Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent No-Bake Banana Pudding:
For the Pudding:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Layers:
- 4–5 ripe bananas (depending on size), sliced
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (for whipping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipping)
Garnish:
- Additional vanilla wafers (for topping)
- Optional: fresh banana slices, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration
Ingredient Highlights
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The condensed milk is a key component of the pudding layer, giving it a rich, velvety texture and sweetness. It provides the pudding with its characteristic creaminess without the need for cooking.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant pudding mix is convenient and easy to use. It sets quickly and provides a smooth and creamy texture, making it perfect for a no-bake dessert.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to the layers of the pudding. It complements the rich pudding and the soft bananas for a delicious contrast.
- Vanilla Wafers: The vanilla wafer cookies provide the perfect crunch to balance the creamy layers. As they absorb some of the pudding and banana juices, they soften, creating a deliciously custardy texture.
- Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas are the star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and creaminess. Their soft texture complements the vanilla pudding beautifully.
Instructions
Start by preparing the pudding mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cold milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it reaches a pudding-like consistency, set it aside and allow it to firm up a bit while you prepare the other components.
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can cause the cream to turn into butter.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared vanilla pudding. Use a rubber spatula to carefully mix until the two components are fully combined. The result will be a light, fluffy, and creamy filling for your pudding layers.
In a large serving dish or individual bowls, begin layering the dessert. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of the dish. Next, add a layer of banana slices over the wafers. Spoon a generous amount of the pudding and whipped cream mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers—vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding—until all ingredients are used up, making sure the final layer is pudding.
Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if possible). This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and gives the vanilla wafers time to soften and absorb the pudding, creating that signature banana pudding texture.
Before serving, add a few decorative touches to your banana pudding. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers on top, fresh banana slices, and optional toppings like chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g