (wafers, bananas, pudding) until you finish with a final layer of pudding.
10. Decorate the top with additional Vanilla Wafers or crushed wafers, if desired.
11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld together and the wafers soften.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Banana Pudding Parfaits: Layer the ingredients in individual cups for a fun twist.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Make it Chocolatey: Add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup over the pudding.
• Non-Dairy Version: Swap the whipped topping for a dairy-free version and use non-dairy milk and cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular vanilla pudding instead of French vanilla?

Yes, regular vanilla pudding can be used, but French vanilla adds a richer, more intense flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor and texture.

3. How long can I store this dessert?

Banana pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I substitute the whipped topping with whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade or store-bought sweetened whipped cream.

5. Do I have to use Vanilla Wafers?

Vanilla Wafers are traditional in this recipe, but you can use any crunchy cookie or biscuit as an alternative.

6. Can I freeze this banana pudding?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the banana pudding for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change upon thawing.

7. Can I use low-fat milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk, but the dessert may not be as rich as when using full-fat milk.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is not gluten-free, as the Vanilla Wafers typically contain gluten. You can use gluten-free cookies as a substitute.

9. How can I make this banana pudding dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk, cream cheese, and whipped topping to make a dairy-free version of this dessert.

10. Can I add chocolate to this banana pudding?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup for a fun twist on the classic.

Conclusion

The Best Banana Pudding Ever is a simple yet indulgent dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!). With its creamy, fluffy layers and irresistible sweetness, it’s a perfect recipe for any occasion. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your household.

The Best Banana Pudding Ever

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Discover the ultimate dessert with The Best Banana Pudding Ever! This classic recipe features a delicious combination of creamy pudding, tangy cream cheese, sweet bananas, and crunchy Vanilla Wafers, all topped with fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for any gathering, this crowd-pleasing dish is easy to make, requires no baking, and promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors. A sweet treat that will quickly become a favorite!

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Ingredients

• 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
• 6 to 8 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or equal amount sweetened whipped cream)

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Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and French Vanilla pudding mix until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
• In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
• Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined.
• Fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
• Gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain, creating a light, fluffy mixture.
• In a 9×13-inch dish, layer Vanilla Wafers at the bottom.
• Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
• Spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, smoothing it out.
• Repeat the layers (wafers, bananas, pudding) until you finish with a final layer of pudding.
• Decorate the top with additional Vanilla Wafers or crushed wafers.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the wafers soften.

Notes

• Variations: Banana Pudding Parfaits, Nutty Crunch with chopped pecans or walnuts, or add a chocolate twist with chocolate chips or syrup.
• Use non-dairy alternatives for a dairy-free version.
• Best stored in the refrigerator, can last up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American