Description
This Best Banana Pudding recipe is a creamy, no-cook dessert layering luscious vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers, topped with fluffy whipped topping. Perfectly chilled, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that combines smooth textures with delightful banana flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 ounce package INSTANT vanilla pudding mix (larger box)
- 3 cups milk (2% or higher)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ounce whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed (half of the 8 ounce tub)
Assembly
- 8 ounce whipped topping (COOL WHIP), remaining half of 8 ounce tub
- 11 ounce box Nilla wafers, divided into thirds for layering
- 5-7 bananas, peeled and sliced, divided into thirds for layering
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This ensures a creamy base for the pudding.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping to the pudding mixture. This adds lightness and creaminess to the filling.
- Layer the Pudding: In a trifle dish, large bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish, place one-third of the Nilla wafers in an even layer at the bottom.
- Add Bananas: Arrange one-third of the sliced bananas over the wafer layer, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Add Pudding Mixture: Pour one-third of the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading gently to cover them completely.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture two more times, finishing with the pudding layer on top.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer for a smooth, creamy finish.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time thickens the pudding and softens the wafers to a perfect texture.
Notes
- This Banana Pudding is a no-cook recipe requiring no baking or stovetop cooking—easy and quick to assemble.
- Using instant vanilla pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy and rich pudding base.
- Allowing the pudding to chill helps thicken the filling and soften the wafers for ideal texture.
- You can adjust the number of bananas based on your preference, adding more or fewer slices in each layer.
- Use full-fat dairy products like 2% or higher milk and cream cheese for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 54 g
- Sodium: 408 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
