This Banana Pudding is a no-cook recipe made with sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, pudding, fresh bananas and Nilla wafers!
CREAMY PUDDING, RIPE BANANAS AND VANILLA WAFERS
I think Banana Pudding (Nanner Puddin' as we call it) is just one of those things that has to be homemade. And by homemade, I mean, not store-bought.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
I have a COOKED SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING recipe that I've shared already on the site. The only issue with cooked pudding is the bananas tend to brown pretty quickly. If you are taking this to a potluck or a picnic, you want to show up with pretty, non-brown bananas. This no-cook version is great for picnics or potlucks, bananas stay fresher, longer and because it travels great and serves up easily.
Of course you can! Some folks don't enjoy the artificial banana flavoring in the banana cream instant pudding but this is entirely a personal preference. You could also use banana extract instead of vanilla.
Yes you can. Just keep in mind that homemade whipped cream doesn't stay stabilized as long as Cool Whip so it may break down into a more liquid state if not eaten right away.
You can sprinkle a little citric acid powder onto the sliced bananas. Just a little so as not to change the flavor. Or, you could lightly coat the sliced bananas in lemon or orange juice. Again, just coat lightly so as not to change the flavor.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
- cream cheese
- sweetened condensed milk
- instant vanilla pudding
- milk
- vanilla extract
- Cool Whip
- Nilla wafers
- ripe bananas
HOW TO MAKE BANANA PUDDING:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
Add in sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, and milk. Finally, add in vanilla extract and stir well.
Keep your mixer on low speed at first so the milk doesn't fly everywhere. If you are using a stand mixer, make sure you get in there with a rubber spatula and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is getting incorporated. That cream cheese likes to stay on the bottom of the bowl. Also, I find that the pudding can sometimes become a bit lumpy (especially if my cream cheese isn't soft enough). If this happens to you, just keep mixing until most of the lumps are gone. The mixture will also begin to thicken too. After a few minutes of constant mixing, it will smooth out. Finally, stir in half of the whipped topping.
Time to layer. Place one-third of the vanilla wafers in a layer on the bottom of a trifle dish, large bowl or a 9x13 baking dish. You will notice that as I add the wafers, I face some outwards and up the sides. This is not necessary but when you are using a clear dish like this, it sure does make it look pretty when it's done!
Next comes a layer of sliced bananas.
Then pour one-third of the pudding mixture on top (enough to cover all the bananas).
Continue with two more layers. A layer of wafers, followed by bananas, then pudding mixture. I like a lot of bananas in there. I want at least a piece of banana in every bite. The final layer will be pudding. Then you will top the pudding with the rest of your whipped topping.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours before serving so it can thicken up and the wafers can soften.
Then dig in!
CRAVING MORE RECIPES? GIVE THESE A TRY!
THE BEST BANANA PUDDING
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temp.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5 oz) package Instant vanilla pudding mix, larger box
- 3 cups milk, 2 % or higher
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed
- 1 (11 oz) box Nilla wafers
- 5-7 bananas, peeled and sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, milk and vanilla extract.
- Mix until combined well.
- Finally, stir in half of the whipped topping.
- To layer: place one-third of the vanilla wafers in a layer on the bottom of a trifle dish, large bowl or a 9x13 baking dish.
- Add a layer of bananas.
- Then pour one-third of the pudding mixture on top (enough to cover all the bananas).
- Continue with two more layers.
- Top with remaining whipped topping.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours before serving so it can thicken up and the wafers can soften.
Video
Notes
- To keep the bananas from turning brown too quickly, you can sprinkle a little citric acid powder onto the sliced bananas. Just a little so as not to change the flavor. Or, you could lightly coat the sliced bananas in lemon or orange juice. Again, just coat lightly so as not to change the flavor.
- Banana Cream Pudding flavor can be substituted for the vanilla pudding. Alternatively, banana extract can be substituted for the vanilla extract.
Nutrition
Originally published: February 2014
Updated & Republished: April 2019
Lois Torres
I love your recipe, my husband love how i make banana pudding for him. I add a different recipe on my own.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thank you so much Lois!
