Classic Banana Pudding

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Banana pudding is packed with vanilla and banana flavors and different textures that make one of the best desserts!

Banana pudding is one of the best desserts out here. It is a family favorite that I love making for loved ones. It is my husband’s favorite and he is a banana lover. If he could, he would leave the Nilla Wafers out of the recipe all together. I happen to love the Nilla Wafers the most in this dessert. They are oh so delicious and when they get soft as this pudding sets in the fridge they become incorporated so well and combine with everything.

There are a few different variations of banana pudding out there like my Strawberry Banana Pudding. That one tastes amazing! Some use different cookies and different flavor puddings as well. This banana pudding is very simple to make and only uses a few ingredients. Bananas, instant vanilla pudding, milk, Cool Whip, vanilla extract, and Nilla Wafers. Simple and full of flavor!

Ingredients in Classic Banana Pudding

Bananas– Banana pudding requires bananas! If you are not a fan of bananas becoming mushy in your pudding use banana flavor instant pudding and prepare it the same but just leave out the actual bananas.

Instant Vanilla Pudding– This is going to be the base of this dessert. For a variation, you can switch up the flavors and use cheesecake instant pudding, banana instant pudding, and even chocolate for my chocolate banana lovers out there!

Milk– You will need milk to make your pudding. I just use regular skim milk in mine, but any dairy milk will do.

Cool Whip– This is going to give your pudding a better flavor and make it light and fluffy. It is a key ingredient when it comes to the taste of banana pudding.

Vanilla Extract– This is going to make the pudding taste more homemade than just regular boxed pudding mix tastes. You only need a little, but you can also omit this ingredient if you want to and still have an amazing pudding.

Nilla Wafers– These are the best part for me in banana pudding. They get so soft and that vanilla cookie taste is unmatched. Feel free to use a different vanilla cookie in its place if you would like. I have seen people use the Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies.

Tips for Better Classic Banana Pudding

  • Make sure you have ripe yellow bananas. This way your pudding will last longer in the fridge.
  • Slice your bananas into thin slices. Slice them right before layering the pudding so that they do not turn brown while sitting out.
  • Do not miss the Cool Whip ingredient because it really makes or breaks this pudding.
  • Omit the vanilla extract if you do not have any on hand.
  • Use whatever containers you want. You can use a bowl, mason jars, cups, whatever you desire.
  • Allow pudding to chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours. For smaller containers, it doesn’t take as long.

How to Make Classic Banana Pudding

  1. Prepare pudding in a mixing bowl using powdered box mix and 2 cups of milk. Whisk it all together then set aside to let pudding get firm.
  2. Mix Cool Whip into pudding.
  3. Mix vanilla extract into pudding.
  4. Slice bananas into thin slices.
  5. In your desired serving container, place a layer of Nilla Wafers down, then place a layer of pudding on top of the cookies, then place a layer of banana slices on top of the pudding.
  6. Repeat these layers to the top of your container. Finish with a layer of pudding and crushed Nilla Wafers. If you run out of pudding, then top with a layer of Cool Whip and crushed Nilla Wafers.
  7. Place it in the fridge for about 3 hours or until you are ready to serve. Smaller containers need less time.
  8. Enjoy!

Classic Banana Pudding

Delicious pudding with rich vanilla and banana flavors!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Course: Dessert
Author: mamabrisrecipes

Ingredients

  • 1 3.4 oz box Vanilla Instant Pudding
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 2 Bananas sliced
  • 1 cup Cool Whip
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 box Nilla Wafers

Instructions

  • Prepare pudding in a mixing bowl using powdered box mix and 2 cups of milk. Whisk it all together then set aside to let pudding get firm.
  • Mix Cool Whip into pudding.
  • Mix vanilla extract into pudding.
  • Slice bananas into thin slices.
  • In your desired serving container, place a layer of Nilla Wafers down, then place a layer of pudding on top of the cookies, then place a layer of banana slices on top of the pudding.
  • Repeat these layers to the top of your container. Finish with a layer of pudding and crushed Nilla Wafers. If you run out of pudding, then top with a layer of Cool Whip and crushed Nilla Wafers.
  • Place it in the fridge for about 3 hours or until you are ready to serve. Smaller containers need less time.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

If you are a lover of bananas then feel free to use more than just two. I find that two works perfectly for this amount of pudding for me. Enjoy!