- The BEST Banana Pudding Ever – Creamy, Dreamy & Crowd-Favorite
Don’t LOSE this Recipe!
This is a full, big, classic Southern-style banana pudding that’s rich, fluffy, and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients (Serves 10–12)
Pudding Base
1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Creamy Layer
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Folding Layer
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Layering Ingredients
5–6 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes
Add vanilla extract
Let pudding sit 5 minutes to thicken
2️⃣ Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth
Add sweetened condensed milk
Beat until creamy and lump-free
3️⃣ Combine
Gently fold pudding into cream cheese mixture
Fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy
4️⃣ Assemble the Layers
Use a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl:
Layer vanilla wafers on bottom
Add sliced bananas
Spread pudding mixture
Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top
5️⃣ Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours
Best flavor after overnight chilling
Optional Toppings
Crushed vanilla wafers
Banana slices (add just before serving)
Whipped cream rosettes
Caramel drizzle or toasted coconut
Pro Tips
✔ Use ripe but firm bananas
✔ For extra banana flavor, add ½ tsp banana extract
✔ Chill overnight for best texture
✔ Serve cold
Storage
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Not freezer-friendly (bananas discolor)
