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The Best Creamy No-Bake Banana Pudding (Magnolia-Style Classic)

A delicious serving of banana pudding layered with wafers, cream, and topped with fresh banana slices.
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Create a rich, dreamy, and creamy Southern Banana Pudding using this straightforward, no-bake recipe. This layered dessert features fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and a smooth, homemade vanilla custard, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (5 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (or use 2 standard boxes)
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, both boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix, and the cold water until fully combined. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the pudding to begin setting.
  2. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until no streaks remain. You now have your creamy pudding base.
  3. Select a large glass serving dish or individual cups for layering. Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom of the dish.
  4. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers over the pudding.
  5. Place a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
  6. Spoon about one-third of the remaining pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
  7. Repeat the layers: wafers, bananas, and then pudding, until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pudding on top.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Chill the banana pudding in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld, creating the classic texture.
  9. Before serving, you may garnish the top with a few extra vanilla wafers or whipped cream dollops.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use slightly under-ripe bananas; overly soft bananas can become mushy after chilling.
  • If you want a slightly richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of the cold water with 1 cup of cold milk.
  • This dessert is best made one day ahead to achieve the signature soft, cake-like texture of the wafers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/best-banana-pudding-creamy-layered-dessert/