Description
A classic no-bake banana pudding made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy Nilla Wafers. This comforting dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup very cold milk
- ½ cup very cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (11-12 oz) box Nilla Wafers (reserve 5–6 wafers for garnish)
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 5 barely ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, very cold milk, and very cold water. Mix on low-medium speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat on medium for 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set. This is a crucial step for the best Nilla wafer banana pudding texture.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla flavoring until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until smooth and uniform. This creates the creamy base for your homemade banana pudding Nilla wafers.
- To assemble, line the bottom of a large serving bowl or trifle dish with one-third of the Nilla Wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by one-third of the pudding mixture.
- Repeat the layers two more times: Nilla Wafers, bananas, and pudding. Ensure even distribution for a beautiful layered banana pudding dessert.
- Crush the reserved Nilla Wafers and sprinkle them on top for garnish.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate until ready to serve. This classic banana pudding with Nilla wafers is best served chilled.
Notes
- Use barely ripe bananas for the best texture and to prevent browning.
- Slice bananas just before assembling to keep them fresh.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a different flavor, try swapping vanilla pudding for banana or butterscotch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: banana pudding, Nilla wafers, Nilla wafer banana pudding, homemade banana pudding, easy banana pudding, classic banana pudding, southern banana pudding, creamy banana pudding, old fashioned banana pudding, layered banana pudding