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Classic Southern No-Bake Banana Pudding

A delicious slice of banana pudding featuring layers of crust, custard, fresh banana slices, and topped with whipped cream.
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Make this creamy, classic Southern banana pudding using a simple no-bake method. It layers fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and rich pudding for a comforting dessert that sets up perfectly in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (5 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (or use 2 boxes of the 5 oz size)
  • 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, both boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix, and the 4 cups of cold water. Whisk constantly for two minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Let it stand for five minutes.
  2. Make the whipped topping: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture until just combined.
  3. Layer the dessert: Select a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large trifle bowl. Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom of the dish.
  4. Create the first layer: Arrange half of the vanilla wafers over the pudding layer. Top the wafers with half of the sliced bananas.
  5. Add the second pudding layer: Spread half of the remaining pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
  6. Repeat the layers: Place the remaining vanilla wafers on top of the pudding, followed by the remaining banana slices.
  7. Top the pudding: Gently spread the remaining pudding mixture over the bananas. Then, spread the remaining whipped cream over the top layer.
  8. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the vanilla wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute some of the vanilla wafers with shortbread cookies or Chessmen cookies, as some popular recipes suggest.
  • If you are making this ahead of time, wait to add the final layer of whipped cream until just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
  • Use bananas that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during chilling.

Nutrition

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