This timeless old fashioned No Bake Banana Pudding features creamy vanilla pudding, crunchy vanilla wafer cookies, sweet banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream in every bite.
No Bake Banana Pudding
No Bake Banana Pudding is an American classic dessert layered with creamy pudding, vanilla wafer cookies, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream.
Every bite has this amazing crunchy, creamy, sweet, and airy combination, making it an ultimate comfort food and family favorite for every occasion.
This ridiculously simple recipe can be thrown together in about 20 minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill!
What’s in Banana Pudding?
All banana pudding generally consists of vanilla or banana pudding, vanilla cookies, and banana slices. It is then topped with either whipped cream or meringue.
Which is better – Classic Southern or No Bake Banana Pudding?
Southern Banana Pudding is topped with lightly toasted meringue and can be served warm. No Bake Banana Pudding is topped with whipped cream and is only served chilled.
So which is better?
Well, both are delicious, and the answer probably depends on which one you were raised with. I recommend giving them both a try! You can check out my favorite Southern banana pudding recipe here.
Do You Have to Refrigerate Banana Pudding?
Yes. Banana pudding has dairy in it that needs to be stored cold.
Can I Make Banana Pudding Ahead of Time?
Kind of. Once you assemble the pudding, you risk the bananas browning. But you can absolutely make the pudding and the whipped cream and store in separate air tight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling. Then assemble in layers according to the recipe instructions.
More Banana Recipes You’ll Love
- Southern Banana Pudding – another twist on banana pudding. Just as delicious and topped with lightly toasted meringue.
- Chocolate Banana Cake – moist chocolate cake made with bananas in the batter and topped with the richest, chocolatiest pour-on frosting.
- Banana Cream Pie – a classic creamy pie filled with bananas and pudding and topped with whipped cream.
- Nutella Banana Muffins – chocolate Nutella and bananas swirled together in this decadent breakfast.
- Banana Blueberry French Toast Bake – an overnight French toast casserole packed with fresh blueberries and bananas.
No Bake Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (6 ounces)
- 3⅓ cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons butter room temperature
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (11 ounces)
- 5 bananas slices
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Add pudding to cream cheese mixture, and beat to combine.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine all whipped cream ingredients, and whip until peaks form.
- Fold half of the prepared whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Set aside.
- Line the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish with vanilla wafers.
- Top wafers with banana slices.
- Spread pudding mixture on top of banana slices all the way to the edges.
- Top with the remaining whipped cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least for 4 hours or overnight.
Video
Notes
- You can also layer this in a large bowl or trifle dish. There will be more layers since the base is a little smaller. Just continue layering cookies, bananas, and pudding until all the ingredients are used.
- I highly recommend using the homemade whipped cream, but you can substitute it for 2 (8 ounces) containers of thawed whipped topping if you would rather.
- Make Ahead Directions: Prepare pudding and whipped cream up to 3 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble banana pudding the day that you’re planning to serve, allowing enough time to properly chill.
- Storage: Store your banana pudding wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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I never get tried of this all American classic dessert and I’m looking forward to trying your version.
This is perfect I needed something today to bring to my sons house for a picnic and I really didnt want to take up alot of time, this was quick and easy and they devoured it!
Can you believe that I have only ever tried banana pudding once in my life?? Also, I had no idea there were different varieties. I am going to have to give this a go, thank you so much for this recipe 🙂
This looks so delicious and yummy! Can’t wait to give this a try! My family is going to love this!
Such a classic and comforting pudding! I love that it is no bake too.
This recipe looks so delicious and easy to make! I really loved the video showing exactly how to do each step.
I love a tasty no bake dessert, and this was no exceptions! Looking forward to serving this again for Easter brunch; it does not disappoint!
Love no bake desserts, and this banana pudding is a perfect summer treat!
Our family loves a delicious banana pudding! What a treat. A fabulous recipe for the hot-weather season and 4th of July.