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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

This Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers is a timeless Southern-style dessert layered with sweet bananas, crunchy cookies, and a rich vanilla pudding base. Made with whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, it’s ultra-creamy and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or make-ahead treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 organic bananas sliced
  • 1 11 oz. box Nilla wafer cookies (save some for garnish)
  • 1 3 oz. box vanilla instant pudding mix (Jell-O brand preferred; see notes for substitutions)
  • 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 –4 cups very cold filtered water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 8 oz. container whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • Pinch ground cinnamon optional
  • Pinch sea salt

Method
 

  1. In a stand mixer, beat cold water (start with 3 cups), pudding mix, and condensed milk for ~10 minutes until thick.
  2. Mix in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Gently fold in whipped cream until smooth.
  4. Layer wafers, bananas, and pudding in a dish. Repeat layers.
  5. Top with extra whipped cream and crushed cookies.
  6. Chill for 4 hours or overnight before serving.
  7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/banana-pudding-with-vanilla-wafers-2/

Notes

• Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning too quickly.
• Jell-O brand pudding sets best—avoid instant pudding with additives like gelatin.
• For thicker pudding, start with 3 cups of water; add more only if needed.