This Easy Banana Pudding (No Bake) is the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again. With layers of sliced bananas, vanilla wafers, and a rich, fluffy, no-bake filling made from instant pudding, cream cheese, and Cool Whip, this Southern-style treat is a family favorite. Whether you’re making dessert for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or summer barbecue, this easy banana pudding is always a hit.
Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this banana pudding recipe with condensed milkis a no-fuss, make-ahead recipe that tastes even better the next day. It’s rich, smooth, and nostalgic—just like Grandma used to make, but even easier. No oven needed and no complicated steps—just layer, chill, and enjoy!
This is one of the easiest, most delicious banana desserts ever! So sweet and creamy! 10 out of 10 from me and my family! – Ieva
💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Baking: No need to turn on the oven—layer, chill, and serve for an easy no-bake dessert.
Made with Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like instant pudding, cool whip, and condensed milk keeps prep time under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe fills a 13×9 baking dish or a trifle bowl, making it ideal for gatherings and get-togethers.
Kid-Friendly and Nostalgic: The flavors and soft texture make it a hit for kids and adults, bringing back memories of classic Southern desserts. This is a dessert the whole family will love.
🛒 Ingredients Needed for Easy Banana Pudding Recipe
This homemade pudding recipe uses simple ingredients to make the perfect dessert. This is truly an easy banana pudding recipe you’ll make all year long.
Vanilla Instant Pudding: This forms the creamy base. Instant pudding sets quickly and gives structure to the dessert. Feel free to make homemade vanilla pudding if desired.
Milk: Used to make the pudding —cold milk works best. I use whole milk for this recipe. You can substitute 2% milk, but keep in mind it is slightly less rich than whole milk.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the creamy pudding.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings that sweet flavor and a silky consistency to the banana pudding recipe, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
Cool Whip: Store-bought Cool Whip is a shortcut to fluffy, light layers. Make fresh homemade whipped cream if desired. Add more for the topping.
Vanilla Wafers: Vanilla Wafer Cookies give crunch and soften beautifully over time. Use Graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a twist.
Fresh Bananas: Fresh banana slices are the star of the show! Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness.
🍌 How to Make Quick and Easy Banana Pudding
This is the best banana pudding recipe that comes together in just a few easy steps. A classic dessert that is the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and slight crunch.
Step 1:Make the Pudding. In a large bowl with an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk on low. Let it thicken slightly—this should take just a couple of minutes.
Step 2:Blend the Creamy Layer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3:Combine the Layers. Pour the creamy pudding with the condensed milk and cream cheese mixture, and mix again until fully incorporated. The result should be smooth, rich, and thick.
Step 4:Fold in the Cool Whip. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Step 5:Layer It Up. In a 13×9-inch casserole dish or glass trifle dish, layer vanilla wafers along the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then spoon over the creamy vanilla pudding mixture. Repeat the layers if using a deep dish or trifle bowl.
Step 6:Chill & Serve. Top with extra wafers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!). This allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld.
💭 Pro Tips
Use Ripe Bananas: Use ripe and firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: This banana pudding tastes even better the next day!
Layer: If using a large trifle bowl, be sure to layer evenly and end with wafers on top for an eye-catching finish. When making banana pudding in a trifle bowl, I usually make 3 layers. Divide the ingredients into thirds when layering.
Makes Smaller Desserts: You may have leftovers if you are not using a trifle bowl. This recipe fills a 13″x9″ dish to the top, so I usually make an extra small dessert to keep at home.
Chill Thoroughly: This helps the layers set and flavors deepen.
Another delicious dessert is my Lemon Pudding Pie. It uses instant pudding mix and a sweet treat for dessert lovers.
🍽 How To Serve This Dessert
Serve in a Trifle Dish: Layering this quick banana pudding in a trifle dish makes a stunning presentation.
Make Pudding Cups: Make individual servings in mason jars or clear cups. This is perfect for parties.
Top with Cool Whip: Add a dollop on top just before serving for a pretty and creamy finish, and make this a true Southern banana pudding.
Serve Chilled: Banana pudding is best served cold, giving it that refreshing and classic Southern dessert feel.
For another Classic Southern Dessert, try my Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe. It’s another homemade recipe that will impress your guests.
❔ Recipe FAQ’s
How should I store leftover pudding?
Fridge: Store tightly covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This recipe is not freezer-friendly, and the texture won’t hold up after thawing.
Can I use banana-flavored instant pudding in no-bake banana pudding?
Yes! Banana pudding mix will add even more banana flavor, though vanilla is more traditional.
What can I use instead of Nilla Wafers in this dessert?
You can use shortbread cookies, graham crackers, butter cookies, or even Biscoff cookies for a slight twist. Just choose a cookie that will soften in the layered banana pudding.
Why should I make this easy pudding with cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the dessert.
If you tried this Easy Banana Pudding recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments. Thanks for visiting!
A quick and creamy no-bake banana pudding made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, instant pudding, cream cheese, and Cool Whip—perfect for potlucks, holidays, and anytime cravings!
Make the Pudding: In a large bowl with an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk on low. Let it thicken slightly—this should take just a couple of minutes.
Blend the Creamy Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
Combine the Layers: Pour the creamy banana pudding with the condensed milk and cream cheese mixture, and mix again until fully incorporated. The result should be smooth, rich, and thick.
Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Layer It Up: In a 13×9-inch casserole dish or glass trifle dish, layer vanilla wafers along the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then spoon over the creamy vanilla pudding mixture. Repeat the layers if using a deep dish or trifle bowl. See Notes.
Chill & Serve: Top with extra wafers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!). This allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld.
Notes
Storage: Fridge. Store tightly covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This recipe is not freezer-friendly, and the texture won’t hold up after thawing.
Layer: When making banana pudding in a trifle bowl, I usually layer it in three layers. When layering, divide the ingredients into thirds.
Extra Pudding: If you are not using a trifle bowl and you have leftovers, store the extra pudding mixture in the refrigerator to eat as a snack or make a smaller banana pudding with the leftover filling.
Chill Thoroughly: This helps the layers set and flavors deepen.
I love that this dessert is no-bake, and it has to taste yummy with those ingredients!!! This is a perfect quick and easy recipe for a church fellowship! Pinning for later!
Yes, this recipe would be perfect for a church fellowship. You will have an empty dish to carry home! 🙂 This recipe will make enough for you to keep a smaller one at home for your family. 🙂
This is one of the easiest, most delicious banana desserts ever! So sweet and creamy! 10 out of 10 from me and my family!
Banana pudding is one my favorite desserts! I love how easy it is to make and it always tastes amazing.
Yes, it is so simple and the creamy filling is delicious!
This looks super yummy! Do you know which ingredients would be appropriate to sub for a vegan version of this? 💚
It is so yummy! I have not tried any subs for this recipe, yet. If you find any–let me know.
I love that this dessert is no-bake, and it has to taste yummy with those ingredients!!! This is a perfect quick and easy recipe for a church fellowship! Pinning for later!
Yes, this recipe would be perfect for a church fellowship. You will have an empty dish to carry home! 🙂 This recipe will make enough for you to keep a smaller one at home for your family. 🙂
This looks so yummy. Thanks for posting.
You are welcome! I hope you try it soon.
Okay, I absolutely LOVE banana pudding and this sounds so amazing!! Definitely will be trying this! So delicious!
Yes, it is amazing! Let me know when you try it.
OH YUM! Who doesn’t love this 🙂 Perfect for the holidays
I agree! This is also something you could make a day ahead. Plus, it is no-bake! Win-Win! 🙂