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Banana pudding is one of those nostalgic desserts that feels like home. I’ve been making it for years, and after plenty of testing, I’ve perfected an easy, foolproof recipe that delivers the best creamy texture and classic flavor—without overcomplicating things.
Whether you layer it in a trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert or spread it into a 9×13-inch pan for easy serving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I made this and it was wonderful! I put little pieces of chocolate on top for extra taste every one loved it.
-Tam
The Best Banana Pudding Recipe – Trifle or 9×13 Inch Pan
Some banana pudding recipes can be overly complicated, but I believe the best version is the one that’s simple, rich, and comforting. I tested different methods to get the perfect balance—thick, creamy pudding, fresh banana slices, and just the right amount of vanilla wafers to soften into that signature texture without turning soggy. The key? Letting it chill long enough to meld all the flavors together.
This is the kind of recipe that proves homemade desserts don’t have to be difficult. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers but delivers the kind of results that make people think you spent all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, potluck, or just because you’re craving that classic banana pudding flavor, this is a go-to recipe you’ll make over and over again.
Whether you’re dressing it up for a holiday or keeping things casual for a potluck, this banana pudding recipe works perfectly in two different serving styles:
1. Trifle Dish
Want to impress guests with beautiful, layered presentation? Serve your banana pudding in a glass trifle dish. The see-through sides show off those dreamy layers of cookies, pudding, and bananas, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table. Pro tip: use a piping bag or spoon carefully to keep the layers clean and defined.
2. 9×13-Inch Pan
For a more casual (and transport-friendly) option, go with a classic 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s easy to assemble, easy to chill, and easy to scoop into bowls when it’s time to serve. Perfect for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or just keeping in the fridge for whenever the craving hits.
No matter which way you go, the creamy layers and classic flavor stay the same—absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
- Two Ways to Make It – Layer it in a trifle dish for a stunning presentation or spread it into a 9×13-inch pan for easy serving.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Only 5 Ingredients – Simple, classic, and packed with flavor.
- No Oven Needed – A perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion.
- Pure Comfort in Every Bite – Creamy, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Sharing – A must-have dessert for family gatherings and potlucks!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Simple Banana Pudding
This classic dessert is a hit with the whole family, and the perfect summer treat to take to cookouts or family gatherings. Get the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Instant vanilla pudding
- Milk – Make sure to use cold milk! Whole milk, 1%, or skim milk works well.
- Cool whip
- Nilla wafers
- Bananas – Make sure your bananas are ripe!
How to Make Easy Banana Pudding in a Trifle
This nilla wafer banana pudding is one of my favorite banana desserts, especially because it’s so easy. Get the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.
- Make pudding mixture. Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes.
- Add cool whip. Allow the pudding to sit for 3 minutes. Fold in 1/3 of the cool whip to the pudding.
- Layer banana pudding. Add a layer of vanilla wafer cookies to the bottom of a trifle dish. Add ¼ of the pudding mixture on top of the wafers, then top that with a layer of banana slices. Repeat these layers until you fill the trifle bowl.
- Add toppings. Spread the remaining cool whip on top. Add crushed nilla wafers and fresh banana slices to the top.
How to Make Easy Banana Pudding in a 9×13-inch pan
- Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Fold in 1/3 of the cool whip to the pudding.
- In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a single layer of nilla wafers to cover the bottom. Pour half of the prepared pudding over the wafers and spread evenly. Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
- Add another single layer of nilla wafers over the bananas. Pour the remaining pudding over the second layer of wafers and spread evenly. Arrange the remaining sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
- Spread the remaining cool whip evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all layers are covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, add crushed nilla wafers and banana slices to the top.
Best Banana Pudding Recipe Tips
- Let the pudding thicken. Make sure to let the pudding thicken completely before adding it to the recipe. Otherwise, your banana pudding may end up watery.
- Avoid brown bananas. If you make this easy banana pudding recipe ahead of time, your bananas may start to get brown spots. To avoid this, use a very light spritz of lemon juice on the banana slice before adding them to the pudding. If you’re not worried about the look, leave them as is. The flavor won’t be changed when the bananas start to brown.
