There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about banana pudding.
It brings me right back to family potlucks and lazy Sunday afternoons.
This banana pudding dessert is not just delicious — it’s creamy, fluffy, and filled with layers of banana, vanilla wafers, and smooth pudding.
It’s a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to put together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra-creamy layers – A mix of whipped cream and cream cheese for the perfect texture.
No baking required – Just layer and chill.
Crowd favorite – Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners.
Make-ahead friendly – It gets even better after a night in the fridge.
Classic flavors – Banana, vanilla, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Heavy whipping cream – The base for a light and airy topping.
Cream cheese – Adds richness and structure to the pudding.
Sweetened condensed milk – Sweet, thick, and indulgent.
Instant banana pudding mix – Key for the banana flavor without needing fresh puree.
Nilla Wafers – Classic vanilla cookies for the perfect texture contrast.
Bananas – Fresh, slightly under-ripe bananas are best to avoid browning.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use cold cream when whipping to help it form peaks quickly.
Slice the bananas right before layering to keep them from browning.
Fold gently when combining whipped cream into the pudding for an airy texture.
Chill overnight — the longer it sets, the better the flavor and consistency.
How to Make Banana Pudding Dessert
Step 1: Prep your dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make whipped cream
In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract on high until stiff peaks form (5–7 minutes).
Transfer to another bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Beat the cream cheese
In the same mixer bowl (wiped clean), beat softened cream cheese until fluffy (about 30 seconds).
Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
Step 4: Add pudding and milk
Add the dry banana pudding mix and slowly pour in the milk, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Fold in whipped cream
Gently fold in the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula, just until no streaks remain.
Step 6: Assemble the layers
Layer Nilla wafers in the bottom of your prepared dish.
Add a layer of sliced bananas.
Spoon in half of the pudding mixture and spread evenly.
Repeat with another layer of Nilla wafers, banana slices, and the rest of the pudding.
Top with the remaining 1/3 whipped cream and smooth the surface.
Step 7: Chill
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight so the flavors meld.
Step 8: Serve and garnish
Before serving, crush some extra Nilla wafers and sprinkle them on top for crunch.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This creamy banana pudding pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or iced tea.
For extra flair, top with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few extra banana slices.
Variations / Substitutions
Switch the pudding – Use vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix if banana isn’t your thing.
Add crunch – Mix in crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans between layers.
Make it lighter – Use light cream cheese and low-fat milk.
Go individual – Layer in mason jars or cups for a personal-sized treat.
Storage & Leftovers
Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Note that the bananas will begin to brown and soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or the next day.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made the night before for maximum flavor and texture.
What kind of bananas should I use?
Use barely ripe bananas — yellow with no brown spots. Overripe ones turn mushy and brown quickly.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead?
Yes, you can substitute whipped cream with Cool Whip for convenience.
Do I need to cook the pudding?
Nope! This recipe uses instant pudding mix, so no cooking is needed.
How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
Layer them just before adding pudding and make sure they’re fully covered.
You can also lightly brush with lemon juice, but that may affect flavor.
Can I use other cookies besides Nilla Wafers?
Yes! Graham crackers, butter cookies, or shortbread work well too.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Not recommended. The texture of whipped cream and pudding can separate when frozen.
Final Thoughts
This banana pudding dessert is everything you want in a nostalgic treat — creamy, sweet, and irresistibly easy.
I love making it for family gatherings or whenever I need a little pick-me-up. It’s a classic that never fails to impress!
Creamy Banana Pudding Dessert
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, whip heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In the same bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. A
- dd condensed milk and mix until smooth.
- Mix in the dry pudding powder, then slowly add the milk, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in 2/3 of the whipped cream until smooth.
- Layer Nilla wafers, banana slices, and half the pudding in the dish. Repeat.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creamy-banana-pudding-dessert-2/
