Easy Banana Pudding

Name: Easy Banana Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Ripe Bananas, sliced (Ripe but still firm for best taste.); 1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (Follow package directions for preparation.); 2 cups Cold Milk (For preparing the pudding mix.); 2 cups Whipped Cream (Whipped or store-bought, for topping.); 1 box Vanilla Wafer Cookies (For layering.)

Delicious homemade easy banana pudding in a glass dish with whipped cream and bananas

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Creamy, comforting, and impossibly easy — this Easy Banana Pudding is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. Velvety vanilla pudding layered with ripe banana slices and crisp vanilla wafers creates a mix of textures and flavors that everyone at the table will love. Fun fact: banana pudding was originally a southern favorite that became a picnic staple because it travels well and feeds a crowd. If you’re short on time but want a dessert that tastes homemade, this recipe is for you.

This version stands out for its simplicity and speed: no complicated custards or long baking times, just a few pantry staples and minimal hands-on work. It’s a perfect family-friendly choice for weeknights, potlucks, or last-minute guests. If you enjoy richer banana desserts, you might also like the indulgent flavors in our banana caramel nut cheesecake, which is a great follow-up to try on a special occasion. Read on — you’ll be excited to make this today.

What is Easy Banana Pudding?

What’s in a name? Easy Banana Pudding is exactly what it promises: a straightforward, comfort-food dessert made by layering vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and wafer cookies. Why “easy”? Because it skips complicated stovetop custard and relies on instant pudding for fast results. Who named it? Probably someone with a sweet tooth and very little patience — and haven’t we all been there?

Is it called that because it makes life easier or because it’s hard to mess up? Maybe both. It’s the kind of dish that proves the old adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try it once and you’ll see why this simple dessert has such staying power. Give it a go — you might find it becomes your go-to treat for company or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible comfort: The star is the creamy vanilla pudding that soaks into the wafers while hugging the banana slices, creating a dreamy, spoonable texture that’s sweet without being heavy.

Budget-friendly and practical: Making banana pudding at home is much cheaper than buying prepared desserts. It uses fewer ingredients, and you can scale it up to serve a crowd without spending a lot.

Bright flavors and fun toppings: Fresh bananas add natural sweetness, while whipped cream gives lightness and a cloud-like finish. Add a sprinkle of crushed wafers or a dusting of cocoa for contrast and crunch.

If you’re a fan of quick banana desserts, this recipe complements lighter brunch ideas like our banana french toast roll-ups — both are fast, family-approved, and great for using ripe bananas. Ready to make it? Let’s go.

How to Make

Quick Overview
This recipe is a breeze: instant vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and whipped cream layered with vanilla wafer cookies create a luscious, no-bake dessert. Prep time is about 15 minutes, chilling time about 2 hours. Expect silky, creamy texture with soft banana bites and slightly softened wafers — the perfect balance of smooth and tender.

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas, sliced (ripe but still firm)
1 box vanilla pudding mix (instant; follow package directions for preparation)
2 cups cold milk (for preparing the pudding mix)
2 cups whipped cream (whipped or store-bought, for topping)
1 box vanilla wafer cookies (for layering)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Collect all the needed ingredients. Make sure your bananas are ripe but still firm for the best taste. Have your serving dish ready — a 9×13 pan or a trifle bowl works well.
Make the Pudding Mixture: In a bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding with 2 cups of cold milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. If the package suggests chilling briefly, follow that step.
Layer the Dessert: Start with a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of your dish, breaking wafers as needed to fill gaps. Add a layer of sliced bananas so they cover the wafers evenly. Spoon a thick layer of pudding over the bananas, spreading gently. Repeat layers — wafers, bananas, pudding — until you’ve used all ingredients. Finish with a smooth pudding layer on top.
Chill the Pudding: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the pudding set and allows the wafers to soften slightly into a cake-like texture that melds with the bananas.
Add Whipped Cream: Just before serving, spread the whipped cream over the top. For a pretty finish, pipe or dollop the whipped cream and sprinkle a few crushed wafers or a light dusting of cocoa powder for contrast.

Easy Banana Pudding

What to Serve With

Fresh berries or a simple mixed fruit salad to add bright acidity and color.
Coffee or espresso for a classic pairing at dessert time.
A scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream for extra indulgence.
Light tea or sparkling water with lemon to refresh the palate between bites.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use ripe but firm bananas: Overripe bananas will turn mushy and brown quickly; slightly ripe ones hold shape better.
Prep pudding to package directions: Instant pudding sets best when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Layer strategically: Place whole wafers on the bottom to absorb moisture evenly; broken wafers fit into edges.
Make ahead: Assemble the pudding and chill 2–24 hours in advance. The flavor develops and the texture improves with a little time.
Avoid soggy wafers: If you prefer a firmer wafer texture, add them just before serving rather than in the very first layer.
Flavor boost: Stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of rum into the pudding for extra depth.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After the first day the wafers will soften more — still delicious, but less crisp.
Freezing: Not recommended. Freezing and thawing changes the texture of bananas and whipped cream.
Serving leftovers: Remove from fridge 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let flavors open up. Stir gently if texture looks separated, then top with fresh whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes. Homemade stovetop pudding works beautifully and adds a richer, custard-like flavor. Allow it to cool to room temperature before layering.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
Toss banana slices briefly in a little lemon juice to slow browning, or assemble just before serving for best visual results.

Can I make individual servings?
Absolutely. Use small glasses or ramekins and layer in the same order for easy, elegant individual portions.

Can I substitute the wafers with something else?
Sure — shortbread cookies or crushed graham crackers make good substitutes, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

How long does this dessert last?
Stored in the fridge, it stays good for up to 3 days. After that, bananas may become too soft and change the texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Banana Pudding is a quick, comforting dessert that delivers creamy texture, fresh banana flavor, and nostalgic appeal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for families, potlucks, or anytime you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing treat. Give it a try and share it with friends or family — it’s hard not to smile after the first spoonful. For another classic take with a helpful video, see The Best Banana Pudding Recipe (with Video).