EASY BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

This recipe delivers an authentic, layered southern banana pudding with a modern, visual flair. Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a spectacular weeknight treat, this layered approach combines the creamy comfort of pudding with the irresistible crunch of cookies.

Ingredients

• Pudding Base:

  • 1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • 1 ½ cups Cold Water

  • 1 (3.4-ounce) package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (or French Vanilla)

• Whipped Filling & Topping:

  • 3 cups Heavy Cream, well-chilled

  • ¼ cup Powdered Sugar

  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract

• The Layers:

  • 4-5 large Ripe Bananas, sliced into ¼-inch coins

  • 1 (11-ounce) box Vanilla Wafer cookies (like Nilla Wafers)

• Finishing Touches:

  • ¼ cup Salted Caramel Sauce (homemade or store-bought)

  • A pinch of ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until fully combined.

2. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth and thickened.

3. Cover the pudding mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled metal bowl using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form.

2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

3. Gently fold about two-thirds of the whipped cream into the set vanilla pudding until just combined. Keep the remaining third of the whipped cream separate for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Bananas

1. While the pudding sets, slice your bananas into even coins. (Pro-tip: If you aren’t serving immediately, toss the slices lightly in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.)

Step 4: Assemble the Pudding Cups (or Large Trifle Bowl)

1. Bottom Layer (Crunch): Take 4-5 clear glasses or small dessert bowls. Place a few whole vanilla wafers in the bottom of each glass.

2. Fruit Layer: Top the wafers with a neat layer of banana slices. Press a few banana slices against the inside edge of the glass for a beautiful visual effect.

3. Cream Layer: Spoon a layer of the lightened pudding mixture over the bananas.

4. Repeat: Add a new layer of whole wafers, followed by another layer of banana slices, and finally, another layer of the pudding mixture.

5. The Crown: Finish each cup with a generous, swirling dome of the reserved plain whipped cream.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Just before serving, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of the whipped cream.

2. Place one whole vanilla wafer into the cream as a final garnish and sprinkle with a touch of ground cinnamon.

3. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the bottom wafers to soften slightly, while the top ones stay crisp.