This Best Banana Pudding Ever recipe is everything you could ever want in a dessert: creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor. With layers of sweet vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers, this classic Southern dessert is a crowd favorite for good reason. It’s the perfect balance of texture and taste, with each bite offering a comforting combination of soft bananas, rich custard, and the satisfying crunch of cookies.
Ingredients:
• For the pudding:
• 1 (5.1 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 3/4 cups cold milk
• 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the layers:
• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 (11 oz) box of Nilla wafers
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk together until it begins to thicken (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and whipped topping. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the banana pudding: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create a layer of Nilla wafers at the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread about half of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
4. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of Nilla wafers and banana slices. Spread the remaining pudding mixture on top.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve: Just before serving, top with a few extra Nilla wafers on top for an extra crunch.
Why You Should Make This Recipe:
This Best Banana Pudding Ever is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of smooth, creamy pudding with fresh bananas and the crunch of Nilla wafers creates a texture and flavor profile that everyone loves. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and can be prepped ahead of time, which is ideal for busy days when you need a dessert that works for you. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, BBQ, or holiday feast, this banana pudding will be the star of the show!