Name: Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding, Bananas, and Nilla Wafers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) Block Cream Cheese – at room temperature; 1 (14-ounce) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk; 1 ½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 (3.4-ounce) Package Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix; 1 (3.4-ounce) Package Instant White Chocolate or French Vanilla Pudding Mix; 2 ¾ Cup COLD Whole Milk (substitute: Half-and-Half); 1 (8-ounce) Tub Cool Whip Topping – thawed & divided; 7 medium barely ripe Bananas – divided; 3 TBS Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice; 1 (12-ounce) Box Vanilla Wafers; Vanilla Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar; White Chocolate Curls or Shavings

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 77 reviews

If you’ve been searching for that perfect dessert that hits all the right nostalgic notes without any fuss, this Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding, Bananas, and Nilla Wafers Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a luscious blend of creamy, dreamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers, all layered together to create a treat that’s both elegant and comforting. The best part? It comes together quickly with instant pudding, making it ideal for those moments when you want an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the bottom left, there are two bright yellow bananas with slight brown spots. Above them is a whole yellow lemon. In the center lies a rectangular block of white cream cheese with a slightly crumbly texture. Surrounding these are clear glass bowls containing white flour on the top left, golden vanilla extract in the top center, light beige sweetened condensed milk on the top right, fluffy white whipped cream on the right middle, white milk in a small white pitcher below the lemon, and golden yellow round vanilla wafer cookies in a glass bowl on the bottom right. The overall setup is clean and well-organized, ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are surprisingly straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From creamy cream cheese to the fresh tang of lemon juice on the bananas, every element is carefully chosen to elevate this classic dessert.

Cream Cheese (8-ounce block): Brings a rich, velvety texture and depth to the pudding base.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14-ounce can): Adds sweetness and a luscious, smooth consistency.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses warm, sweet aroma and accentuates flavors.
Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix (3.4-ounce package): Provides that unmistakable banana flavor and creamy thickness.
Instant White Chocolate or French Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4-ounce package): Adds richness and enhances the dreamy creaminess.
Whole Milk (2 ¾ cups, cold): Essential for the perfect consistency; substitute with half-and-half for an even creamier pudding.
Cool Whip Topping (8-ounce tub, thawed and divided): Lightens and smooths out the pudding while adding a fluffy texture.
Bananas (7 medium, barely ripe, divided): Choose bananas that are slightly firm to avoid mushiness and to brighten the taste.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (3 tablespoons): Prevents the sliced bananas from browning and adds a gentle citrus punch.
Vanilla Wafers (12-ounce box): The crispy, sweet layers that provide delightful contrast to the creamy pudding.
Optional Toppings (vanilla sugar, cinnamon sugar, white chocolate curls): Add finishing touches and extra flair to your presentation and taste.

How to Make Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding, Bananas, and Nilla Wafers Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese Until Smooth

Start by softening your cream cheese at room temperature to make mixing a breeze. Using a hand-held or stand mixer, whip the cream cheese on medium speed until it’s thoroughly smooth and fluffy — about two minutes. This step ensures your pudding base will be creamy without any lumps.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed for one minute. Don’t forget to pause to scrape down the bowl’s sides and bottom — this helps everything blend evenly for a silky pudding base. Keep beating an additional minute to guarantee full incorporation.

Step 3: Mix Instant Pudding and Milk

Slowly add both the banana cream and white chocolate (or French vanilla) instant pudding mixes to the bowl, followed by the cold whole milk. Start mixing on low speed to prevent splattering, then increase to medium until the mixture thickens and smooths, around 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to scrape the bowl as needed to combine every last bit.

Step 4: Fold in Half of the Cool Whip

Gently fold in one 8-ounce tub of thawed Cool Whip using a rubber spatula. This step is key to keeping the pudding light and airy, creating the luscious texture that makes this dessert irresistible.

Step 5: Refrigerate for Flavors to Meld

Cover your pudding mixture tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least three hours, though four or more is ideal. This chilling period allows the flavors to deepen and pudding to firm up nicely before layering.

Step 6: Prepare the Bananas

While the pudding chills, peel and slice six of your bananas into quarter-inch thick coins. Toss them gently in a bowl with the fresh lemon juice to keep the slices bright and fresh — no unwanted browning here!

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Choose your serving dish — whether a 9×13-inch pan, a trifle bowl, or individual jars. The layering is fun and forgiving: start with a layer of vanilla wafers, then pudding, then bananas, followed by a thin layer of Cool Whip. Repeat these layers depending on your dish size, usually two to three times. This build-up creates that classic banana pudding look and texture.

Step 8: Final Touches and Chill

Top your last banana layer with the remaining Cool Whip, making sure the bananas are fully covered to avoid browning. Refrigerate the whole dessert for at least 30 minutes before serving to let everything set perfectly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, adorn the top with freshly sliced banana coins and sprinkle with optional vanilla sugar, cinnamon sugar, or white chocolate curls. A little crumbled vanilla wafer on top adds an appealing crunch and completes the look.

How to Serve Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding, Bananas, and Nilla Wafers Recipe

The dessert is shown in a clear glass bowl with five visible layers. The bottom layer is made of round, brown cookies. Above that is a thick creamy layer in off-white color. Sliced bananas line the outer edge over this cream. The next layer has more brown cookies visible beneath another thick off-white cream. Another row of banana slices sits on this cream. The top layer is smooth white whipped cream with cinnamon sprinkled on it and is garnished with banana slices. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your banana pudding with simple garnishes like white chocolate curls or a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds an elegant visual pop and subtle flavor boost. Fresh banana slices not only look inviting but maintain the fresh fruit essence in every bite.

Side Dishes

This pudding shines brightly on its own as a dessert but pairs wonderfully with a light citrus salad or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added decadence. If you’re serving at a party, consider fresh berries or a crisp cookie on the side for some textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling this banana pudding in individual glass jars for a charming, single-serving treat perfect for summer picnics or potlucks. Layering in a clear trifle dish shows off the beautiful layers, making it a visual centerpiece as well as a delicious dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover banana pudding will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the top layer sealed tightly with plastic wrap so the bananas don’t brown and the pudding stays fresh.

Freezing

Because of the fresh banana slices and whipped topping, freezing isn’t recommended — the texture of the pudding and bananas can become watery and mushy after thawing.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use fresh homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! Fresh homemade pudding will work, but this recipe depends on instant pudding mixes for thickening and flavor balance, so adjustments to consistency might be necessary.

What if I don’t have cool whip? Can I substitute it?

You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute, but it won’t have the exact same binding properties. Whip it to stiff peaks and fold gently to maintain the light texture.

How do I keep the bananas from browning in the layers?

The key is tossing banana slices with lemon juice right after cutting and fully covering the top banana layer with Cool Whip to create a barrier against air exposure.

Can I make this pudding vegan or dairy-free?

With substitutions like plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free milk, and coconut whipped topping, you can adapt this recipe, but it will alter the traditional flavor somewhat.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can prepare the pudding and assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it tightly covered and refrigerated until serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding, Bananas, and Nilla Wafers Recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser that manages to be both dreamy and delightfully easy. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or a special gathering, the layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy wafers come together to create a dessert that’s pure sunshine in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort dessert with a fresh twist.