Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding is a rich, creamy Southern-style dessert layered with vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and smooth pudding topped with fluffy whipped topping. This classic no-bake favorite is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you crave comforting homemade sweetness.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 12
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 bag vanilla wafer cookies
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5 oz)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Ingredient Notes
- Vanilla Wafers: Soften beautifully as the dessert chills.
- Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creamy flavor.
- Instant Pudding Mix: Helps create a thick and smooth filling quickly.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Fold pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently fold in whipped topping.
Step 2: Layer the Dessert
- Arrange vanilla wafers in the bottom of a serving dish.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas.
- Spread part of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Repeat the layers until ingredients are used up.
Step 3: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with crushed wafers or banana slices before serving if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
Tips
- Chill overnight for softer cookies and richer flavor.
- Dip banana slices lightly in lemon juice to slow browning.
- Use a trifle bowl for a beautiful layered presentation.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add chocolate pudding or chocolate chips.
- Caramel Banana Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers.
- Strawberry Banana Version: Add sliced strawberries.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Replace whipped topping with freshly whipped cream.