The Best Banana Pudding Recipe – Creamy, No-Bake, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Introduction:

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect, creamy, and dreamy banana pudding, this The Best Banana Pudding recipe is here to make that dream a reality! Rich and fluffy, with just the right balance of sweetness and texture, this dessert is made for every occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a picnic, or just indulging at home, this banana pudding is sure to become your go-to dessert. Plus, it’s simple to make and requires no baking — just a little chill time for the flavors to come together.

Table of Contents

History or Background

Banana pudding is a classic American dessert with deep Southern roots. It has been a beloved staple in many households for decades, often making appearances at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. The dessert’s popularity soared with the invention of Nilla Wafers in the mid-20th century, which became the signature ingredient in many banana pudding recipes. Over the years, variations of the dish have evolved, but the heart of the recipe remains simple: bananas, pudding, and a crisp, cookie layer. This version, however, elevates the traditional banana pudding to new heights with its rich, creamy texture and delightful balance of flavors, making it the best banana pudding ever!

Why You’ll Love The Best Banana Pudding

1. Creamy & Decadent: The combination of whipped cream, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
2. No-Bake: This pudding is perfect for hot summer days or any time you want a hassle-free dessert. No baking required—just layer and chill.
3. Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The pudding has just the right amount of sweetness, complemented by the natural flavor of fresh bananas and the crunch of Nilla Wafers.
4. Family Favorite: This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for large gatherings, parties, or even just a family treat.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare this dessert in advance, allowing it to chill and develop even more flavor overnight.

Ingredients for The Best Banana Pudding

• 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• 14 oz (1 small can) sweetened condensed milk
• 5 oz (1 large box) instant banana pudding mix (dry powder)
• 1 cup 2% or whole milk
• 11 oz (1 box) Nilla Wafers
• About 8 medium bananas, sliced (barely ripe)

How to Make the Best Banana Pudding

1. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Whip the cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Using the whisk attachment, whip the mixture until stiff peaks form, about 5–7 minutes. Once done, remove the whipped cream and set it aside in a medium bowl.
3. Make the pudding base: In the same stand mixer bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat with the whisk attachment until fluffy, about 30 seconds. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Add the dry banana pudding mix and mix well. Slowly stream in the milk, continuing to mix until fully combined.
4. Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold 2/3 of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined and no whipped cream streaks remain.
5. Assemble the pudding: In the prepared pan, place an even layer of Nilla Wafers. Top with an even layer of sliced banana coins. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas. Repeat the layering process with another layer of Nilla Wafers, sliced bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture. Finally, top with the remaining 1/3 of the whipped cream.
6. Chill: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Finish and serve: Just before serving, crush any remaining Nilla Wafers and sprinkle over the top for added crunch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding

1. Use Barely Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are just ripe, not overly soft. Overripe bananas will brown quickly and affect the texture of the pudding.
2. Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, make this pudding a day ahead. The longer it chills, the better the layers and flavors meld together.
3. Substitute with Cool Whip: If you prefer an even quicker option, replace the whipped cream with a 12-oz tub of thawed Cool Whip. This will save time without compromising on the creamy texture.

Serving Ideas or Usage Tips

This The Best Banana Pudding is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Family gatherings: Bring it to your next potluck, BBQ, or holiday dinner – it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
• Picnics: Its no-bake nature makes it ideal for warm-weather picnics or outdoor events.
• Meal prep: Make it ahead of time for an easy, make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
• Party treat: Add a fun twist by serving individual portions in jars or small bowls for a cute, portioned dessert option.

Storage Advice or Shelf Life Information

You can store The Best Banana Pudding in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, because bananas tend to brown over time, it’s best to enjoy it within that window for the freshest flavor. Be sure to cover the dish tightly to prevent it from absorbing any other odors in the fridge. Do not freeze this recipe, as the pudding doesn’t freeze well and can affect the texture.

You can find on Facebook & Pinterest

FAQs

Which pudding is best for banana pudding?

• Instant banana pudding mix is the best choice for banana pudding, as it creates a creamy, thick consistency that pairs perfectly with the bananas and cookies.

What makes banana pudding sweet?

• The combination of sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas makes this dessert irresistibly sweet.

Is banana pudding good for your health?

• While banana pudding is delicious, it’s a dessert, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. The bananas add some nutritional value, but the pudding is high in sugar and fat, so it’s best as an occasional treat.

you may also like

Fall Dessert Recipes: Discover more festive dessert ideas to add to your holiday table in our Astounding Halloween Spider Crackers: Spooky & Easy Party Snack.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that The Best Banana Pudding is a showstopper dessert that will quickly become a family favorite. With its rich, creamy layers of pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers, this no-bake treat is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and perfect for any occasion, this banana pudding is the dessert everyone will be asking for again and again. Don’t wait – make this incredible pudding today!

Print

You can find on Facebook & Pinterest