Jessica
Used this recipe to make my first ever banana pudding and will live by this now! The BEST banana pudding I have ever had — and now I can make it whenever I want! Super simple and easy!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Love, love, love hearing that Jessica!! Yay! Thanks so much!
Priest Cantu
Dang it!!! Didn't mix it enough. Should have watched the video and notice when applying the whip cream that the sauce had thickened. Placed it in fridge thinking it would set, but came out runny. It was runny but so good. I don't bake or make desserts, but just exactly how long should the ingredients have been mixed. I think if you go back and highlight where the consistency/texture needs to be, this will be the ultimate banana pudding recipe in the universe. Despite the end product being runny, it was indeed very rich and delicious. Thank you.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
My guess is you used cook and serve vanilla pudding rather than instant. Instant pudding sets up almost immediately. With cook and serve pudding, it needs heat to set up. That would be the only reason it would be runny. I wish the grocery stores wouldn't put those two boxes so close together. It's easy to mess up if you aren't paying close attention.
Prisciliano Cantu
Ugh! Went through the trash and verified it was indeed “cool and serve” vanilla pudding. I will never doubt you again, Brandie.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I'm still bummed you went through all that though! I know what it's like and you feel like you totally wasted ingredients. You have to promise me you'll try it again and let me know how you like it with the instant pudding! ❤️
Myra tibbs
Ive not made this yet,but will be.my question is,can i use very ripe,black on outside bananas? If not any suggestions to make with them?
Thank you
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Myra, yes you could. If you don't mind a little brown on your bananas, they are perfectly fine to use and should be very sweet which is a good thing. My other suggestions would be to perhaps make banana bread or banana cake. It is perfect for those brown and black bananas! Here are some links for you to check them out - Banana Bread: https://www.thecountrycook.net/the-best-banana-bread-recipe/ - Banana Cake: https://www.thecountrycook.net/homemade-banana-cake-with-vanilla-frosting/ or Banana Bread Crumb Cake: https://www.thecountrycook.net/banana-bread-crumb-cake/
MELANIE N BROWN
Excellent banana pudding!
Ernestine Davis
Can you make this without the whipped cream? Thanks in advance
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Ernestine, no it won't set up properly without it. However, if you are okay with it not being as thick then you could do that.
LeighAnn
Made this for a friend who just had surgery and he knows his banana pudding and said this was amazing. In the south we know our nana puddin and this one is a good one!!!! Can't wait to make it again.
Michelle
Thank you for this recipe. I follow the instructions and made no substitutes. My family loved it. I can say that it's best to refrigerate overnight. I tried it after 2 hours and then again the next day. The next day was better. It's delicious!
Suzannah
Hi, this recipe look absolutely delicious and I’m thinking about making it but I was wondering how much you can taste the cream cheese? My brother can’t stand the taste of it, so I wanted to make sure that the “disgusting tang” (as he describes it ) doesn’t shine through the other flavors. Thanks so much!!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Lol! I understand. It’s not tangy at all! It really adds to the thickness. I would add a teaspoon of banana extract too and there will be no way he can taste it. My husband also does not like cream cheese and he tears through this. Ha!
Suzannah
Awesome! Thanks so much for the quick reply, I’ll definitely be making this soon 🙂
Karen
If I were to make this without the bananas ( hubby doesn’t like them in the pudding) and not add the wafers until serving time would this last very long in the fridge?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
You'd have to play that by ear. It never lasts that long in my house. LOL.
Amy
I loved this recipe and so did my friends and family! Seriously as we all dug in, the room became quiet except for my 72 year old friend uttering "Lord have mercy this is good"!
It was easy to make and the only thing I did differently was I added a teaspoon each of vanilla and banana extracts, and I topped it with real whipping cream (I did use Cool Whip in the pudding itself) just before serving.
I used a 9 X 13 Pyrex dish and I tightly covered it with Glad Press and Seal wrap then snapped on the plastic lid. The bananas were not brown at all and I used very ripe bananas.
