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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake)

    Published: Jan 12, 2023 by Vaishali · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Looking for an easy banana pudding recipe (no bake) that delivers incredible flavor without the fuss? This classic Southern dessert combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers for a crowd-pleasing treat that requires zero oven time. Perfect for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, or when you need a show-stopping dessert fast.

    Banana pudding sprinkled with crushed vanilla wafers in a red ceramic dish.

    I have been making this for more than 15 years now and it never fails to impress. The beauty lies in its simplicity – no complicated techniques, no baking required, and ingredients that are easy to shop for. The result is a rich, creamy dessert with perfect texture contrast from the tender bananas and crunchy wafers.

    Like several of my other Southern-inspired recipes, like the jalapeno cheddar cornbread, carrot loaf cake, and harvest apple cake, this banana pudding recipe is easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. This banana pudding is literally a dessert lifestyle in the South.

    Jump to:
    • 🍮What is pudding?
    • ✨What you'll love about this recipe?
    • 📋Recipe Ingredients
    • 📖Substitutions, Additions and Variations
    • 👩‍🍳Steps to make this recipe
    • 💡Vaishali's tips
    • 🫙Storage Instructions
    • ❓FAQs
    • Related
    • Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake)

    🍮What is pudding?

    Well, technically speaking, a pudding is “usually” made of milk that has been thickened using a starch like corn flour or egg yolks to get a fluffy, slightly jiggly and soft but thick and creamy texture. It involves heating the milk, tempering the egg yolks with warm milk, and then cooking everything together until the desired consistency is achieved. The pudding can be flavored in many different flavors and colors. 

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    ✨What you'll love about this recipe?

    • Semi-homemade Recipe: In this banana pudding recipe, we use box pudding mix and whipped topping.
    • Incredibly Simple to Assemble. This banana pudding comes together effortlessly. And that's exactly what makes it perfect – minimal effort with maximum flavor payoff that will have everyone asking for your secret.
    • Perfect for Large Gatherings. This dessert easily feeds 12-15 people. It's ideal for serving family-style, letting everyone dig in and enjoy this crowd-pleasing favorite together.

    📋Recipe Ingredients

    For the Pudding Layer:

    • Box Pudding Mix - use one box vanilla and one box banana pudding mix.
    • Whipped Topping - usually found in the freezer section, this pre-sweetened whipped topping adds the right amount of sweetness.

    For Assembly:

    • Vanilla Wafers - Packaged vanilla wafers are easily available in most American grocery stores and add the perfect crunch to this banana pudding recipe.
    • Bananas - you will need 4-5 ripe bananas for this recipe. The bananas should not be too mushy or under-ripe.
    Banana pudding with a vanilla wafer on top in a blue and white ceramic plate on a blue background. A red ceramic dish with fluted edges with banana pudding with a slice taken out.

    📖Substitutions, Additions and Variations

    Here are some possible suggestions to adapt this recipe to your liking

    • One type of Pudding Mix: You can use either vanilla or banana pudding mixes in this recipe. I like the balance of flavors that using one of each brings.
    • Peanut Butter Addition: Swirl in 2-3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the pudding layer.
    • Individual Servings: Just like my individual 7-layer dip, layer in mason jars or clear cups for portion-controlled servings, perfect for parties.
    • Healthier Version: Use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping to reduce calories.

    👩‍🍳Steps to make this recipe

    The greatest part about this pudding is just how easy it is to throw together, layer and then chill. You can definitely mix it with a hand whisk but an electric mixer or whisk will make your life easier.

    Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base - Whisk together the instant pudding mixes and cold milk in your stand mixer. Beat for 2 minutes until thick and smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.

    Step 2: Layer Your Easy Banana Pudding Recipe:

    In a 9x13-inch dish:

    1. Place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom
    2. Add half the sliced bananas
    A layer of vanilla wafers in a red ceramic dish.
    Slices of peeled bananas layered over vanilla wafers in a red ceramic dish.
    1. Spread half the pudding mixture over bananas
    2. Repeat a layer of wafers
    Vanilla pudding in a red ceramic dish.
    A layer of vanilla wafers sits on top of vanilla pudding layer in a red ceramic dish.
    1. Add another layer of sliced bananas
    2. Top with the remaining pudding mix and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top. Chill and serve!
    Slices of peeled bananas layered over vanilla wafers and vanilla pudding in a red ceramic dish.
    Banana pudding sprinkled with crushed vanilla wafers in a red ceramic dish.

    💡Vaishali's tips

    • Choose the Right Bananas: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas can make your pudding mushy.
    • Prevent Banana Browning: Add lemon juice to sliced bananas if you're making the dessert ahead of time.
    • Layer Smartly: Keep some wafers whole for structure and crush others for texture variety.
    • Make Ahead Friendly: This easy banana pudding actually improves overnight as the flavors develop.
    • Make half the recipe: This big batch recipe is perfect for a party, potluck, or bigger gatherings. But if you want to make a smaller batch, you can easily half the recipe. Since the pudding has fresh sliced bananas, I recommend consuming it within 2-3 days.

    🫙Storage Instructions

    This recipe serves 12-15 people and keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best served chilled and can be portioned directly from the dish or beautifully presented in individual bowls.

    For best results, add the wafer garnish just before serving to maintain the crispy texture contrast that makes this dessert so irresistible.

    ❓FAQs

    How do I make pudding from scratch?

    Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium high heat. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat, continuing to stir, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. You can add vanilla flavor to it.

