Description
This classic Southern Banana Pudding is a creamy, no-bake dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a luscious vanilla pudding whipped with heavy cream. Perfectly chilled to meld flavors and soften the wafers, it’s an easy and crowd-pleasing treat that requires no oven time.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Layers
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until well combined. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, use a mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully combined and fluffy, ensuring the mixture maintains its airy texture.
- Assemble the pudding layers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl, begin layering by placing a single layer of vanilla wafers along the bottom. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, followed by a generous layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of the pudding on top.
- Chill to set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the vanilla wafers to soften to a perfect texture.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with extra whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers for an added classic Southern touch. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- For a classic Southern touch, top with extra whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers.
- Use just-ripe bananas to avoid browning and enhance flavor.
- This banana pudding can be made a day in advance for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the pudding is fully chilled and set before layering with whipped cream to maintain the desired consistency.