I hate to say it, but this recipe beats the pants off my Grandmother's lol. But if she'd been here to taste it she would have completely agreed! There's one small serving left in my fridge that I saved for my daughter, but I may just eat it myself!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Oh Amy - you have me cracking up reading your comment! Oh mercy - you made my day! LOL! Thank you so so much for that!
Alysia
Literally the BEST banana pudding recipe ever! So easy! So soft and creamy! LOVE IT!
Genevieve
Came out delicious. This is my daughter’s favorite ☺️
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thanks so very much Genevieve!
Pam R.
Just made this with only one minor change. I made my own whipped cream. So fluffy and delicious. I've always made it on the stove in the past. Never going back. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Brenda Schram
Hello! Can i use something other than the condensed milk?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I've never tried it with anything else. Perhaps someone else on here can offer a good suggestion that they've tried. Sorry!
Teresa
Awesome recipe!
Amber Herman
Can I make the pudding and cream cheese mixture the day before and then layer everything the next day? Or will the cream cheese harden it? Thank you!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I've never done that so I can't really say. I'm sorry! If you try it please let me know!
Veronica
Amazing recipe! I will definitely be making this again!❤️
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thanks so very much Veronica!!
Angela
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to try it. I’ve always used the Magnolia Bakery recipe but I like the idea of adding the cream cheese instead of all cream and condensed milk.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Agreed! Magnolia (to me) doesn’t have enough thick pudding. It’s mostly a lot of whipped cream. This one has a bit more substance. I hope you love it!!
Angela
Hi! I’ve been asked to bring this to a July 4th BBQ and I’m busy that entire day. Would it be ok to make it the night before or does it get watery and brown? How long have you successfully kept it before serving? Thank you so much!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Angela! It's okay to make it the night before as long as you aren't serving it more than 24 hours later. The bananas shouldn't get brown until they are exposed to air. So basically the moment you scoop into it, they will start to get brown so make sure your bananas are fully covered by the pudding. As long as you aren't making it more than a day in advance it will be fine. Just note that the longer it sits the softer the Nilla wafers get. My family likes it that way but if you only want to eat it crunchy, then you wouldn't want to do that and don't let it sit outside the refrigerator too long. Serve right away when you take it out of the fridge.
Nikki
Absolutely amazing! I have been assigned to make banana pudding at every company party. Delicious thanks so much!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Ha! You are in for it now! LOL. Thanks so much Nikki!
Brenda
Do you have to use cream cheese? I’m not a fan of it. Will I need to tweak ingredients?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Brenda - it is necessary for this recipe. You don't taste it as a separate ingredient. I have never made it any other way so I wouldn't be able to tell you agood substitute.
Eileen
I love a good no-bake recipe and this one is easy to assemble and INSANELY delicious!! Will definitely be making this again.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thanks so very much Eileen!
B. Mason
Would it make it more creamy if I used heavy cream or half heavy cream instead of whole milk? Just curious.
Thank you
Brandie @ The Country Cook
It’s already very creamy so I wouldn’t add anything else to it.
Sarah Wieland
I wasn’t able to use as deep of a dish as it requires so I have some batter left over…is it okay to freeze?? Thank you btw…it’s in the fridge chilling now, and my lil taste test, taste AMAZING!! Can’t wait!
Sarah
No matter what I tried I couldn’t get the lumps out. But still turned out great!!
Adam
Strainer
Johanna
Can I make the pudding ahead of time and layer everything the next day?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
You could technically. I think you lose some of the texture and the melding of flavors. But if you like super crunchy cookies then you could certainly do that. I prefer mine a bit softer but that’s all personal preference. 🙂
Terri
This IS the best banana pudding I have ever tried!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thank you so very much Terri! I appreciate you coming back to leave a review!
Gwen
I made this for a family reunion and it was a delicious hit!
Everyone loved it!
Thank you for
Sharing
Liz
Delicious recipe, and came together easily!
Amy
Omg!!! It WAS DELICIOUS!!! I reduced the ingredients by half because #1, I didn't have enough cream cheese.. lol and #2, my son is super picky and won't eat it. So leaves me with the pan! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thank you Amy! And I know all about those picky eaters too LOL! Thank you!
