This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (2024)

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By

Diana Rattray

This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (1)

Diana Rattray

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 04/16/24

Tested by

Victoria Heydt

This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (2)

Tested byVictoria Heydt

Victoria Heydt is a food photographer, stylist, and the Editorial Director for The Spruce Eats. An Institute of Culinary Education grad, she also develops and tests recipes.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Chill: 30 mins

Total: 45 mins

Servings: 8to 10 servings

259 ratings

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Banana pudding has long been a favorite Southern dessert, and this shortcut version of the classic treat is an excellent choice for a busy day.This recipe is made with instant vanilla pudding, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla wafers, prepared whipped cream, and sliced bananas, making for an easy and convenient layered dessert that is sure to impress.

This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (3)

Because this recipe uses boxed pudding mix, there's no need to turn on the oven or stove. It's a great no-bake option for a hot day. Ripe bananas are especially delicious in the layers since they're sweeter and have a stronger flavor, and it's a nice way to use up any extra fruit.

To keep the sliced bananas from turning brown, they are gently tossed or brushed with a small amount of lemon juice. You'll just need a few minutes to mix up the pudding and stack the layers in a trifle dish, glass bowl, or individual dishes. If you're entertaining, make it right before dinner, cover, and stick it in the fridge to chill. Top with freshly sliced banana just before serving.

What You'll Need to Make This Banana Pudding Recipe

A Handy Dandy Citrus Juicer
A Zippy Hand Mixer
A Nifty Piping Bag

"This banana pudding dish is just heavenly. An extremely luscious dessert that people were going back for seconds and thirds of this dessert when I made it. It was even incredible the next day! I ended up making this twice because it was so insanely good. Definitely going to save this one for the future." —Victoria Heydt

This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (7)

Ingredients

  • 3 firm, ripe bananas

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 2 1/2 cups cold milk

  • 1 (5-ounce) package (6-serving size) instant vanilla pudding

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 (12-ounce) container whipped topping, divided

  • 30 vanilla wafer cookies

  • Vanilla sugar, or cinnamon sugar, for garnish, optional

  • 1 firm, ripe banana, for topping, if desired

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (8)

  2. Peel and slice the bananas and toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice. Set aside.

    This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (9)

  3. Combine the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk or beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until thoroughly blended. Let stand for 2 minutes.

    This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (10)

  4. With a spatula or spoon, fold half of the whipped topping into the pudding mixture.

    This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (11)

  5. In an 8-inch trifle dish, alternate layers of pudding, banana slices, and vanilla wafers. Spoon or pipe the remaining whipped topping over the pudding. Chill the pudding for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (12)

  6. Garnish the dessert with freshly sliced banana, if desired. For an extra special look, sprinkle the dessert with vanilla sugar or a cinnamon-sugar blend.

    This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (13)

How to Store

  • To store leftover pudding, cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Note that the bananas will turn brown the longer the pudding is stored and the cookies will become soft.
  • We do not recommend freezing banana pudding since the mixture tends to separate and the texture isn't the same as fresh.

Tips

  • If you don't have a lemon, you can use lime juice, orange juice, or pineapple juice to toss with the bananas to help keep them from turning brown.
  • While making the layers, make sure to quickly cover the bananas with the pudding to keep them from turning brown. And don't slice the banana for the garnish until just before serving time.
  • While banana pudding looks lovely in a glass bowl or trifle dish to show off the layers, you can serve it in any dish, such as a 9 x 13 or large casserole. You can also make individual puddings.

Recipe Variations

  • Make your own homemade vanilla pudding for an extra special banana pudding.
  • Swap the whipped topping for three cups of homemade sweetened whipped cream.
  • Swirl some caramel sauce or ice cream topping over each layer of bananas for banoffee flavor.
  • Make toasted coconut banana pudding: Put 3/4 cup of flaked sweetened coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring until the coconut is browned and aromatic. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the toasted coconut over the banana layer and save the remaining 1/4 cup for topping just before serving.
  • Replace the vanilla pudding with all or part banana cream pudding or cheesecake pudding.
  • Instead of vanilla wafers, use small butter cookies or broken shortbread.
  • For an adult version, replace a few tablespoons of the milk with banana liqueur or rum.

How Do You Keep Banana Pudding From Getting Watery?

As banana pudding sits, the bananas will release water into the mixture, making the pudding slightly watery. The best way to combat this is to serve and enjoy the pudding freshly made. If you're making ahead, prepare the pudding layer ahead of time, press plastic wrap directly against the top, and store in the fridge for a day or two. Assemble the banana pudding within an hour of serving.

