Classic Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers come together in this beloved Southern dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix, cold whole milk, can sweetened condensed milk 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 280 calories and feeds 10, 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 1/2 cups cold whole milk
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 medium, sliced ripe bananas
- 12 oz vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 1/2 cups cold whole milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Step 2: Stir in 14 oz sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp powdered sugar with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
- Step 5: In a 9x13-inch dish, layer 1/3 of the pudding mixture, then 1/3 of 4 sliced ripe bananas, followed by 1/3 of 12 oz vanilla wafer cookies.
- Step 6: Repeat layering two more times, ending with a pudding layer on top.
- Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
- Step 8: Serve chilled with additional banana slices or wafers if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Classic Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers?
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 Classic Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers?
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 Classic Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 Classic Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids devoured it. Easy to make and so delicious.
- ★★★★★
This brought back memories of my grandma's kitchen! Perfectly creamy and the vanilla wafers held up well.
- ★★★★☆
The pudding was good but a bit bland without extra spices. Took longer than expected to set.
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