Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake)

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.

🍮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:

1. Place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom
2. Add half the sliced bananas

3. Spread half the pudding mixture over bananas
4. Repeat a layer of wafers

5. Add another layer of sliced bananas
6. 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.

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