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–+ servings
easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin
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5 from 7 votes

Easy Banana Pudding

This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is a delicious no-bake dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding in a trifle bowl or 9 x 13 pan. Best served the next day, it's the perfect make ahead dessert for Thanksgiving, Easter, and family gatherings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Chilling Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 445kcal
Author: Cara Lanz

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 3.4 oz. boxes instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 ¾ cups cold milk
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip, divided
  • 60 vanilla wafers you may need more if using a 9 x 13 pan
  • 5-7 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the condensed milk and mix until there are no lumps.
  • In a second bowl, mix the pudding mix and milk together until smooth.
  • Pour the pudding into the cream cheese mixture and mix until completely combined.
  • Fold in ½ of the Cool Whip.
  • Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of vanilla wafers.
    Add a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies.
    Spread a layer of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
    Repeat 1-3 times, depending on the size of your dish.
    Four layers worked perfectly in my trifle dish with 12-16 Nilla Wafers in each layer.
    One to two layers will work well in a 9 x 13 pan.
  • Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding.
  • Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
  • Crush a few Nilla Wafers on top of the Cool Whip immediately before serving. If desired, serve with fresh banana slices.
  • Store leftover banana pudding wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Video

Notes

  • Use very soft cream cheese so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
  • Chill the banana pudding for at least 4 hours before serving, but overnight is best for soft, cakelike cookies.
  • Completely cover the bananas with pudding to keep them from turning brown.
  • Add the crushed vanilla wafers right before serving or they'll get soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 432mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 246mg | Iron: 0.3mg