Banana Pudding

Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly nostalgic, Banana Pudding is a Southern-inspired classic that brings people together. With layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a rich, velvety pudding made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping, this no-bake dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family nights.

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Quick Benefits

• No baking required: Perfect for hot days or quick prep.
• Make-ahead friendly: Gets even better as it chills and sets.
• Great for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and travels well.
• Kid-approved: A dessert the whole family will love.
• Simple ingredients: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find items needed.

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Essential Ingredients

• 1 (11 oz) box Vanilla Wafers – classic crunch and layering
• 4 to 6 ripe bananas, sliced – naturally sweet and soft
• 2 cups milk – base for the pudding
• 1 (5 oz) box Instant French Vanilla pudding mix – rich, silky texture
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature – adds richness and tang
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – for sweetness and depth
• 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping, thawed – makes it light and fluffy

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Preparation Steps

1. Layer the Base: Arrange half of the vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Add a layer of banana slices on top.
2. Make the Pudding: In a medium bowl, blend milk and pudding mix using a hand mixer until smooth.
3. Creamy Mixture: In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until silky smooth.
4. Fold in Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture for a uniform, fluffy pudding.
6. Assemble the Dish: Pour the mixture over the bananas and wafers in the dish, smoothing it out.
7. Final Layer: Top with the remaining vanilla wafers.
8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (longer is even better).
9. Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of creamy, banana-filled goodness!

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Health Benefits

While Banana Pudding is a sweet treat, it does have some redeeming qualities:

• Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
• Dairy elements like cream cheese and milk offer calcium and protein.
• You can lighten it up with low-fat or sugar-free alternatives if preferred.

Just be mindful of portion sizes—it’s rich, so a little goes a long way.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled in individual dessert bowls or trifle glasses for a pretty layered look.
• Top with extra bananas or crushed wafers for added texture.
• Pair it with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee for the perfect dessert companion.
• Ideal for birthdays, BBQs, church dinners, or holiday gatherings.

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Creative Variations

• Layer it in a trifle bowl for visual impact at parties.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream mixture for a warm spice note.
• Swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
• For a chocolate twist, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or mini chocolate chips between layers.
• Try adding chopped nuts (like pecans) for a bit of crunch.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days.
• Best consumed within 24–48 hours for optimal texture (bananas may brown over time).
• Do not freeze – it may alter the texture of the pudding and bananas.

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Pro Tips

• Use ripe but firm bananas – they’ll hold up better without becoming mushy.
• Let the pudding set for several hours or overnight for the best flavor blend.
• Want extra crunch? Add the top wafer layer just before serving.
• Slice bananas last and assemble quickly to prevent browning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make banana pudding a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.

What’s the best type of banana to use?
Ripe bananas with a few brown spots offer the most flavor, but avoid overly soft ones.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thick and chilled before mixing in.

How do I prevent bananas from turning brown?
Toss slices in a little lemon juice before layering, or cover them quickly with pudding.

Is it possible to make a lighter version?
Yes! Use low-fat cream cheese, light whipped topping, and sugar-free pudding.

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