Easy Banana Pudding Recipe No Bake

This Easy Banana Pudding Recipe No Bake is made with simple ingredients and is so quick and easy to make for the holidays!

Vanilla wafer banana pudding consists of a luscious vanilla pudding base, with a perfect blend of sour cream and Cool Whip, creating a sweet and creamy banana pudding delight!!

Homemade Banana Pudding

This recipe for old fashioned homemade banana pudding is a family favorite, classic banana pudding dessert that many enjoy as one of the best Thanksgiving desserts.

Some may call it a banana pudding trifle, we just call this extraordinary Nilla wafer banana pudding with sour cream recipe, Delicious!!!

What is banana pudding?

Banana pudding has layers of pudding or custard with sliced bananas and using cake or cookie like vanilla wafers to layer with the pudding.

I have made banana pudding from scratch many times but feel this instant vanilla pudding banana pudding is just as good, is easier and saves time for the perfect make ahead comfort dessert!

The only problem with these amazing banana pudding cookie recipes is that they are so good that it is hard to resist second and even third helpings!!

It is so good, if banana pudding is leftover in the fridge you know what I am having for breakfast!!

If you enjoy creamy banana pudding recipes try my Paula Deen banana pudding recipe or the banana pudding recipe from Magnolia bakery. Try my no bake chocolate eclair cake or amazing creamy chocolate mousse.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple banana pudding recipe, so quick and easy to make
• Easy to customize with cookie of your choice
• Make ahead no bake recipe to save time
• One of the traditional holiday dessert recipes enjoyed by many

Banana pudding Ingredients

• Nilla Wafers – vanilla wafers
• Bananas – for slices layered in
• Instant Vanilla Pudding
• Milk – whole or 2%
• Sour Cream
• Cool Whip – or freezer whipped topping

Substitutions

Banana pudding without bananas can be made by not using the banana slices in this recipe. Banana pudding can be substituted for the vanilla pudding.

Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream in this recipe. Instead of using whipped topping in this banana pudding with Cool Whip recipe you can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute.

What are the best cookies for banana pudding?

Vanilla wafers or Nilla wafers are the best banana pudding cookies.

You can make banana pudding without Nilla wafers using Chessman cookies that we used in not yo mama’s banana pudding.

Ladyfinger cookies or butter cookies could be used in place of wafers in this recipe. Graham crackers can also be used on the bottom to make a graham cracker crust banana pudding.

Nutter butters cookies can be used for banana pudding and also Biscoff cookies to make a Biscoff banana pudding.

You can also substitute banana bread for the Nilla wafers to make banana bread banana pudding.

Step by step instruction for how to make banana pudding

STEP ONE – In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk instant pudding and milk until thoroughly combined.

STEP TWO – Add sour cream and whipped topping, whisk until thoroughly combined.

STEP THREE – Peel 5 to 6 bananas, set aside.

STEP FOUR – In a trifle dish, neatly arrange a layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of the dish.

STEP FIVE – Slice one banana into ¼ inch slices and layer on top of wafers.

Cover with 1 ½ cups of prepared pudding mixture, smoothing into an even layer.

Repeat layering, ending with a layer of wafers on top.

Cover and refrigerator for at least 4 hours until set and wafers are slightly softened.

Cover with 1 ½ cups of prepared pudding mixture, smoothing into an even layer.

Variations

Banana pudding with meringue can be made by adding a meringue layer to the top, making more of a southern banana pudding recipe.

Gluten free banana pudding and vegan banana pudding links for people who need them.

Best toppings for banana pudding

Enjoy your banana pudding topped with Cool Whip, whipped cream, ice cream, crumbl cookies, meringue, or more vanilla pudding with Cool Whip folded in. Or use your favorite combination of toppings.

Top tips for making the best banana pudding recipe

• Whole or 2% milk works best in this recipe
• For extra banana flavor, use banana instant pudding instead of vanilla
• It is best to not use overripe bananas for this pudding, using less ripe bananas will not turn brown as quickly allowing the pudding to last longer
• This recipe only works with instant vanilla pudding, cook-and-serve pudding would not work

How far ahead to make banana pudding?

Banana pudding can be made 24 hours ahead of time stored in the fridge. This helps to allow the flavors to meld together, before serving.

Best dish to use for banana pudding?

Banana pudding can be made in almost any type of dish. This works great in a 9×13 dish for parties and potlucks. A large bowl would also work in place of a trifle dish. 

This recipe makes about 6 layers in a trifle dish. If using a 9×13 the layering will vary, requiring about 2 cups of pudding per layer.

Banana pudding cups using clear cups for individual servings or individual banana pudding in mason jars are great ways to serve pudding.

How long does banana pudding last?

Leftover pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can you freeze banana pudding?

No! It is not recommended for banana pudding to be frozen as it can turn the bananas dark brown.

More Dessert Recipes to Enjoy!

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