Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Layers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This creamy banana pudding features ripe bananas layered with vanilla wafers and smooth vanilla custard, chilled to perfection for a classic Southern dessert. This southern american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix, cold whole milk, 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 310 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 8 Southern American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix, 2 1/2 cups cold whole milk, and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  3. Step 3: In a separate chilled bowl, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tbsp granulated sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Slice 3 large ripe bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  6. Step 6: In a 2-quart glass dish, spread a thin layer of pudding mixture, then add a layer of vanilla wafers (about 15 wafers), followed by half of the banana slices.
  7. Step 7: Repeat layering with another third of the pudding, remaining wafers, and remaining bananas.
  8. Step 8: Top with the remaining pudding and smooth the surface.
  9. Step 9: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
  10. Step 10: Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra wafers or banana slices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Layers 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 Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Layers?

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 Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Layers?

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 Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Layers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafer Layers?

Southern 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.

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