Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic Southern desserts that bring comfort and smiles, you are in for a treat with this Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe. This creamy, luscious pudding layered with fresh banana slices and crisp vanilla wafers is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s sweet but not overpowering, rich yet refreshingly light thanks to the whipped cream, making it an all-time crowd pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a unique role in creating that perfect balance of creamy pudding, fresh banana flavor, and crunchy cookie texture.

• 2 cups cold whole milk (480ml): This provides the creamy base needed to make the pudding rich and smooth.
• 1 (14-ounce/397g) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and a velvety texture without extra sugar.
• 1 (5.1-ounce/144g) box instant vanilla pudding mix: The key to that classic vanilla flavor and thick pudding consistency.
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided (720ml): Divided for whipping and folding, the cream contributes richness and light fluffiness.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough to complement the pudding.
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided: Infuses the dessert with a warm, aromatic vanilla essence.
• 1 (15-ounce/425g) box vanilla wafer cookies: Adds a crunchy, buttery contrast to the smooth layers.
• 5 large bananas: Fresh and perfectly ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and soft texture to this dessert.

How to Make Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Milk and Condensed Milk

Start by whisking the cold whole milk and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl until they’re perfectly blended. This creamy base sets the foundation for the pudding, giving it that irresistible smoothness and natural sweetness you’ll love.

Step 2: Add the Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

Sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk until everything is smooth with no lumps. Then, let it chill in the fridge for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows it to set just right into a thick and creamy consistency, preparing it for the next step.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

In a separate bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream on high speed along with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whip it until stiff peaks form—that means when you lift your beater, the cream holds its shape beautifully without drooping. This airy whipped cream is the secret weapon for lightening the pudding mixture.

Step 4: Fold the Whipped Cream Into the Pudding

Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture. Folding (not stirring) keeps all that fluffiness intact, resulting in a dreamy, cloud-like texture that makes this Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe extra special.

Step 5: Prep the Bananas

Peel and slice the bananas into half-inch thick coins just before assembly to keep them fresh and prevent them from browning. Fresh bananas bring a natural sweetness and soft bite that pairs perfectly with the pudding and crunchy wafers.

Step 6: Layer the Base Cookies

Start assembling by placing a layer of vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of your trifle dish or serving bowl. This cookie base gives every spoonful that buttery crunch that’s essential to classic banana pudding.

Step 7: Add the First Layer of Pudding

Spoon a quarter of the pudding mixture over the cookie layer and smooth it nicely with a spatula. This keeps each layer neat and well-defined, perfect for a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 8: Continue Layering With Cookies and Bananas

Alternate layers of cookies, banana slices, and pudding. Stand some cookies upright along the edges for a charming visual and consistent texture. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, ensuring the bananas and cookies create a delicious mosaic along the dish walls.

Step 9: Chill the Dessert

Place your assembled concoction in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the cookies to soften slightly, achieving that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.

Step 10: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

Whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This topping adds that perfect final touch of airy sweetness just before serving.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Top the pudding with the freshly whipped cream, extra banana slices, and crumbled vanilla wafers if you like. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy this delightful treat.

How to Serve Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your banana pudding with some extra banana slices, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, or even a dash of toasted coconut flakes for an added texture twist. These little touches add visual appeal and complexity to every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair this pudding with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a citrus fruit salad. The bright acidity from fruits like oranges or berries balances the creamy sweetness perfectly, making it a satisfying finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear mason jars or mini trifle glasses so guests can see each beautiful layer. You can also turn it into banana pudding parfaits by layering the components in tall glasses, topped with a sprig of mint for a fresh pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana pudding covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe over a couple of days.

Freezing

This pudding is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because freezing can alter the texture of both the whipped cream and bananas. If you must freeze, transfer into an airtight container and consume it within 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Since this dessert is served cold, reheating is not recommended. For the best experience, allow leftovers to come to room temperature briefly before serving, but keep it chilled for maximum creaminess and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk in this recipe?

While you can substitute low-fat milk, whole milk is preferred for its creamy texture and richer flavor that truly enhances the pudding.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm to avoid mushiness while providing plenty of natural sweetness.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the assembled pudding for a few hours helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to add the whipped cream topping right before serving.

What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?

If you don’t have vanilla wafers, ladyfingers or graham crackers are great alternatives that provide a similar texture and sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The pudding itself is gluten-free, but traditional vanilla wafers contain gluten. Look for gluten-free wafer cookies if you need a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Delicious Banana Pudding Recipe: How to Make the Best Ever Recipe enough—it’s truly a timeless treat that brings joy to every occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday dessert, or a sweet indulgence just because, this pudding delivers smiles and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try soon and watch it become your new go-to dessert!

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