This Classic Banana Pudding is a Southern favorite made with Nilla Wafers, bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
Looking for the perfect make-ahead dessert for your next cookout or family gathering? This Classic Banana Pudding combines layers of Nilla Wafers, fresh bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream into a dessert that’s always a crowd favorite.
A BBQ Restaurant Favorite
Around here, it seems like every barbecue restaurant has banana pudding on the menu.
And honestly, I understand why.
After a plate of brisket, ribs, burgers, or smoked chicken, there’s something comforting about a cold, creamy dessert waiting at the end of the meal.
Banana pudding has been a Southern staple for generations, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better after spending a few hours in the refrigerator.
Whether you’re headed to a church potluck, family reunion, backyard cookout, or holiday gathering, this classic dessert never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy no-bake dessert
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Great make-ahead recipe
Budget-friendly ingredients
Classic Southern flavor
Ideal for cookouts and potlucks
Better after chilling
Ingredients
You’ll find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s what you’re going to need to make this delicious banana pudding.
2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding
3 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 to 2 cups whipped cream, divided
1 box Nilla Wafers
4 to 5 bananas, sliced
Optional Garnishes:
Additional whipped cream
Crushed Nilla Wafers
Whole Nilla Wafers
Banana slices
Note: I used one box of banana pudding in place of vanilla. This is a personal preference.
How to Make Classic Banana Pudding
Step One: Make the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Instant pudding mix
Cold milk
Sweetened condensed milk
Allow the mixture to thicken for about 5 minutes. Fold in about 1 cup of whipped cream.
Step Two: Layer the Dessert
In a 9×13 dish or trifle bowl, add a layer of:
Nilla Wafers
Banana slices
Pudding mixture
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Step Three: Finish and Chill
Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.
Garnish with crushed or whole Nilla Wafers if desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For best results, chill overnight.
Tips for Success
Use ripe but firm bananas.
Don’t slice the bananas too thin.
Allow plenty of chilling time.
Save a few wafers for garnish.
Add bananas shortly before assembling for the freshest appearance.
Variations
Extra Creamy Banana Pudding
Fold additional whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
Banana Pudding Trifle
Layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl for a beautiful presentation.
Caramel
Add a couple of layers of delicious caramel. (Yum!)
Cookout Banana Pudding Cups
Assemble individual portions in clear cups for easy serving.
Biscoff Banana Pudding
Substitute Biscoff cookies for the Nilla Wafers for a delicious twist.
What to Serve with Banana Pudding
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin by Backyard Texas Grill
Yes. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely. Homemade whipped cream works beautifully.
Can I use whipped topping?
Yes. Either whipped topping or homemade whipped cream will work.
How long will banana pudding keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze banana pudding?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the bananas and pudding may change.
Why are my Nilla Wafers soft?
The wafers naturally soften as they absorb moisture from the pudding.
Can I use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla?
Yes, although vanilla pudding creates the classic flavor most people expect.
How many bananas should I use?
Four to five medium bananas is usually perfect for a 9×13 dish.
Can I make individual servings?
Absolutely. Banana pudding cups are perfect for parties and potlucks.
Is banana pudding served warm or cold?
Banana pudding is traditionally served chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason banana pudding has remained a Southern favorite for generations. It’s simple, affordable, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, church potluck, family reunion, or holiday gathering, this classic dessert is sure to bring smiles to the table.
Thanks for stopping by! Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?
This Easy Southern Banana Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, layered with creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, Nilla Wafers, and fluffy whipped cream. Simple to make and always a crowd favorite, it's the perfect sweet ending to a backyard barbecue, family gathering, potluck, or holiday meal. With classic Southern flavor and no complicated steps, this old-fashioned banana pudding is sure to disappear fast.
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Ingredients
1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
3 1/2 cups cold milk
1 cup whipped topping or freshly whipped cream
1 box Nilla Wafers (11 oz)
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Additional whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Fold in 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream until fully incorporated.
In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, spread a thin layer of pudding on the bottom.
Add a layer of Nilla Wafers, followed by sliced bananas.
Spread on a layer of pudding mixture.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Top with additional whipped cream and garnish with extra Nilla Wafers.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Overnight is even better.
Notes
The cookies soften as the pudding chills, creating that classic Southern banana pudding texture.
For best flavor, use bananas that are ripe but still firm.
This dessert can be assembled a day ahead of time.
If using canned whipped cream for decoration, add it shortly before serving for the prettiest presentation.