14 Dreamy and Creamy Pudding Recipes

  • Recipes for Beginners
  • Desserts
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  • Banana Recipes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
779Calories
36g Fat
109g Carbs
10g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8to 10
Amount per serving
Calories779
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 36g46%
Saturated Fat 18g89%
Cholesterol 18mg6%
Sodium 410mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 109g40%
Dietary Fiber 3g10%
Total Sugars 74g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 5mg25%
Calcium 175mg13%
Iron 5mg29%
Potassium 490mg10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

  • Banana
  • easy banana pudding
  • dessert
  • southern

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This Easy, No-Bake Banana Pudding Is the Perfect Potluck Dessert (2024)

FAQs

Can I use condensed milk instead of milk for pudding? ›

"Out of regular milk or evaporated milk? You can still make delicious and creamychocolate pudding! For the chocolate, use what you have on hand.

What can you use instead of vanilla wafers in banana pudding? ›

In this banana pudding recipe I use ladyfingers as a Nilla wafer substitute. I have also tried sponge fingers and Marie biscuits for this, but prefer the texture and taste of the ladyfingers.

How long does banana pudding last in the fridge? ›

It's best not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerating it in a closed plastic container will keep it in good shape for at least 3-4 days. Freezing this yummy dessert for too long is another bad idea. Once you defrost your banana pudding, the taste and appearance won't be the same.

Is banana cream the same as banana pudding? ›

If it's made correctly. So banana cream pie and banana pudding are basically the same one just has a pie crust and one doesn't. Both are delicious if made correctly.

Is it OK to eat brown banana in banana pudding? ›

As long as the dessert has been properly stored in the refrigerator for three days or less, it should be safe (and delicious) to eat, even if the bananas are a little brown.

How to keep banana slices from turning brown in banana cream pie? ›

* Treat the bananas with citrus juice: Lemon, orange or pineapple juice will prevent browning. To avoid changing the flavor of the pie, you want to use as little as possible. Brush it lightly on the slices, or place the juice in a spray bottle and spritz them.

How do you make boxed instant pudding better? ›

Use Evaporated Milk

Not only does it yield a luxurious texture, it dramatically improves the flavor of a pudding mix. For a tropical twist, reach for some canned coconut milk. It's rich, and the gorgeous taste is ideal for taking your instant pudding from meh to amazing.

How to jazz up instant pudding? ›

18 Ways To Upgrade Instant Pudding Mix
  1. Give instant pudding mix a splash of booze. ...
  2. Fold in whipped cream for extra creaminess. ...
  3. Pair instant pudding with baked goods. ...
  4. Enjoy it with a dessert grazing board. ...
  5. Mix pudding with cake batter. ...
  6. Turn instant pudding mix into French toast. ...
  7. Choose a richer milk.
Feb 29, 2024

Are vanilla wafers discontinued? ›

December 23, 2022 at 6:45 a.m. Jackson's Old Fashioned Vanilla Wafers, crispy vanilla-flavored round cookies first produced at a North Little Rock baking facility in 1933, are leaving the store shelves.

Is there banana instant pudding? ›

Jell-O Banana Cream Artificially Flavored Instant Pudding Mix & Pie Filling tastes delicious whether you enjoy it as a treat or use it as an ingredient in your favorite dessert recipes. Add some wonder to your day with a delicious artificially flavored banana cream dessert.

Does snack pack make banana pudding? ›

Snack Pack Banana Cream Pie Pudding Cups are all of the creamy goodness you could want in a snack, now in a super-sized portion sure to bring a smile to snack time.

Why is my banana pudding runny the next day? ›

Pudding is usually runny because it has been stored in the refrigerator for too long or in an open space. Another cause could be due to improper cooking methods.

Is it OK to freeze banana pudding? ›

Banana pudding can be challenging to freeze, but if you opt to do so, it's advisable to consume it within one to two months for optimal quality. Some suggest consuming it within one month for the best taste and texture. To preserve its flavor and texture, store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Is banana pudding a black thing? ›

Made from layers of vanilla pudding, banana slices, whipped cream, and Nilla wafers, banana pudding is a staple in Southern households and it holds a special place in many Black households today.

What state is known for banana pudding? ›

The National Banana Pudding Festival is held at the Centerville River Park in Centerville, Tennessee. It is a 2-day event held on the first weekend of October.

What is a interesting fact about banana pudding? ›

Not surprisingly, more bananas meant more banana recipes. The first full recipe for banana pudding reportedly appeared in an issue of Good Housekeeping in 1888. The Post and Courier reports that the recipe featured custard and bananas alternated with layers of sponge cake and finished with whipped cream.

How to ripen bananas for banana pudding? ›

Place bananas in a warm spot such as a sunny window or near a heating vent. Keep the bunch of bananas together. Their friends will help speed the process along. Depending on how green they are, and where on the banana ripeness spectrum you prefer them, they should ripen in 24 hours to 5 days.

Does putting bananas in the fridge make them brown? ›

There are a few cautionary points to keep in mind when refrigerating your bananas. Bananas are very temperature sensitive, so the cold temperature of the fridge will cause the skin of the bananas to darken after a few days, at which point they should be discarded.

Why does foil keep bananas fresh? ›

Cover the stem ends of each banana with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to reduce the release of ethylene gas. Bananas release high amounts of ethylene gas, which accelerates the proces of browning. Thus, to slow it down, separate the bananas from the bunch and then store them.

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