There are a few desserts that whisper comfort with every spoonful, and banana pudding dessert is one of them. This dish instantly brings me back to Sunday potlucks and cozy family dinners. Even though I come from an Italian background, where tiramisu and panna cotta reign, it was my grandmother’s dear Southern neighbor, Miss Evelyn, who first introduced us to this silky, sweet American treasure.
Miss Evelyn taught us that simplicity, when made with love and good ingredients, is irresistible. Her banana pudding dessert was more than just a treat—it was a hug in a bowl. Over time, I added my own little touches (hello, fresh whipped cream!) while keeping true to the heart of her recipe. Now, it’s my turn to pass it on to you.
Whether it’s summer or winter, this banana pudding dessert fits right in. It’s light enough to cool you down on warm days and rich enough to comfort you during colder months. Let’s dive into this creamy, layered delight that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Dessert
- Classic Comfort: Layers of bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding.
- No Baking Required: A perfect make-ahead dessert with no oven time.
- Versatile for Any Season: Refreshing in the summer, cozy in the winter.
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet, soft, and easy for little hands to help assemble.
- Great for Gatherings: Serves 7 generously and can easily be doubled.
Ingredients (Serves 7)
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect banana pudding dessert:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 11 oz)
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves or banana slices for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside about a third for topping the dessert later.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding
In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until thickened. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold two-thirds of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until light and fluffy. Be gentle—this step is key to a dreamy, airy texture.
Step 4: Layer the Dessert
In a 2-3 quart glass dish (or trifle bowl), layer as follows:
- A single layer of vanilla wafers
- Sliced bananas
- A generous scoop of pudding mixture
Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of pudding.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This allows the wafers to soften and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Just before serving, top with the reserved whipped cream. Garnish with banana slices or fresh mint if desired.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Dessert
- Choose ripe but firm bananas—they should be sweet but not mushy.
- Use cold ingredients for the fluffiest whipped cream.
- Make it ahead for stress-free hosting—the flavors improve with time!
- Want a homemade touch? Swap the pudding mix with from-scratch vanilla custard (see my custard tutorial here).
Variations to Try
- Banana Pudding Parfaits: Layer individual servings in mason jars for a cute and portable twist.
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate chips between layers.
- Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter with the pudding.
- Bourbon Banana Pudding (adults only!): Add a splash of bourbon to the pudding mix.
Storing and Serving
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note: bananas may brown slightly but the flavor remains delicious.
- Freezing: Not ideal—pudding texture suffers when thawed.
- Serving Tip: Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out beautiful layers into dessert bowls.
The Heart of Southern Hospitality
Banana pudding dessert isn’t just a dish—it’s a tradition. Whether you’re serving it at a Fourth of July BBQ or a Christmas potluck, it always feels right. And just like Miss Evelyn passed it to my family, you now have a version to make your own.
Trust me, once you make this, someone’s going to ask for the recipe. Share it with a smile—it’s meant to be passed along.