Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe
Classic Southern Banana Pudding is a creamy, layered dessert featuring fresh bananas, vanilla pudding, and crispy Nilla wafers, all topped with whipped cream and a touch of cinnamon. This no-bake treat is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting Southern favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 organic bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz.) box Nilla wafer Cookies (save a small amount for crushing for the topping, if desired)
- 1 (3 oz.) box vanilla instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended; if using 1 oz. boxes, use 3)
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3-4 cups VERY COLD filtered water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz.) container Whipped Cream, store-bought or homemade (Cool Whip can also be used)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Toppings
- Whipped Cream, store-bought or homemade (or Cool Whip)
- Crushed Nilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the ice cold filtered water (starting with 3 cups), vanilla pudding mix, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. If using a hand mixer, consider adding an extra box of pudding mix to achieve the right thickness.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and sea salt. Mix for an additional minute to incorporate all the flavors.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream (homemade, store-bought, or Cool Whip) into the pudding mixture using a spatula until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer the dessert: In a trifle bowl or your preferred dish, create layers beginning with Nilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, and then the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.
- Finish and chill: Garnish the top layer with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers. Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours before serving; it tastes best if chilled overnight to let the flavors meld and cookies soften perfectly.
Notes
- If using a hand mixer, an extra box of vanilla instant pudding mix is recommended for the proper thickness.
- Cool Whip can be substituted for homemade or store-bought whipped cream.
- Make sure to use very cold filtered water to achieve the desired pudding texture and consistency.
- Refrigerate banana pudding for several hours or overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Ground cinnamon is optional but adds a warm depth of flavor to the dessert.
