Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding
This no-bake banana pudding recipe is a luscious twist on a Southern classic. Creamy layers of vanilla pudding, cream cheese, bananas, and vanilla wafers come together for a chilled dessert that’s a total crowd-pleaser. Easy to make ahead and even easier to love!
Ingredients
- 2 3.4 oz packages vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 8 oz container whipped cream (or 3 cups homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 –6 ripe bananas
- 1 12 oz box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk; let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
- Gently fold in prepared pudding until well combined.
- In a 9x13 dish, layer wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Notes
- Use bananas that are ripe but not mushy.
- Toss banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Store in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve in mason jars or cups for individual portions.
- Customize with graham crackers, flavored pudding, or toppings like toffee bits.