Blow-Your-Mind Banana Pudding — Don’t LOSE This Recipe!
This classic Southern-style banana pudding is creamy, rich, and unbelievably smooth — the kind of dessert that disappears fast at family gatherings. Layers of silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, fluffy whipped topping, and a subtle tang from cream cheese make every bite pure comfort. No baking, no stress — just a show-stopping dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.
Why Everyone Loves This Banana Pudding
- Ultra-creamy texture (no watery pudding)
- Perfect balance of sweetness
- Easy, no-bake dessert
- Ideal for parties, holidays, or late-night cravings
- Gets better after chilling
Ingredients
Pudding Base
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Creamy Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For Assembly (Recommended)
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers or butter cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cold milk with the instant vanilla pudding mix for about 2 minutes until thick and smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
Set aside to firm up while you prepare the cream layer.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free.
Slowly fold in the thawed whipped topping, mixing gently until light, fluffy, and fully combined.
Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature for the smoothest texture.
3. Combine for Ultimate Creaminess
Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
Mix slowly until fully blended — do not overmix.
The result should be thick, airy, and luxurious.
Assembling the Banana Pudding
4. Layer Like a Pro
In a glass dish or trifle bowl:
- Add a layer of vanilla wafers
- Add a layer of banana slices
- Spread a generous layer of pudding cream
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used
- Finish with pudding on top
Optional topping:
- Crushed cookies
- Banana slices
- A light drizzle of caramel
5. Chill for Best Flavor
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
This allows the flavors to blend and the cookies to soften perfectly.
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled
- Use a deep spoon to get every layer
- Perfect with coffee or tea
- Always make extra — it goes FAST
Storage
- Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
- Cover tightly to prevent bananas from browning
Final Note
This banana pudding isn’t just dessert — it’s a crowd-pleasing classic that never fails. Creamy, nostalgic, and dangerously good… one bite and you’ll understand why everyone says: