Are you ready to dive into a creamy, dreamy dessert that feels like a warm hug? Introducing Easy Southern Banana Pudding! This delightful treat is layered with luscious vanilla pudding, sweet slices of ripe bananas, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy vanilla wafers.
It’s simple to whip up, so you can treat your family and friends in no time. Fun fact: banana pudding has roots in the 19th century and quickly became a beloved staple in Southern kitchens, often gracing family gatherings and holiday tables.
Unlike fussy desserts that take hours, this one is all about simplicity and irresistible flavor. Each spoonful feels like a taste of tradition and comfort.
What is Easy Southern Banana Pudding?
This dessert is exactly what its name promises—easy, Southern, and packed with banana flavor! It’s called “Southern” because the dish became iconic in the American South, where it’s been perfected over generations. Every layer—cookies, pudding, bananas, cream—tells part of the story.
It’s also one of those desserts that brings people together, whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or just because.
Why You’ll Love It
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Creamy & Comforting – The vanilla pudding base blends perfectly with ripe bananas.
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Quick & Simple – No fancy steps, just a few minutes of mixing and layering.
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Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
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Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 box (5 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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2 cups whole milk
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 ripe bananas, sliced
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1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
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2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Mix the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Let it sit 5–10 minutes to thicken.
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Prepare the layers: Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds. Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with vanilla wafers, then add a layer of banana slices.
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Add pudding: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers.
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Repeat: Add another layer of wafers, more bananas, and the rest of the pudding.
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Top it off: Spread whipped cream evenly on top. Garnish with a few extra wafers if desired.
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Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
What to Serve It With
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Classic Southern Dinner: Fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and banana pudding for dessert.
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Light Pairing: A crisp salad and sweet tea or lemonade.
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Potluck Favorite: Serve alongside casseroles, BBQ, or grilled meats.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
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Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
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Chill longer for a creamier texture.
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Add bananas just before layering to prevent browning.
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Try a twist—swap in chocolate pudding or use shortbread cookies for variety.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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For best results, slice bananas fresh if making ahead.
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Not freezer-friendly (bananas and pudding change texture).
Easy Southern Banana Pudding
Ingredients
For the pudding
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5 oz)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the layers
- 4 pieces ripe bananas, sliced Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- 1 box vanilla wafers (11 oz)
- 2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- While the pudding sets, prepare your bananas and vanilla wafers. Slice the bananas to about a quarter-inch thickness and set aside.
Layering
- In a nine-by-thirteen-inch baking dish, layer the bottom with a layer of vanilla wafers. Follow that with a layer of sliced bananas.
- Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the bananas and wafers.
- Repeat the layering process: another layer of wafers, followed by more bananas and the remaining pudding mixture.
Topping and Chilling
- Top the entire dish with whipped cream, spreading it out to cover all the pudding.
- For the final touch, add a few extra vanilla wafers on top for decoration if desired.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, letting those wonderful flavors meld together.
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