Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

Easy banana pudding is the kind of dessert that always disappears fast because it’s creamy, simple, and packed with classic banana flavor. This version is quick to make, beginner-friendly, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an easy weeknight treat.

Easy banana pudding is made by layering pudding, sliced bananas, vanilla wafers, and whipped topping in a dish, then chilling it until set. It is easy because it uses simple ingredients, takes very little active time, and can be made ahead.

Why This Easy Banana Pudding Is the Best

There are a lot of banana pudding recipes out there, but the ones that perform best usually have a few things in common: they look extra creamy, they show clear banana slices, and they promise a rich homemade feel without being complicated. That is exactly why this easy banana pudding recipe works so well.

Simple Ingredients for Easy Banana Pudding

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this easy banana pudding recipe.

Main ingredients

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix, 5.1 ounces
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 container whipped topping, 8 ounces, thawed
• 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers, 11 ounces

Optional garnish

• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Extra banana slices
• Whipped cream
• A light dusting of cinnamon

Why these ingredients work

Instant pudding mix keeps the recipe fast and reliable.
Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and that classic old-fashioned flavor.
Whipped topping makes the filling light and fluffy.
Bananas bring natural sweetness and texture.
Vanilla wafers soften into cake-like layers as the pudding chills.

Ingredient tips for better results

Choose bananas that are ripe but not mushy. You want bright yellow bananas with a few brown speckles. Overripe bananas can turn too soft and watery in the pudding.

Use cold milk so the pudding sets properly. Full-fat milk gives the richest result, but 2% also works well.

For the wafers, standard vanilla wafers are the classic pick, but butter cookies or shortbread-style cookies can also work in a pinch.

How to Make Easy Banana Pudding

This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Make the pudding mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

Fold in about half to three-quarters of the whipped topping until the mixture is light and creamy.

Step 2: Layer the dessert

In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, add a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom.

Top with a layer of sliced bananas.

Spread a layer of pudding mixture over the bananas.

Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, finishing with pudding on top.

Step 3: Add the topping

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top layer.

Crush a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top if you want extra texture and a pretty finish.

Step 4: Chill before serving

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better for the best texture.

Serve chilled.