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Banana pudding is one of my favorite desserts of all time. It’s light, fluffy, and flavorful and a total crowd pleaser, even people that don’t like bananas, love banana pudding.
Every time I make it, people can’t stop talking about it. I’ve been working on this recipe for years. This recipe is a cross between the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding and Paula Deen’s “Not Yo Mama’s” Banana Pudding recipe- so you KNOW it will be delicious! I created a delicious, fluffy whip, and it’s layered! So, let’s make it together!
Table of Contents
- Why everyone loves this recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)
- How to Make the Perfect Banana Pudding (Step by Step) Full Recipe Below
- 1. Make the pudding
- 2. Make the fluff, and then- add the fluff, to the pudding!
- 3. Mix your fluff and pudding mixture together!
- 4. Start Assembling!
- 5. Repeat the process, the best banana pudding has two layers!
- 7. Cover it, Chill it, Then, Decorate!
- Decorating your Banana Pudding
- Tips for Making the Perfect Pudding
- Let’s Make it together with @themoodyfoody
- What’s the best dish to make my pudding in?
- How long should I let it sit?
- Can I freeze my banana pudding?
- Banana Pudding Recipe
Why everyone loves this recipe
- It’s absolutely mouth watering- No, seriously. I’ve had people go BANANAS over this banana pudding, NO pun intended! I love to bring show-stopping desserts to any and every event, and everyone is so impressed!
- It’s super easy to make- I love this recipe because it is kid-friendly and fool-proof! If you’re a beginner in the kitchen and would love to make something, this is the recipe! Minimal ingredients are required, and it’s cheap! This is an easy banana pudding recipe, forreal!
- It’s versatile—use different cookies, add more bananas, and play around with your different pudding mixes! The options are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)
- Vanilla Wafers
- Chessman Cookies
- Bananas
- Cream Cheese
- Sweet Condensed Milk
- Cool-Whip
- Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Jell-O
How to Make the Perfect Banana Pudding (Step by Step) Full Recipe Below
1. Make the pudding
Mix the cold milk and Jell-O, then let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the fluff, and then- add the fluff, to the pudding!
The key to my easy banana pudding is the fluff. Combine room temperature cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and Cool Whip. Then add your creamy fluff mixture to your pudding and mix!
3. Mix your fluff and pudding mixture together!
Fold your ingredients in until fully combined, careful not to overmix!
4. Start Assembling!
Line a baking dish with vanilla wafers. Then, spread 1/3 of your banana pudding mixture and smooth it out. Next, add a single layer of bananas and some crushed up wafers. At this point, feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences. Want more bananas? Go for it! Want fewer cookies? You’re the artist here!
5. Repeat the process, the best banana pudding has two layers!
Add another layer of the pudding mixture, followed by more bananas, then another layer of crushed cookies, and finally, end with a final layer of the pudding mixture!
7. Cover it, Chill it, Then, Decorate!
I prefer to let my banana pudding sit overnight, but a minimum of 6 hours will also work. Make sure to decorate after you have chilled it!For decoration, I like to add chessmen cookies, wafers, and bananas on top. My final touch is a drizzle of caramel because there’s no such thing as doing too much!
Decorating your Banana Pudding
Have fun with it! Use my photos as a guide. I like to add vanilla wafers (whole and crushed), chessman cookies, thinly sliced bananas, and my secret: caramel on top! This is the fun part. You’ll want to impress your guests when you bring the banana pudding to your party – so take your time!
Tips for Making the Perfect Pudding
- Use Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas that are still firm for the best taste and texture. Ripe bananas bring a natural sweetness to the pudding, and their firmness helps them stay friendly in the layers.
- Pudding Consistency: Check if the pudding is thick enough and smooth before adding it to the layers. This step is essential to make sure the dessert holds together well.
- Layering Technique: Set up the layers smartly after making the perfect mix. Start with a layer of crushed vanilla wafers or cookies at the bottom to make a solid base. Alternate layers of pudding, sliced bananas, and cookies to ensure each bite has a good mix.
- Chill Time: Put the banana pudding in the fridge overnight, preferably. This gives the flavors time to blend, and the dessert will be put together more and taste tastier when you serve it.
- Creative Garnishes: Make the presentation and flavor better by adding fun toppings. Think about putting whipped cream, extra cookie pieces, or a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce on top before serving. It’ll look good and taste even better!
Let’s Make it together with @themoodyfoody
@themoodyfoody 🙈💛🍌Magnolia Bakery 🤝 Backyard Banana pudding = “youll never forget me” Banana pudding. This recipe is easy, fool proof, straight to the point, and absolutely delicious. Fluffy, light, airy. And its 3 layers! #magnoliabakery #bananapudding #christmasdessert #holidayrecipes ♬ ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE – BRENDA LEE
What’s the best dish to make my pudding in?
For some reason, I love serving my banana pudding in a 13×9 Oval ceramic dish! It just makes it look beautiful, and it’s 8-12 servings comfortably! However, you can also use a 13×9 pan square dish too!
How long should I let it sit?
Some recipes reward patience, and this is definitely one of them. I highly recommend making your banana pudding the night before you serve it. Decorate it right before serving. If you are in a hurry, allow your pudding to chill for at least 4-6 hours!
Can I freeze my banana pudding?
Yes! Banana pudding can be frozen for up to 3 months! When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the fridge!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave a review! Would love to hear from you!
Banana Pudding
Ingredients
For the pudding mix
- 2 boxes Instant pudding mix Vanilla or French Vanilla
- 2 cups cold milk whole, oat or almond
- 14oz sweet condensed milk
- 8oz softened cream cheese room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cool whip
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 box chessman cookies optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sweet condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Slowly fold in cool whip. Continue folding until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pudding, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency.
- Pour a layer of the pudding mixture over the cookies, spreading it evenly.
- Add another layer of vanilla wafer cookies, followed by another layer of the pudding mixture.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between the crushed vanilla wafer cookies and pudding mixture until you have three layers, ending with a layer of vanilla pudding on top.
- After completing the layering process, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the banana pudding overnight. (Do not decorate until the next day) This extended refrigeration allows the flavors set.
- Before serving, decorate your banana pudding with cookies, caramel.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have been making banana pudding like this for years and it is always a hit. Add some cinnamon and nutmeg into the mix. It will definitely amplify the flavors.
Banana pudding is such a classic favorite in my family but this recipe took it to ANOTHER level!!! It’s so delicious. I’ve already made it 3 times since Thanksgivings because my family wants it for each holiday now.
This recipe is 10 out of 10!!!
This banana pudding is EVERYTHING! This will be my third time making it because it’s a request at family gatherings every year…and just because. This is definitely a 10/10!!!! Thank you Toni 💜
So good ! My husband loved it
one of my favorite desserts
i love making it