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The Best Creamy Southern Style Banana Pudding (From Scratch)

A generous slice of creamy banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers, topped with whipped cream, banana slices, and crumbs.
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You deserve a rich, creamy, classic dessert that tastes like pure comfort. This homemade banana pudding recipe uses simple methods to create amazing layers of flavor with fresh bananas, vanilla custard, and vanilla wafers. It is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (5 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (or use one large box)
  • 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers
  • 4 cups cold water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mixes, and cold water for two minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  2. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until just combined.
  3. In a separate large serving dish, create the first layer by arranging one-third of the vanilla wafers on the bottom.
  4. Arrange half of the sliced bananas over the layer of wafers.
  5. Spread half of the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
  6. Repeat the layers: add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining sliced bananas, and then the rest of the pudding mixture.
  7. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top layer of pudding.
  8. Cover the dish and chill the banana pudding in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld.
  9. Before serving, you can garnish the top with a few extra vanilla wafers or banana slices if desired.

Notes

  • Chilling the pudding overnight gives you the best, softest texture for the vanilla wafers, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
  • Use very ripe, but not overly bruised, bananas for the best sweetness.
  • If you prefer a baked version, you can top the pudding with meringue instead of whipped topping and bake until golden brown.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/best-banana-pudding-creamy-southern-dessert/