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No-Bake Banana Pudding

Nora Collins
No-Bake Banana Pudding layers vanilla wafers and firm-ripe bananas with a creamy vanilla filling lightened by freshly whipped cream. It is a chilled make-ahead dessert suited to potlucks, cookouts, and relaxed gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-by-13-inch dish or 3-quart trifle bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 11 oz vanilla wafers About 312g; reserve some for garnish
  • 5-6 large bananas Firm-ripe, sliced into rounds
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk One standard can
  • 2 cups whole milk Very cold
  • 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding mix One 144g box
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream Very cold; divided after whipping
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Reserve several vanilla wafers for garnish and set out a 9-by-13-inch dish or 3-quart trifle bowl.
  • Whisk the cold whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and instant vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes.
  • Let the pudding mixture rest for 5 minutes, until thickened.
  • Beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  • Fold half of the whipped cream into the thickened pudding until evenly combined and airy.
  • Layer vanilla wafers, banana rounds, and half of the pudding filling in the dish.
  • Repeat the layers, then spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then garnish with reserved wafers and fresh banana slices before serving.

Notes

Storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days; the best wafer and banana texture is within 2 days.
Reheating: Do not reheat this chilled dessert; serve it directly from the refrigerator.
Best Tips: Use very cold dairy, firm-ripe bananas, and instant pudding so the filling sets cleanly and the fruit stays neat.
Variations: French vanilla pudding, shortbread cookies, or a light caramel drizzle can be used without changing the basic method.
Make Ahead: Assemble 4 to 12 hours before serving for soft wafers and settled, scoopable layers.
Keyword banana dessert, creamy pudding recipe, make-ahead dessert, no-bake banana pudding, vanilla wafer dessert