Southern Banana Pudding
Creamy, no-bake layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and rich custard — a Southern classic that takes 15 minutes and tastes like comfort. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when you need dessert fast.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Calories
- 485
- Protein
- 6g
Ingredients
- 2 packets (5.1 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box (12 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 medium ripe bananas
- 2 cups whipped cream
Instructions
- 1
Pour 3 cups whole milk into a large mixing bowl, then add both packets of instant vanilla pudding mix.
- 2
Whisk the pudding and milk together for 2 minutes, using long, continuous strokes, until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- 3
Stir in the full can of sweetened condensed milk until completely blended, then set the pudding mixture aside.
- 4
Peel each banana and place it on a cutting board, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, like slicing a coin into many thin discs.
- 5
Spread a thin layer of pudding mixture (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or large serving bowl.
- 6
Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding, breaking cookies as needed to fit snugly.
- 7
Scatter half of the banana slices evenly over the wafer layer, covering the cookies.
- 8
Spread another layer of pudding (about 1 cup) over the bananas, using a spatula to smooth it level.
- 9
Layer another row of vanilla wafers on top, then scatter the remaining banana slices on top of this layer.
- 10
Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the bananas and spread it in an even layer to the edges.
- 11
Top the entire pudding with 2 cups of whipped cream, spreading it in a thin, even layer across the surface.
- 12
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before serving, so the wafers soften and flavors meld.
Tools you’ll need
- large mixing bowl
- whisk
- cutting board
- serrated knife
- rubber spatula or spoon
- 9x13-inch baking dish or large serving bowl
- plastic wrap
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