Layers of Nilla wafers, fresh bananas, and instant pudding topped with fluffy and fresh whipped cream make this Southern Banana Pudding recipe a hit.
This post has been updated April 2024 with updated copy. I hope you enjoy!
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My husband is a banana pudding connoisseur. It's one of his favorite desserts (with Key Lime Pie and Meyer Lemon Tart also being at the top), and I'm the owner of a Southern food blog. I better get my Southern banana pudding right or else I'll lose my Southern card.
I've made him banana pudding all sorts of ways -- the hot kind, the homemade pudding route, smashing fresh bananas in the pudding, you name it. The man knows exactly what he likes though, and this simple, semi-homemade way is John's absolute favorite.
What's to Love About Southern Banana Pudding
What's NOT to love is the question!
- Uses fresh bananas. There's no fake banana flavor in these Banana Pudding Cups.
- Nilla wafers absorb the goodness. The Nilla wafers absorb the pudding the longer you let the pudding sit in the refrigerator, almost making a layer of sponge cake in the middle.
- Pillowy soft whipped cream. A generous amount is required because it's whipped cream, after all!
- Easy to assemble and looks beautiful. Get yourself a beautiful glass or plastic cup and you've got an impressive dessert for a crowd.
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Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cups
- instant vanilla pudding mix
- milk (I always use whole but it doesn't matter)
- sweetened condensed milk
- heavy cream
- vanilla extract
- mini vanilla wafer cookies
- bananas
How to Make Semi-Homemade Southern Banana Pudding
Follow these easy steps to have delicious banana pudding ready in no time!
Step 1: Whisk pudding, milk, and sweetened condensed milk together.
In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make your fresh whipped cream.
In a large bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment, whisk heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Fold in half into the pudding mixture. Set aside the other half for assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the pudding cups.
In individual bowls or cups, line your bowl with wafers. Spoon pudding mixture on top, then sliced bananas, then repeat until you are nearly to the top. Dollop your whipped cream on top. Garnish with more banana slices and/or vanilla wafers. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at these FAQs before making these Banana Pudding Cups!
Where did you get those dessert cups?
The ones pictured are from Crate and Barrel and are glass. We registered for them for our wedding, so they're over a decade old. These glass ones are very close though!
If you're looking for something that's disposable because you're bringing it somewhere, try these plastic footed cups. They're smaller so everyone can get a little taste.
Why not banana pudding mix?
I don't love the way instant banana pudding tastes. The artificial banana taste is a strange flavor, and in IMHO doesn't taste very banana-ey. I much prefer using vanilla pudding and adding fresh bananas. You won't miss it. Each bite you'll take will have fresh banana, making no mistake that this is banana pudding.
If you are a banana pudding lover though, by all means use instant banana pudding!
How far ahead can you make this?
You can make this the pudding mixture up to 3 days in advance and then assemble the night before you want to eat it for the perfect soft Nilla wafers. If you're short on time, I'd say the minimum time you want to stick the pudding in the refrigerator is about 2-3 hours.
How long can you refrigerate the pudding?
This pudding keeps for about 4 days from the time you make it to the time you eat it.
Other Fruity Desserts You'll Love
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits
- Blood Orange Upside Down Cake
- Easy Apple Pie with Puff Pastry
- Lemon Bundt Cake Using Boxed Cake Mix
- Cranberry and Rosemary Curd Tart
- Peach Upside Down Cake
- Easy Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Happy eating!
xox
kathryn
As always, if you make anything from the blog, be sure to let me know! I love hearing from you in the comments on this post below or find Worn Slap Out on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Easy Southern Banana Pudding with Instant Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ⅓ cups milk
- ¾ can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 bananas, sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
- In a large bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment, whisk heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Fold in half into the pudding mixture. Set aside the other half for assembling.
- In individual cups or bowls, line your bowl with wafers. Spoon pudding mixture on top, then sliced bananas, then repeat until you are nearly to the top. Dollop your whipped cream on top. Decorate with more banana slices and/or vanilla wafers. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Notes
Nutrition
Angela
This recipe is like a step back into my childhood. What a great comfort food!
Kathryn
Nothing like a good, nostalgic dessert -- especially during these times! Hope you love it!
Kushigalu
How gorgeous is this. Something new to try for me. So delicious
Kathryn
Thanks so much! Hope you love it!
Mirlene
This is perfect to be served for Easter or Mother's Day!
Kathryn
That would be amazing!
Dannii
My kids love anything with banana, so I am going to have to try this.
Kathryn
Yesss! Lots of fresh bananas -- and no artificial banana flavoring1
Kathryn
Let me know how they like it!
Sonia
I love making easy dessert recipes and this is just perf! I have all the Ingredients and can't wait to make it this weekend for my fam... it will definitely cheer them.up!
Kathryn
Isn't amazing when that works out -- when you have all the ingredients you need?! 👌🏼👌🏼
Tara
Oh yum! Such fantastic pudding cups! I love all the flavors packed into the layers and the whipped cream on top.
Kathryn
Thanks, Tara! They are my husband's favorite for this very reason!
Stephanie
My mom used to make something similar with vanilla pudding, but I'm not a fan of vanilla pudding. I love banana though! I'm definitely going to be making this tonight!
Kathryn
That can easily be done. Hope you love it!
Amy
Love how tasty this dessert was! This looks absolutely scrumptious!
Kathryn
Thanks, Amy!
Mindy Fewless
I love that these are in individual cups! They were delicious!
Kathryn
Yes! They're fun to make for guests or to bring to work (in clear plastic "nice" cups)!
Eliza
The ultimate pudding cups! The sweetened condensed milk and soft whipped cream in the pudding take it to a whole new level. So good!
Kathryn
Thanks, Eliza! Thanks for coming here and leaving feedback.
Wanda
I made this recently for a dinner party and it was a huge hit! Everyone was asking for the recipe - so delish!
Kathryn
I love that you made these for a dinner party. Such a great and easy dessert for company!
Jill
Love that these are in individual cups. Going to try them for a baby shower I'm hosting soon. Thanks for the recipe!
Kathryn
Yesssss, Jill! I hope you love them!