The Best Banana Pudding Recipe (with Video)

Everyone needs a good banana pudding recipe in their repertoire, and this one is the easiest and most delicious banana pudding you'll ever come across.

Banana Pudding Ingredients

Our best banana pudding recipe is easy to make and assemble with convenient ingredients:

• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 (12-ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (16-ounce) package vanilla wafers
• 12 small bananas, sliced (or more as needed)

How to Make Banana Pudding

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect banana pudding:

1. Place the cold milk and pudding mix in a large bowl. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to give the pudding a rich, creamy texture.
4. In a large glass serving bowl, start by arranging a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
5. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
6. Top the bananas with a generous layer of the pudding mixture.
7. Repeat the layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding until all the ingredients are used.
8. For the best texture, chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
9. Top with extra crushed vanilla wafers just before serving for an extra crunch and decoration.
10. Enjoy your homemade banana pudding!

How to Store Banana Pudding

Cover the banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Be sure to chill it thoroughly before serving.

Can You Freeze Banana Pudding?

While banana pudding doesnt freeze well due to its creamy texture, this recipe is so simple you can easily make it right before serving there probably wont be any leftovers anyway!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Community Tips

"I have made this a couple of times for my dad's birthday and he loves it," says Jennifer Hawkins. "I use banana cream pudding mix instead of vanilla to add an extra banana flavor."

"This was a big hit at our first block party in a new neighborhood," according to Cindy M. Thomason. "Our neighbors are all elderly, and they could not get enough. Such a simple, old-fashioned dessert, but it was the highlight of the dessert table. I was so proud!"

"Made two layers in a round decorative dish for a picnic," says Cindy Vandanna. "So creamy, sweet and perfectly balanced. I think it may have even topped my long standing signature banana dessert."