Kim
Brandie, absolutely delicious! I made this except used Banana Cream pudding mix instead of vanilla and it was omg yummy! This recipe sets up pretty fast too and gets even better after a few hours. And NO runny mess, just a lot of yummy thick, creamy, silky smooth banana pudding with a sweet soft cookie crunch bite. I also put a few nilla wafers on top and spreaded some crumbs around, it was pretty lol. No, this is just the best stuff ever and my family loved it! Thank you so much for this yum yum banana pudding recipe, which I will make from now on. 😉 BTW, I love your site...
Norina
My second batch, I added a teaspoon of banana flavoring and it was much better. Perhaps the third batch I'll double the pudding with a small banana pudding box and add the banana flavoring.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thanks Norina! Some folks don't like the artificial banana flavoring so that is why I make it optional as well as the banana flavored pudding. If your bananas are ripe enough, you usually won't need any additional banana flavoring - especially for those who don't prefer the artificial banana flavor.
Kat Whipple
This recipe is absolutely delicious! There is a local sandwich shop that has banana pudding that my husband and I love and he said this is just as good! I only had Neufchâtel in my fridge so I used that. It didn’t want to combine with everything else using my hand mixer so I used an immersion blender and that worked really well. I also used the mini Nilla wafer cookies. I think next time I will slice the bananas thinner and layer them in thin slices rather than thicker slices that were next to each other. I also think, for my personal preference, I’ll use a little sprinkling of sea salt over one of the pudding layers. Thank you so much for the delicious recipe!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I love hearing that! Thank you so much Kat! I really appreciate you taking the time to come back and let me know how it turned out for you!
Irma Rangel
Made this pudding yesterday and it was a hit with everyone! I forgot to take a picture before eating it up
Melody
Is this recipe too sweet? My family and I don’t have sweet tooths and I just wanted to make sure the sweetness level is moderate and not overly sweet.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I don't know what "too sweet" would be but it is a sweet dessert. If you don't enjoy sweets than this isn't the one for you.
Aniya
I love this recipes
Ida
I made this recipe a few weeks ago for a client and she loved it though we found it a little too sweet. She requested I make it tomorrow but not too sweet so I'll be cutting down on the condensed milk. This recipe is a keeper!
Gwen Hayden
Did cutting down the sweetened condensed milk help?? What did you do instead?
Danielle
Delicious! Thanks for this amazing recipe. First time ever making this and it is so simple and so yummy.
Brittney Knuth
I literally just commented and I can't edit it cuz it's waiting for approval but I bought cook and serve pudding not realizing it lol so I apologize for my rating due to my own ignorance this putting I'm sure would have turned out completely perfect if I wouldn't have bought the wrong pudding. Thank you so much I will make it again and I'm sure it will turn out great just like everybody else's!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Girl, you are not the first & I’m sure you won’t be the last. It’s so frustrating how similar the packaging is for both and they usually have them right next to each other. Grrr. It drives me nuts!
Kim herrin
This was absolutely amazing it was gone in less then an hour !! Thank you for the recipe:))
Leticia
This is the best Banana Pudding for sure! everyone did love it!
Leticia
Delicious!!!
Lunda
Thank you for sharing this recipe. It is the absolute best I’ve eaten in years. It is a favorite in my household.
Jo
Stupid question here lol do you make the instant pudding first then add it to the mixture? Or do you simple just dump the box if instant pudding into the bowl? Lol over-thinker here. Lol
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Not a stupid question! You can mix the pudding together with the milk (if you prefer to do it that way - but you'll end up using an extra bowl and therefore more dirty dishes) or you can add it straight to the mixture and then add the milk. Just make sure to whisk it all together really well to remove any lumps 🙂
Lisa
I made this and it was AMAZING!! My husband and I ate it all within a day and a half!!! I’m making it for my family thanksgiving at my brother’s this year and can’t wait!! I’ll be making this every time I want banana pudding!!!
Mary GORDON
Easy, quick & delicious.
