🍌 The Best Banana Pudding Ever

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Layered with creamy French vanilla pudding, sweet ripe bananas, and soft vanilla wafers, this Banana Pudding is rich, fluffy, and simply irresistible—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever comfort food calls.

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Chill Time: 2–4 hours (overnight preferred)

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

  • Servings: 12

Dietary Badges: No-Bake | Southern Classic | Crowd-Pleaser | Kid-Friendly

Ingredients

→ Pudding Base

  • 2 cups cold milk

  • 1 (5 oz) box French Vanilla instant pudding mix

→ Creamy Layer

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

→ Layering

  • 2 boxes vanilla wafers

  • 6 to 8 bananas, sliced

Instructions

  1. Make the Pudding
    In a bowl, whisk together milk and French Vanilla pudding mix until thickened (about 2 minutes). Set aside.

  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
    In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, mixing until creamy and lump-free.

  3. Combine Layers
    Gently fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.

  4. Layer the Dessert
    In a 9×13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat layers, finishing with a pudding layer on top.

  5. Chill
    Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is best for softening the wafers and melding flavors.

Quick Tips

  • Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture.

  • For extra fluff, fold in whipped topping or whipped cream before layering.

  • Try mini dessert cups for party-friendly individual servings.

💡 Introduction

There’s banana pudding—and then there’s The Best Banana Pudding Ever. This version is rich, creamy, and downright decadent thanks to a blend of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and French vanilla pudding. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert for summer BBQs, holidays, or just when you need something sweet and comforting.

I grew up eating traditional Southern banana pudding, but this “loaded” version takes it to a whole new level. My clients love that it’s easy to portion out, and I love that it’s W-W-adaptable with simple swaps!

Step-by-Step Guide

🍌 Prep Your Ingredients

Slice bananas just before layering to prevent browning. Keep pudding and cream cheese mixtures cold for best texture.

🥄 Mix the Creamy Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth so your pudding is lump-free. Slowly add condensed milk for richness.

🥣 Layer the Goodness

Start with wafers, then bananas, then pudding—repeat until your dish is full. You can also layer in a trifle dish for presentation points!

❄️ Chill & Serve

Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This softens the wafers and gives you that perfect creamy texture with every bite.

Ingredient Insights & Substitutions

  • French Vanilla Pudding: Use regular vanilla if needed, but French vanilla gives a richer flavor.

  • Cream Cheese: Light cream cheese works if you want to cut fat without losing creaminess.

  • Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is key for indulgence—use reduced-fat if preferred.

  • Wafers: Classic vanilla wafers are traditional, but you can use graham crackers or shortbread cookies for variety.

  • Bananas: Use just-ripe bananas for best results—not overly soft.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

  • 🍓 Add sliced strawberries for a “banana split” vibe.

  • 🥥 Sprinkle toasted coconut between layers for texture.

  • 🍫 Drizzle chocolate sauce on top before serving for a chocolate-banana combo.

Dietary Tweaks

  • W-W-Friendly:

    • Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat condensed milk

    • Sugar-free pudding mix

    • Light whipped topping instead of heavy cream layers

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free vanilla cookies.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve in mini mason jars or cups for parties.

  • Top with whipped cream, extra wafers, and a banana slice for garnish.

  • Pair with iced coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage

  • Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Not recommended—bananas will brown and texture will change.

Make-Ahead

  • Assemble 24 hours in advance for best flavor and texture. Add fresh banana slices on top right before serving to keep them bright.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 12 total)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: 5g

  • Carbs: 38g

  • Fat: 15g

  • W-W Points (est.): 8–10 with light ingredients

  • Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

FAQs

Q: Can I use whipped topping?
A: Absolutely! Fold it into the pudding layer for extra lightness, or use it as a topping.

Q: What if my bananas turn brown?
A: Dip slices in lemon juice before layering to help prevent browning.

Q: Can I serve this immediately?
A: It’s best after at least 2 hours of chilling, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick 30-minute chill works for firmer layers.

🧡 Kristy’s Note

This banana pudding is one of those recipes that people remember—it’s creamy, sweet, and feels like a hug in dessert form. I’ve made it for BBQs, church picnics, birthdays, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. Plus, with a few simple swaps, it can easily fit into a balanced lifestyle (W-W friends, I got you!).

More No-Bake Favorites

  • Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake

  • Lemon Lush Layered Dessert

  • W-W-Friendly Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

💬 Let’s Talk Pudding!

Tried this Best Banana Pudding Ever? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @KristyCooksHealthy using #BananaPuddingGlowUp—I love seeing your sweet creations!

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