Banana Pudding Parfait with Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream
Layers of smooth vanilla pudding, ripe banana slices, crunchy vanilla wafers, and fluffy whipped cream create a nostalgic Southern dessert parfait. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix, cold whole milk, medium ripe bananas, sliced into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups cold whole milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using a hand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Step 3: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the vanilla pudding until smooth and light.
- Step 4: In 4 serving glasses, layer 1/4 cup vanilla wafers, followed by 1/4 cup pudding mixture, then 1/4 cup sliced ripe bananas. Repeat layering once more ending with pudding.
- Step 5: Top each parfait with a generous spoonful of remaining whipped cream and garnish with a few vanilla wafers and banana slices.
- Step 6: Chill parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banana Pudding Parfait with Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Banana Pudding Parfait with Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banana Pudding Parfait with Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Banana Pudding Parfait with Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Banana Pudding Parfait with Vanilla Wafers and Whipped Cream?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