Thanks
Candice
This was insanely good, followed to the T, I just used Lactaid whole milk since I am intolerant. I just didn't like the top, too much whipped cream for my taste, and since I am pregnant, it turned me off after the first two bites I ended up nauseous 🙁 not the fault if your pudding, just the fault of my extreme voniting pregnancy sickness...cant wait to no longer be pregnant so I can enjoy 🙂
Desiree Kinchen
This is the best banana pudding recipe ever! And I've had banana pudding all my life. It has always been a favorite. I just recently tried this recipe when I went to visit my family. I was kinda concerned about it being super rich and sweet since it has condensed milk and cream cheese. But it was perfect. It such a huge hit that I had to make a second one as soon as the first one was finished.
susan vanzant
Girl this is the best!! This is what nana puddin is supose to taste like! I read alot of the comments people wrote in the past. I followed your recipe but I added a small box of banana pudding to your recipe. so I used both vanilla and banana in mine. So I added more milk about a cup more milk. Thanks to your recipe it was a hit with my family. Thank you for sharing.
Annie Owen
Best recipe for banana pudding ever,! No exaggeration at all.
Jen O
I made this for a Labor Day BBQ, and it was a huge hit! I'll be keeping this one around. I've received requests to make it for future events. Thank you for the yummy recipe!
Suly
This was the most delicious and easiest recipe ever! My Banana pudding never tasted better!!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Jay
Well this just sounds delish! Can you use an INSTANT banana cream pudding instead of the vanilla instant?
Amber
Literally the best banana pudding I’ve ever had. It was quick, easy, and my whole family loved it.
Sue
I made the Banana pudding last night , Followed your directions to T & use the exact ingredients in your recipe , It is delicious ! Thank you
Tonisha Finch
Came out delicious!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thank you so very much Tonisha!!! Yay!
Phyllis
Quick any Easy to make. Did not use the entire can of the sweetened condensed milk.
Smith
The Best!
Traci Hanna
Everyone LOVED it!
Kathy
Just finished making a double batch for our family 4th of July gathering tomorrow. I've always been the "chips and drinks" sister, until I tried this recipe for the first time 2 years ago. It was gone in a flash and now has become my specialty dish. Planned on making brownies for tomorrow, until my brother in law called to request the "fabulous banana pudding". Thank you!
Carolina Cox
I accidentally also grabbed the "cook and serve" as well, with all the other ingredients already mixed it, i figured it would be worth trying to save and if it doesn't work out, then throw it out... so I took the "pudding" transferred it to a pan, brought it up to a boil, it thicken still tasted fine ( first time making this recipe so not sure if it tasted different. But it was pudding) and then did all the other steps onced cooled. It worked out fine, kids and husband loved it so it's fool-proof you could say. Thanks.
Beverly
I made this yesterday and it made way more than I thought, but that's okay. I substituted no fat cream cheese instead of the regular and still came out awesome. I will definitely make this again in the future!
Chix
My favorite for family gatherings. I never get to bring any home, so I’m always making a double batch,
Kimberly
Thank you for this recipe. It was very good.
Lori Rich
So good. I had to give some away so I wouldn't eat it all.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Ha!! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review Lori!
Brenda
This will be my second time making it ....THis is amazing my family are it up no left overs th for sharing definitely a keeper
Dee
I usually only like banana pudding cooked on the stove and baked, but those days are gone. This was so good, I had to share it with my co-workers. This recipe is a keeper! It was the best no-bake banana pudding I’ve ever tasted! Thank you!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Woo hoo!! Wow - what a compliment! Thank you so much Dee!!
Kay
Hi Brandie,
Can you make your own whipping cream instead of Cool Whip?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Kay! You certainly could but keep in mind, it won't be as stable as Cool Whip so it will break down quicker and may turn out a bit more soupy as it sits in the fridge.
Crystal Fonseca
My husband requested banana pudding for his birthday this year. This was my first time making it, and he said it’s the best he has ever had! This recipe is so simple yet so delicious.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Yahoo! That is so awesome to hear! Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment! Also Happy Birthday to your husband 🙂
Linda Davis
Great recipe! I didn’t use cool whip, as I like the whipped cream in a can, si I added another box of instant vanilla pudding and the rich vanilla flavored just popped! I can’t forget to do that again! Yum!
