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.

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?
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.
✨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.
📖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:
- Place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom
- Add half the sliced bananas
- Spread half the pudding mixture over bananas
- Repeat a layer of wafers
- Add another layer of sliced bananas
- Top with the remaining pudding mix and sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top. Chill and serve!

💡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
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.
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.
Pudding often turns runny if stored too long in the refrigerator.
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake)
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!!
PATRICIA BURNS
Is this recipe really enough for 12 serving!
Vaishali
Yes, it does. Make it in a 9X13 dish and cut into 3 columns and 4 rows. Gives you 12 rough slices.
Vaishali
Also, dessert serving size is a state of mind...lol!!
Belinda
So super easy and delicious I’ve made it twice now. I only use banana pudding not vanilla. It’s still amazing thanks!!
Vaishali
Thanks, Belinda! I'm so glad that you enjoy this Banana pudding!
Donnis McAnulty
It is an excellent recipe. Husband loved it! Will definitely make again.
Vaishali
Thanks, Domnis. I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it.
Pedja
My kids and I, we eat about 4lbs of bananas every day, so any recipe with bananas is much appreciated 🙂
Lindsey
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!
Vaishali
Thanks Lindsey. I hope you and your family enjoy it.
nia
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! 🙂
Vaishali
Thanks Nia. Semi homemade recipes are the best for that reason! I'm glad you like it.
nia
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.
Vaishali
Thanks Nia. I am glad you liked it
Catherine
Banana pudding is my favorite! Such a good recipe.
Vaishali
Thanks Catherine. We love this recipe too
Eva Petruzziello
I love banana pudding. This one looks like a great recipe, I will be trying it!
Vaishali
Thanks Evaa
Kevin Foodie
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.
Vaishali
Thanks Kevin. This semi homemade version is so easy and restaurant quality...:P
Anna
Such a comforting recipe!
Vaishali
Thanks Anna!