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Banana Pudding Recipe

No-Bake Banana Pudding

This creamy, dreamy banana pudding recipe brings back memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners. With no baking required, you can create this restaurant-quality dessert in just 25 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pudding Base
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix 5 oz package
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz can
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed 12 oz container
Layering Ingredients
  • 1 package vanilla wafers 16 oz package
  • 14 small bananas, sliced ripe but firm

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wire whisk
  • Glass serving bowl or trifle dish
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Make the pudding base: Whisk cold milk and pudding mix in a large bowl for exactly 2 minutes. This timing ensures proper thickening.
  2. Add sweetened condensed milk: Blend it in until the mixture looks creamy and uniform.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract: Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
  4. Fold in whipped topping: Use gentle folding motions to keep the texture light and airy.
  5. Slice bananas: Cut them just before assembling to prevent browning.
  6. Start layering: Place vanilla wafers on the bottom of your glass serving bowl.
  7. Add banana layer: Arrange sliced bananas over the wafers.
  8. Spread pudding mixture: Cover bananas with a generous layer of pudding.
  9. Repeat layers: Continue alternating wafers, bananas, and pudding until ingredients are used.
  10. Finish with pudding: End with a final layer of pudding mixture on top. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips: Use cold ingredients for best results. Don't overmix the pudding to maintain light texture. Slice bananas just before assembly to prevent browning.
Variations: Try banana cream pudding mix instead of vanilla for extra banana flavor, or substitute chocolate wafers for a banana split taste.