YVONNE TAVANO
Linda, I'm curious to learn how your pudding held up with the canned whipped cream? I, too, prefer canned...or even homemade..whipped cream but wouldn't want pudding to become too soupy if I substituted either of the above.
Debbie
Took to homecoming at church, it was a success and oh so was easy.
Portia
I have made this twice and both times the pudding mix was watery. Do you have any idea why?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Are you sure you are using instant pudding and not cook and serve? I make this at least twice a month. It should be pourable but not watery.
DH
I did the same thing. I used cook and serve and not the instant pudding mix. Complete watery mess.
Sara
Can you make this ahead of time (the day before serving) or will the bananas turn brown?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
You can make it the night before. I just wouldn't make it TOO far in advance but the night before is fine. 🙂
Romella
This is basically the recipe I use. I use 1 tsp. vanilla and 3 cups milk. My family loves it. Next time I make it, I will and the second tsp. of vanilla.
Skyla Ellis
I make my B Pudding like this except I dont use vanilla extract. I'm scared to try it but I'm curious to see what it adds to it. I also don't use a machine, I just mix it with my fork. But that makes it clumpy and some people like that.
Denise Clark
Made this at my Thanksgiving potluck for work today. It was a hit! The only dessert that was completely gone !
Candace Grant
Fabulous--gone in less time than it took to call everyone to the kitchen. Recently served at grandson's graduation party. Our only regret is that we made only 1. Thank you.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
That is so awesome to hear Candace! Thank you for coming back to let me know!!
Madeleine
I love this recipe! Made it for my family for Father's day and making it again for a friends baby shower. I made the mistake and of purchasing non-instant vanilla pudding... I ran with it and put the sweetened condensed milk in the cooking pudding and it carmelized right away. I thought the recipe was RUINED but it turned out even tastier! If you don't mind the texture of caramel clumps in the otherwise smooth pudding 😉
Emily
I would like to make this for a family bbq and I’m wondering if I can double the recipe or should I just make 2 separate.?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Personally I would make 2 separate but you can double and put in one giant serving pan if that is more helpful to you!
Monica
Made this and my family says it’s the best they’ve ever had!!
Adam B.
This is such a great recipe! My scout troop and I made it during a rainy camping trip once (with some preparation) and it went over very well! I liked it so much that I made two bowls of it for my Eagle Scout court of honor yesterday, and it was a huge hit. I'll be making it for years to come.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Adam! Love hearing that! You are so thoughtful to come back and leave a comment to let me know. It is so wonderful hearing how much you enjoyed it!
Ruthel Hawkins
I love your site.
I'm going to make some for church potlucks.
They will be a hit for sure.
I'm looking forward to trying these 1st......Cherry 7up Fluff.......Banana pudding.......chicken & gravy
Thank you for sharing your recipes!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
You are so sweet Ruthel!! I hope you absolutely love everything you try!!
Liz
I also accidentally got the Cook and Serve pudding instead of instant. I made it according to the package directions (boiled on stove with 3 cups of milk). Then I cooled it in fridge and added it to the cream cheese/condensed milk mixture. It set up just fine...it just took WAY longer to make because of the cooling time. Guests LOVED it. This is always a hit.
Brandie
I am glad you were able to make it work and your guests loved it.
Christi Thomas
Thank you ^. I’ll plan accordingly since the cook and serve is what I have on hand too!
Southern Momma
Making this tomorrow for Easter - 2018. I’m sure it is delicious! I’ve tried many of your recipes and they have all been delicious. Thanks for taking the time to share them with us. God bless you and your family.
Happy Easter
Brandie
I am so glad you are enjoying the recipes! Happy Easter!
Christina
I made this for my Easter dinner. It's good!
betty
This was so good! Don't change a thing!
Stephanie Collins
From a person who was taught to only cook the custard for the banana pudding...the best ever banana pudding recipe is the best and comes the closest to cook custard and everyone loves it I even switch up the vanilla flavored pudding with banana cream sometimes for that extra banana flavor and that makes it really good. My family really loves the banana cream flavor pudding but this is keeper this recipe
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Love hearing that Stephanie! It was totally the same with me. This recipe converted me - ha! People are concerned it will have a "fake" taste but it really doesn't at all! It's amazing!! 🙂 So happy you love it!!
