Classic Creamy Banana Pudding is a beloved dessert that combines layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a rich, creamy filling made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream. This dessert has a light, airy texture with a hint of vanilla and banana in every bite, making it a go-to treat for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting. It’s a no-bake recipe, which makes it especially easy to whip up, and with each layer coming together effortlessly, you’ll have a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- Pudding Base:
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- Whipped Topping:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks, or 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping
- Assembly:
- 1 box vanilla wafers (around 12 oz)
- 4-6 bananas, sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, continuing to beat until well combined and no lumps remain. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Allow the pudding to set for 3-5 minutes. It should thicken to a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Fold the Ingredients Together
- Gently fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture, using a spatula to combine them without losing the light texture.
- If using heavy whipping cream, whip it to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl, then gently fold it into the cream cheese and pudding mixture. If using store-bought whipped topping, fold it in directly.
Step 4: Assemble the Banana Pudding
- Layering: In a 9×13-inch serving dish or a large trifle bowl, add a single layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
- Place a layer of banana slices over the wafers, covering the entire surface.
- Spread a layer of the cream mixture over the bananas, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Repeat these layers—wafers, bananas, and cream mixture—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of the cream mixture on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
- For an extra decorative touch, crumble a few vanilla wafers on top of the final layer or add a few whole wafers and banana slices as a garnish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the pudding has chilled, serve in small bowls or plates. Enjoy this creamy, layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~340
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 32g
- Protein: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use low-fat ingredients in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk to make a lighter version of this pudding. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. This dessert actually tastes better when made a day in advance, as it allows the wafers to soften and absorb the flavors of the pudding and bananas.
Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?
A: Yes, store-bought whipped topping works well in this recipe and saves some preparation time. Use a 12 oz container to substitute the homemade whipped cream.
Q: Can I add other fruits to this pudding?
A: While bananas are traditional, you can also add a layer of strawberries or pineapple for a tropical twist. Just be cautious of extra moisture from other fruits, as it may affect the texture of the pudding.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Pudding:
- Use Ripe Bananas – Ripe bananas with a few brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and add the best flavor to the pudding.
- Whip the Cream Well – If using heavy cream, make sure to whip it to stiff peaks for a lighter, airier texture in the pudding.
- Chill for Best Flavor – Refrigerating the pudding for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld and creates a better overall texture.
- Choose the Right Dish – A trifle dish or clear bowl works beautifully for showcasing the layers, but any large dish will work.
- Garnish Just Before Serving – If you want to add fresh banana slices or wafers on top, do so right before serving to prevent them from browning or becoming soggy.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the banana pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
- Freezing: Although not ideal, you can freeze banana pudding. However, the texture may change as bananas tend to become mushy after freezing and thawing. If you do choose to freeze it, place the pudding in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Portion Control: If you’re serving this at a large gathering, you may want to make individual servings in small mason jars or cups. This is convenient and also helps with storage if there are leftovers.
Conclusion:
Classic Creamy Banana Pudding is an easy, delicious dessert that captures the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. With simple ingredients and a no-bake approach, this dessert is perfect for parties, holidays, or a weeknight treat. Each layer—the creamy filling, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers—comes together to create a harmony of flavors that’s irresistible. The best part? It’s a make-ahead dessert that only gets better with time. Whether you’re a long-time fan of banana pudding or trying it for the first time, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.