    How far in advance should I make banana pudding?

    Banana pudding can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of serving. You can make the pudding itself 2–3 days in advance (if making it from scratch), then assemble the layers closer to serving time. To keep the cookies crisp, it's ideal to assemble the pudding just before serving or no more than a few hours in advance.

    Why is my banana pudding runny the next day?

    Pudding often turns runny if stored too long in the refrigerator.

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    If you make this Banana Pudding recipe, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I would love to hear from you guys. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook! I love to look through your creations!!

    XOXO – Vaishali

    Banana pudding with a vanilla wafer on top in a blue and white ceramic plate on a blue background.

    Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake)

    Vaishali
    A semi homemade, no-bake banana pudding recipe. Layered with vanilla wafers and bananas, this rich and creamy banana pudding is sure to impress.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Chill 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 83 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer Electric hand mixer can be used as well.

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 3.4 oz box of vanilla pudding mix see notes
    • 1 3.4 oz box of banana cream pudding mix see notes
    • 1 8 oz container of whipped topping like cool whip
    • 3 cups milk
    • 5-6 just ripe bananas
    • 1 box vanilla wafers

    Instructions
     

    • Take out the serving dish that you want to use. I recommend using a 9 X 13 dish.
    • Peel and thinly slice the bananas.
    • Empty the contents of both your pudding mix boxes into the bowl of your stand mixer or into a deep mixing bowl. Fit the stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
    • Add 3 cups milk and whisk until uniformly mixed and light and fluffy. You will have to move quickly after this since the pudding starts to “set” rather quickly.
    • Once the pudding is mixed well, fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula.
    • Put a layer or vanilla wafers on the bottom of your serving dish. Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Cover with half the whipped pudding mix. Repeat the layers of wafers and bananas and add the remaining pudding and spread over the bananas evenly. Crush 10-12 vanilla wafers in a zip top bag using a rolling pin. Sprinkle teh crushed wafers on top of the pudding. Cover and chill until ready to serve (at least 30 minutes). Enjoy!!

    Video

    Notes

    You can use two boxes of 1 kind of pudding mix as well - either vanilla or banana cream. I like mixing the two to balance out the flavors.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 268mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 130IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. PATRICIA BURNS

      January 16, 2025 at 10:15 pm

      Is this recipe really enough for 12 serving!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 16, 2025 at 10:24 pm

        Yes, it does. Make it in a 9X13 dish and cut into 3 columns and 4 rows. Gives you 12 rough slices.

        Reply
        • Vaishali

          January 16, 2025 at 10:31 pm

          Also, dessert serving size is a state of mind...lol!!

          Reply
    2. Belinda

      March 15, 2024 at 6:45 pm

      5 stars
      So super easy and delicious I’ve made it twice now. I only use banana pudding not vanilla. It’s still amazing thanks!!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        March 17, 2024 at 3:47 pm

        Thanks, Belinda! I'm so glad that you enjoy this Banana pudding!

        Reply
        • Donnis McAnulty

          May 25, 2024 at 11:45 am

          5 stars
          It is an excellent recipe. Husband loved it! Will definitely make again.

          Reply
          • Vaishali

            May 25, 2024 at 5:11 pm

            Thanks, Domnis. I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it.

            Reply
    3. Pedja

      January 18, 2023 at 6:11 am

      My kids and I, we eat about 4lbs of bananas every day, so any recipe with bananas is much appreciated 🙂

      Reply
    4. Lindsey

      January 16, 2023 at 10:39 am

      This brings back such good memories and looks delicious! Your pictures are helpful and make it even more of a must try! My family is excited!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 18, 2023 at 9:17 am

        Thanks Lindsey. I hope you and your family enjoy it.

        Reply
    5. nia

      January 16, 2023 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Yum, yum, yum!! This made me want some banana pudding! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe to make banana pudding. And I love that it's easy, especially for an inexperienced cook like me! 🙂

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        February 09, 2023 at 4:55 pm

        Thanks Nia. Semi homemade recipes are the best for that reason! I'm glad you like it.

        Reply
    6. nia

      January 16, 2023 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      Yum, yum, yum!! This made me want some banana pudding! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe to make banana pudding. And I love that it's easy, especially for an inexperienced cook like me.

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 18, 2023 at 9:13 am

        Thanks Nia. I am glad you liked it

        Reply
    7. Catherine

      January 16, 2023 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Banana pudding is my favorite! Such a good recipe.

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 18, 2023 at 9:09 am

        Thanks Catherine. We love this recipe too

        Reply
    8. Eva Petruzziello

      January 16, 2023 at 5:06 am

      I love banana pudding. This one looks like a great recipe, I will be trying it!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 18, 2023 at 9:25 am

        Thanks Evaa

        Reply
    9. Kevin Foodie

      January 14, 2023 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      Love this dessert . I have eaten banana puddings before from a restaurant, but have never made it at home before. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 18, 2023 at 11:27 am

        Thanks Kevin. This semi homemade version is so easy and restaurant quality...:P

        Reply
    10. Anna

      January 14, 2023 at 7:26 am

      5 stars
      Such a comforting recipe!

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 14, 2023 at 11:40 am

        Thanks Anna!

        Reply
    5 from 18 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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    Hey, I'm Vaishali!

    Welcome! I am so excited to cook and talk life with you. Here, you will find my kitchen journal full of mostly healthyish recipes that are family friendly, use seasonal and fresh ingredients, plant forward, packed with healing Indian spices and indulgent desserts.

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