Lori
This was so good. Just make sure to buy the instant pudding. It all sets up as it cools. So, so flipping delicious!!
Nancy Skipper
I make homemade cooked pudding for my banana pudding and it never turns my bananas because I let it cool before I pour it over my nanners & wafers. Once it's cooked I let it cool enough that when I poke my (clean, washed) finger into the middle of the saucepan it doesn't burn me. If it doesn't burn me it won't burn the nanners either.
Yes, the pudding will thicken some as it cools. I just make it slightly more thin so it's still pourable. The wafers soak up some of the pudding and it comes out perfect (at least for me!) I don't like a 'dry' banana pudding but neither do I want it runny.
I enjoy getting your recipes in my inbox everyday. I get new ideas & new recipes to try with a great variety! Thanks.
Stephanie
Hi! This recipe was really good. Not sure why other reviewers say it didn't set up. I think they didn't use the instant pudding. It worked perfectly and everyone raved about it and wanted the recipe!! My new favorite!!
Nikki
No electric mixer. Can I just mix by hand with a spatula?
Stephanie
No you definitely can't use a spatula to mix this up!
Collie Cole
Banana Pudding was the 'Bomb' Baby my family Luv it! Its a must try u won't be disappointed!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Love it! Thanks Collie!
Janet
I made this but it wasn't firm like in the video. It was a bit runny. What did I do wrong.?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Janet! Are you sure you used INSTANT pudding? Sometimes folks accidentally pick up Cook & Serve without realizing. Cook & Serve needs heat but the instant doesn't.
Terry
Hi, is cool whip just whipped cream, we don't have cool whip in Aus. Or nilla wafers, are they just cookies? Thanks Terry.
Kathy
I've made this recipe for years. It is great for potlucks and get togethers. I make it in a 9x13 pan, add a banana to the pudding mixture and use one small box of instant banana pudding and one small box of instant vanilla pudding. So good!
Karen
Just an FYI, I did not STIR in the whipped cream. I beated it with the other ingredients. My pudding was like water after chilling it. :-(. I swear I can ruin anything! 🙁
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hey Karen - did you use INSTANT pudding or cook and serve? The cook and serve won't set up unless it's heated up on the stove. 🙂
Jo
It says 1-5ounce box instant pudding, they may not know there is two sizes of boxes .They may just get the 1-3 ounce box not realizing that they need one large or 2 small.
Sherie
I'm disappointed, I just knew you'd have a awesome Nanny Pudding Recipe. Growing up in East Texas, I loved Nanny Pudding from scratch recipes. Then my Mom found Vanilla Pudding......I was disappointed with my Mom's recipe after that.....I do have an awesome recipe of an Aunt's Banana Pudding and the pudding is made from scratch.....It puts pudding mix to shame. But I love all the other recipes I've found on your site.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Sherie, this is just one of a couple different versions of banana pudding "Nanner Pudding" I have on my site. Here is a classic recipe: https://www.thecountrycook.net/southern-banana-puddingor-is-it/
HEIDI STARLING
Soooo good. I made this but I added overripe bananas to the mix to use them up. It made the pudding a little runny, so i popped it in the freezer. Now its like banana ice cream. Our new family favorite dessert.
Grant
Perfection!!
Anonymous
Even better made with instant Banana pudding instead of vanilla. 🙂 Yummy!!!
Lisa Hager
That is what I was going to do! Did you still add the vanilla? I'm making this tomorrow for my son's birthday!
FLORA SHINNICK
I only had banana instant pudding and it turned out wonderful.
Supermommy03
Thank you for posting this recipe going to make this in the next few days but i was wondering what if you don't have or can not buy the Nilla wafers? what else can you do?
