By Banana Pudding is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Banana Pudding captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Banana Pudding becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 (11 oz) box Vanilla Wafers
4 to 6 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz) box Instant French Vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
PREPARATION STEPS
Arrange half of the vanilla wafers evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Layer sliced bananas over the wafers.
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend together the milk and instant French Vanilla pudding mix until smooth.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth using a hand mixer. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
Gently fold the prepared pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Pour the pudding mixture over the layer of bananas and wafers in the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top the pudding layer with the remaining vanilla wafers.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding is set.
Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 15
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
