How to Make Banana Pudding // Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

this recipe

Today we are going to be talking about how to make banana pudding. This simple banana pudding recipe is an easy no bake recipe that’s tasty, and perfect for feeding a crowd! It has crunchy vanilla wafers, fresh sliced bananas, and a thick vanilla pudding. I also used vanilla wafer cookies to add texture to the pudding. It’s so good, I know you’ll love it!

I really like that this can be served year-round. This is perfect for a holiday gathering or summer potluck (Bonus points: you don’t even need to turn on your stove or oven to make this easy banana pudding recipe!)

Alright, let’s get baking!

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Tools & Equipment to make this Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

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• Measuring cups, measuring spoons or kitchen scale
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Large, Medium small bowl
• 9×13 baking pan

What is banana pudding?

Banana pudding is a no-bake dessert that layers vanilla pudding, vanilla wafers or cookies, and bananas, It can be served in a 9×13 dish, in a trifle dish, or even in individual serving dishes.

How cute would it be to make banana pudding cups and serve in these little jars?!

How to layer banana pudding

Regardless of whether you are using a trifle bowl, casserole dish or any other size container, you will layer the banana pudding to fit in the container.

Start with a layer of vanilla wafers, then scatter the bananas, and finally spread the creamy vanilla pudding to the edges of the dish in an even layer. Repeat until you have enough layers to fill the container or until you run out of ingredients.

I like to spread a final layer of whipped cream on top too.

Is vanilla custard the same as vanilla pudding?

Custard and pudding are very similar. However, custard tends to be thicker than pudding and uses egg whites to stiffen it. Puddings often use corn starch to thicken.

What can I use instead of vanilla wafers in banana pudding?

Banana pudding is a very forgiving recipe so you can adapt the cookies to fit your needs. You can easily use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even sugar cookies if you want. I’m sure you really can’t go wrong with switching up the cookies.

What is pudding mix in UK?

While not identical to instant pudding, I have heard that Angel Delight in the UK is a comparable option to instant pudding mix.

What is the UK equivalent of vanilla wafers?

A similar type of cookie or biscuit in the UK would be Farley’s Rusks or Lady Fingers.

I am not from the UK, so if you have other suggestions for alternatives to vanilla wafers, let me know and I will add to the list for others to use!

How do I store banana pudding?

Store vanilla pudding in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

How long does banana pudding keep?

Banana pudding will last up to four days in the fridge, but the cookies will soften as it sits.

How to make banana pudding

To make this classic banana pudding recipe you will need to start by mixing up the vanilla pudding. To make things convenient, I like to use instant pudding because it’s so quick and easy.

To make the pudding using instant vanilla pudding mix, simply combine the pudding mix and cold milk in a medium-sized bowl. Set it aside. It will thicken up quite a bit by the time you need it again.

However, if you would rather use homemade vanilla pudding you can go ahead and make it instead and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together. Continue to mix it until smooth and creamy.

Next, you will want to add the pudding to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined. The mixture will be very liquidy.

Using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, whip together the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. (When you lift the mixer out of the bowl the whipped cream will create little upward curls and keep its form.)

You can also use cool whip if you really want to make this recipe quick. I love using homemade whipped cream because I think the flavoring is the best, but quick and easy is a huge perk to using cool whip.

Gently fold in HALF of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Set both bowls aside.

In the 9×13 pan, line the vanilla wafers along the bottom of the pan. It does not need to be perfect and can overlap a bit if you need to.

I reserved a few of the cookies to crumble on top of the banana pudding just before serving. If you want to do that you will want to make sure to pull them out before you assemble the layers!

Then, scatter the ripe bananas on top of the vanilla cookies. I was able to form about 2 layers in my 9×13 pan so you will use half of the bananas per layer.

Next, you will spread the pudding mixture on top of the bananas. Try to spread it as evenly as you can all the way to the edge of the pan using half of the mixture.

Repeat the layer of cookies, layer of banana slices, and pudding until you fill-up the pan or finish off the ingredients.

Use the remaining whipped cream and spread it evenly on top of the pan, making sure to get all the way to the edge of the pan.

Place a few toothpicks into the top of the pudding and wrap the pan with a layer of plastic wrap. The toothpicks will prevent the plastic wrap from damaging the whipped cream.

When you are ready to serve the banana pudding you can easily cover the holes with crushed cookies or use a spoon to smooth the layer after removing the toothpick.

If you are planning on scattering crushed vanilla wafers on top, do it just before serving so that they will stay crunchy. I really liked the crunchy texture to the smooth and creamy texture of the pudding.

You will also love these sweet dessert recipes:

• Easy No-Bake Cherry Delight
• Classic Vanilla Pudding
• Zabaglione – Classic Italian Custard
• Classic Lemon bars
• Fruit Pizza
• Easy Blueberry Crumble Bars
• No-Bake Special K Bars – Scotcheroos
• Cherry Pie Bars

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