Everyone deserves a go-to banana pudding recipe, and this one stands out as the simplest and most delicious you’ll ever encounter. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet treat any day of the week, this banana pudding is sure to become a household favorite.
Banana Pudding Ingredients
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and assemble, utilizing readily available ingredients to create a classic dessert:
- Milk and Pudding Mix: The foundation of this easy banana pudding is vanilla pudding mix, effortlessly dissolved in cold milk for a smooth and creamy base.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: As with many of the most irresistible desserts, sweetened condensed milk adds a rich sweetness and depth of flavor to this banana pudding.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the banana and vanilla wafer notes.
- Frozen Whipped Topping: Folding in frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, creates a wonderfully rich and fluffy texture that makes this pudding truly decadent.
- Vanilla Wafers: Vanilla wafers not only provide a delightful crunch but also amplify the vanilla flavor, creating a harmonious blend with the other ingredients.
- Bananas: The star of the show! Ripe bananas, sliced just before assembly, bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture that defines banana pudding.
How to Make Banana Pudding
You’ll find the complete, detailed recipe instructions below, but here’s a quick overview of the simple steps involved in making this homemade banana pudding:
- Whisk Pudding Base: Begin by whisking the vanilla pudding mix into the cold milk until smooth. This creates the creamy base for your pudding.
- Incorporate Sweetness and Flavor: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. These ingredients add sweetness and enhance the overall flavor complexity of the pudding.
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the frozen whipped topping. This step is crucial for achieving the light and airy texture that makes this banana pudding so irresistible.
- Layer Ingredients: In a serving dish or individual bowls, layer the creamy pudding mixture with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert.
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How to Store Banana Pudding
To keep your banana pudding fresh and delicious, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can You Freeze Banana Pudding?
It is not recommended to freeze banana pudding. Freezing can alter the texture of the pudding and bananas, making it less enjoyable. However, since this recipe is so quick and easy to make, preparing it fresh just before serving is the best option. Trust us, it’s so delicious, leftovers are rarely an issue!
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
This recipe has been a hit with home cooks, and here’s what they are saying:
Jennifer Hawkins (https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/27374502) shares a flavor-boosting tip: “I have made this a couple of times for my dad’s birthday and he loves it. I use banana cream pudding mix instead of vanilla to add an extra banana flavor,” suggesting a simple swap for an even more intense banana taste.
Cindy M. Thomason (https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/17940871) found it to be a crowd-pleaser: “This was a big hit at our first block party in a new neighborhood. Our neighbors are all elderly, and they could not get enough. Such a simple, old-fashioned dessert, but it was the highlight of the dessert table. I was so proud!” highlighting its universal appeal and nostalgic charm.
Cindy Vandanna (https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/7289583) appreciated the perfect balance of flavors and creamy texture: “Made two layers in a round decorative dish for a picnic. So creamy, sweet and perfectly balanced. I think it may have even topped my long standing signature banana dessert,” emphasizing its deliciousness and potential to become a new favorite.
This easy banana pudding recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful dessert to have in your recipe collection. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade banana pudding!