- Serve this dish cold. The best way to serve banana pudding is cold. It can even start to get a little runny once it starts warming up. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
- Use instant pudding. Instant pudding is the trick to making the best banana pudding recipe because it cuts the time majorly! Homemade pudding is great, but instant pudding is just as delicious and saves you so much trouble.
Substitutions & Variations for Easy Banana Pudding
- Reduced Fat – Reduce the fat and calories in this easy banana pudding recipe by substituting ingredients. Reduced-fat vanilla wafers, fat-free milk, and low cool whip can be used.
- Use regular pudding mix (instead of instant) – If you already have a regular vanilla pudding mix on hand, you can use that instead. You’ll just need to allow for time to cook the pudding and allow it to cool and thicken for at least several hours.
- Make it Paula Deen Style – Try my Paula Deen Banana Pudding recipe, which uses Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies and cream cheese for a twist on this classic recipe.
Storing Best Banana Pudding Recipe
You want to store this in a refrigerator covered for up to four days. You can use a container with a tight fitting lid or plastic wrap to cover your nilla wafer banana pudding.
Recommended Trifle Bowls
Looking for another dessert to make in a trifle? Try strawberry angel fluff!
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe FAQs
Yes, a banana instant pudding mix is a great way to amp up the banana flavor in your banana pudding. If you still want the vanilla flavor, add a little vanilla extract to the banana pudding.
You can use homemade whip cream instead of the Cool Whip but make sure you’re not using the can of whip cream on top of the pudding. It will just water down the pudding and become a mess.
Yes, I’d prefer to have this delicious dessert the next day just because all the flavors start to meld, and the layers of vanilla wafers begin to soften.
To prevent bananas from turning brown, squeeze a little bit of lemon juice over the banana slices before adding them to the pudding.
For best results, you want to store this in a refrigerator, covered, for up to four days. You can use a container with a tight fitting lid or plastic wrap to cover your nilla wafer banana pudding.
Using a milk alternative or not letting the pudding thicken can cause banana pudding to be runny. Be sure to use cow’s milk and to let the pudding sit for 3 minutes to thicken before moving onto the next step.
You want to use bananas that are fully yellow with little brown spots throughout the peel. Choose bananas that are soft, but not mushy.
More Banana Recipes
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Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- two 3.2 oz packages instant vanilla pudding
- 4 cups (946ml) milk, cold
- 11 oz box nilla wafers
- 6-8 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz cool whip
Instructions
Trifle
- Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes.two 3.2 oz packages instant vanilla pudding, 4 cups (946ml) milk
- Fold in 1/3 of the cool whip to the pudding.8 oz cool whip
- Add a layer of nilla wafers to the bottom of a trifle bowl. Add ¼ of the pudding mixture on top of the wafers, then top that with banana slices. Repeat these layers (nilla wafers, then pudding, then bananas) until you fill the trifle bowl.11 oz box nilla wafers, 6-8 medium bananas
- Spread the remaining cool whip on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, add crushed nilla wafers and banana slices to the top.8 oz cool whip
9×13 Dish
- Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes.two 3.2 oz packages instant vanilla pudding, 4 cups (946ml) milk
- Fold in 1/3 of the cool whip to the pudding.8 oz cool whip
- In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a single layer of nilla wafers to cover the bottom. Pour half of the prepared pudding over the wafers and spread evenly. Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding.11 oz box nilla wafers, 6-8 medium bananas
- Add another single layer of nilla wafers over the bananas. Pour the remaining pudding over the second layer of wafers and spread evenly. Arrange the remaining sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
- Spread the remaining cool whip evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all layers are covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, add crushed nilla wafers and banana slices to the top.8 oz cool whip
I made this it was Wonderful. I put little pieces of chocolate on top for extra taste every one lived it. God Bless
Easy and tasty enough to not miss making pudding from scratch.
I made this for the first time. It was easy and everyone loved it