Description
This no-cook banana pudding recipe is a simple and delicious dessert featuring creamy layers of instant vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfect for warm days or quick gatherings, it's widely regarded as the best banana pudding you'll find.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Assembly
- 1 (16-ounce) package vanilla wafers
- 12 small bananas, sliced (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients required for the recipe to prepare for assembly.
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Next, whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and uniform. Stir in the vanilla extract, and finally, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Assemble Layers: In a large glass serving bowl, start by arranging a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of evenly sliced bananas, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat these layering steps—wafers, bananas, pudding—until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill the Pudding: Place the assembled banana pudding in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften slightly for a perfect texture.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle extra crushed vanilla wafers on top for an added crunchy texture. Enjoy this creamy, delightful banana pudding!
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with half-and-half.
- You can prepare the pudding up to a day in advance and refrigerate.
- To make it lighter, reduce or omit the sweetened condensed milk.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
