Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake)

This Southern Banana Pudding Recipe is a quick and easy no bake dessert that contains instant pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk to make it rich, sweet, and creamy. It's sure to be one of your new favorite desserts, try it!

​If you're craving more classic southern dessert recipes then be sure to try making Easy Sweet Potato Pie, Chocolate Delight, and Sour Cream Pound Cake. 

Being raised in the American South, it should come as no surprise that my fondest memories with family include food. Food is always a big part of birthdays, church gatherings, holiday celebrations, and family reunions.

On the table at these events, you'll usually find cornbread, collard greens, fried chicken, candied yams, pound cake, and banana pudding just to name a few. I'm part of a big family so that means lots of food.

Usually at black folks gatherings, someone is going to ask who made what because certain relatives are known for making delicious dishes. My mom makes amazing potato salad, my aunt delicious buttery cornbread, and my cousin the best banana pudding. His banana pudding is so good, that no one's ever been able to get their hands on the recipe, but that won't stop me from sharing my version which I believe is fairly similar and just as tasty.

Let's get started!

Why You'll Love Banana Pudding

• Completely No Bake: No need to use the oven or stovetop in any way for this simple dessert recipe. You'll just need to assemble the pudding layers and allow the banana pudding time to chill. 
• Easy & Simple: Only a few ingredients are required and this is a great recipe to have the kids help build. 
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The perfect recipe to share with a crowd. There's enough for everyone to grab a bowl or two. 

Easy Banana Pudding Recipe Ingredients 

1. Fresh Bananas - Select bananas that are ripe but not overly ripe and definitely not mushy. They should be bright yellow in color with just a few brown specks (brown spots) on the outer peel. Cut them into even-sized slices. 
2. Vanilla Wafer Cookies  - Sweet and crispy cookies that help to hold the pudding together and give it structure. Use any brand that you prefer and can easily locate in the cookie aisle at the grocery store. I love using Nilla Wafers, but Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies or Lorna Doone Shortbread work as well. 
3. Whole Milk - Cold milk is needed to combine with the pudding mix to make the vanilla pudding layer. 
4. Sweetened Condensed Milk - Gives the pudding a thick and creamy texture similar to homemade pudding. 
5. Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix - We’re saving time and keeping it simple and completely no bake by using instant pudding mix. I prefer using vanilla pudding mix, but banana cream could be used instead. 
6. Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) - Forms the topping of the pudding recipe and adds another layer of sweetness. Make sure that it’s thawed. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Serving Note

This particular banana pudding recipe is made in a trifle bowl or trifle dish and should easily serve 16 people. If you need less and want to make it in a baking dish or large glass bowl, then simply cut the ingredient list in half and it should make enough servings for 8 people. 

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Pudding 

Step 1 - Make the vanilla pudding using a large mixing bowl and hand mixer, add the instant pudding mix, cold milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until combined. Place into the refrigerator and allow it to chill and thicken while you prepare the rest of the delicious dessert. 

Step 2 - Prepare the bananas. Peel and slice the fresh bananas into even-sized fresh banana slices. Try not to make the slices too thick or too thin. 

Step 3 - Remove the pudding from the refrigerator and give it a good stir. Spread an even layer of pudding into the bottom of the trifle dish.

Step 4 - Top with a layer of vanilla cookies followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat these layers another two times. 

Step 5 - Spread an even layer of whipped topping on top of the layer of bananas and top with the crushed cookie crumbs at the bottom of the bag. Place into the refrigerator and allow it time to chill for at least 3 hours before serving. Enjoy!

Best Recipe Tips 

• Choose ripe bananas! Look for bananas that are at peak ripeness, have a yellow peel and no browning, or just a few brown specks on the outer peel. 
• After assembling the pudding, refrigerate it for at least a few hours or up to overnight before serving. 
• Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mixture for additional flavor. 
• Save the vanilla cookie crumbs at the bottom of the bag to sprinkle on top of the banana pudding before serving. 

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftover pudding, it's even better the next day. Cover the top of the trifle bowl tightly with a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Any longer than that and the sliced bananas will become mushy and brown and the pudding will be watery. This dessert is best enjoyed shortly after it's made.

Make Ahead. Prepare the pudding up to 24 hours in advance. I prefer to make the pudding in advance up to the point before adding the whipped topping. Store it in the refrigerator overnight and top it with the whipped topping right before serving. 

Freezing. Banana pudding can be frozen, but I don't recommend it. I find the texture changes and the bananas don't hold up well. 

Want More Easy Dessert Recipes? Try These:

• Chocolate Delight Recipe
• No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
• Homemade Banana Pudding (Made from Scratch)
• Oreo Dirt Pudding
• Vanilla Ice Cream (No Churn)
• Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake
• Blackberry Cobbler

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy the Best Banana Pudding Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 02/01/2017. Updated 04/26/2024.