Melissa
I see that this calls for 5 ounce box of pudding but I only have two of the 3.4 oz boxes. Should I weigh out 5 ounces or is it okay to use both boxes
Thanks,
Melissa
Jeanette Shafer
This banana pudding is a hit! ! To lower the calorie intake i used low fat where i could. .i love Nilla wafers and they are great in this recipe! ! Love all your recipes! !!
Anna
I have been making this for years. Made it for my boss once and she thought it was the best she'd ever had. I do like to make the occasional "real"homemade vanilla pudding from time to time, but this is my go to recipe for a easy desert that everyone loves.
Mandi Kaye @ Never Too Fond of Books
I always just use straight vanilla pudding, but I definitely want to try your add-ins!
Sara
well i neglected to realize it says "Instant" pudding. so I grabbed the other kind, "Cook and Serve" well that turned out terribly wrong. it is just liquid it wont thicken. so i was spunky and decided to add another pudding (same kind) and that did no help. and oddly enough just to try, i decided to put it in the oven to see if that would thicken. its in there now, i dont think its going to work at all. but hey ill give it a shot. lol
L. White
Thanks, I was wondering what I did wrong. I grabbed cook and serve instead of instant as well!
Heidi
I did the exact same thing and grabbed a Cook and Serve. Could not figure out why it wasn't thickening. I did as the package instructed and brought the mixture to a boil in a pan. This was after I had already added the Cool Whip and the cream cheese. Thickened up just fine.
Shamene Medeiros
Another great recipe on your blog! This pudding looks really good, I am going to make it for my Grandpa
Jennifer
I don't think you will have to worry about how long it will last in the refrigerator. We eat it so fast that is NEVER an issue.
Ellen in Missouri
Hi Brandie,
I just discovered your blog and am finding many recipes I want to try. Thank you. I made the Picnic Banana Pudding yesterday and it is wonderful!! If anyone is wondering about a slightly "lighter" version... I used sugar free instant pudding and reduced fat cream cheese. It was awesome!
Lora Howard
Hi Brandie, I LOVE your site and have made many of your recipes with COMPLETE SUCCESS; however, I made the Picnic Banana Pudding yesterday afternoon. Followed the directs precisely, was careful with my measurements, but the pudding didn't set. Even added a small box of banana creme pudding mix, and it helped, but end result was still slightly soupy. TASTED DELISH, just semi-soupy. Next time I might crank back the milk to 2 cups rather than 3 and see where that gets me.
Toni
Did you use cook and serve or instant pudding mix? It calls for instant, which sets on it's own. If you used cook and serve, it will result in a bit of a soup texture.
Martha
Just want to say I love you site the recipes are wonderful. Never had Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese but have all but the items except cookie, wait have animal cookies they will work. They are nice and large. 🙂
Drew
I never really liked banana pudding personally but the way this is put together makes me want some. How long will this keep in the fridge?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Drew, this really is SO delicious. I know you will love it. This doesn't last long in my house. It will keep for about 2 days in the fridge. Mainly because the bananas are gonna eventually brown. Hope that helps!
Unknown
I dip my bananas in lemon juice to keep them from turning dark....enriches the great taste of the pudding! The recipe I use is basically the same, except it doesn't call for the vanilla extract. Will have to try it in my next banana pudding!
Kay
Wondering if the bananas turn brown if pudding is made ahead, say day before serving. I've never made banana pudding and love the ease of this recipe. Thanks. Love your blog!!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
You can definitely make this the day before. Just make sure the pudding layer covers the bananas well. The pudding will act as a temporary seal over the bananas and it will keep them from turning brown so fast. Plus, it gives the cookies time to soften up a bit which a lot of folks like. 🙂
George yoyng
You can also use fruit fresh sprinkled over the bananas. It adds no taste and keeps the bananas from Browning.
Tanicks
What if I only have unsweetened carnation milk vidamin d
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I'm sorry - it just won't work in this. 🙁
Melissa waukazo
I put my sliced bananas in lemon juice.then dab them with papertowel
Chelsea
Just wanted to thank you for this wonderful website. Trying out the buffalo chicken pasta (slow cooker) today and can't wait to try it. The website definitely has inspired me to try out new recipes.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Chelsea! What a sweet comment! Thank you so very much!!