Best Banana Pudding Recipe

I whipped up my version of Best Banana Pudding using a blend of sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, and instant vanilla banana pudding mix. I layered in fresh ripe banana slices and crunchy Nilla wafers, then folded in cold heavy cream. This mix promises a balance of smooth and crunchy flavors.

I’ve always been fascinated with recipes that are both simple and full of flavor, and this Best Banana Pudding is no exception. One of my all time favorites, it’s a no-cook recipe that makes dessert time super easy and fun.

I recently tried it using a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, softened 8 oz cream cheese, and a pack of instant vanilla banana pudding mix. Mixing in 2 cups of cold heavy cream gives it that rich, airy texture while the sliced ripe bananas add a fresh twist.

Layering it all with a box of Nilla wafers creates a crunch that perfectly balances the creamy layers. I know some of you love experimenting with banana dessert recipes so this one caught my eye instantly and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

Its unique blend of flavors has quickly made it one of my go to yummy sweets for any special occasion or just a treat on a busy day.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how creamy and smooth the pudding mixture becomes when I whip the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese together.
2. I really enjoy the crunch of the Nilla wafers against the soft, sweet layers of bananas and pudding.
3. I appreciate that it’s a no-cook recipe, so I get to avoid complicated steps and still have an amazing dessert.
4. I like that the recipe mixes different textures and flavors which makes every spoonful interesting and fun to eat.

Best Banana Pudding is a super awesome no cook dessert that uses sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, instant vanilla banana pudding mix, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers. Its really easy to make and perfect for when you want a tasty treat without turning on the oven. The flavors blend together in a way that makes it creamy, fruity, and crunchy all at once, and honestly, it always reminds me of fun family times. Plus, it tastes even better the next day when it’s had time to chill in the fridge.

Ingredients

• This canned milk adds rich sweetness and creamy thickness, boosting pudding’s indulgent texture.
• Cream cheese introduces tangy creaminess and smooth texture, enhancing dessert with slight savory notes.
• Instant pudding mix provides a bold vanilla flavor and thickens the cream mixture real efficiently.
• Cold heavy cream whipped to perfection adds light airy volume and rich decadence to the pudding.
• Fresh ripe bananas deliver natural sweetness, essential fiber and valuable vitamins, balancing the dessert.
• Classic Nilla wafers offer a light, buttery crunch that contrasts the smooth, creamy pudding layers.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold heavy cream
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box Nilla wafers

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and the softened cream cheese together until its smooth and creamy

2. Mix in the instant vanilla banana pudding mix until well combined

3. In another bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks then gently fold it into your pudding mixture

4. Grab a serving dish and start by laying a layer of sliced bananas on the bottom

5. Spoon a thick layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas

6. Add a layer of Nilla wafers over the pudding

7. Repeat the layers by adding more sliced bananas, pudding mixture and Nilla wafers until you have used up all the ingredients, ending with a pudding layer on top

8. For an extra crunch, you can crush some additional Nilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top

9. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, though letting it chill overnight works even better

10. Once its properly chilled, serve and enjoy your Best Banana Pudding!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl – for beating the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese
2. Electric mixer or whisk – to get a smooth, creamy texture and to whip the heavy cream
3. Second bowl – for whipping the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form
4. Rubber or silicone spatula – for gently folding the whipped cream into the pudding mix
5. Serving dish – to layer the banana slices, pudding and Nilla wafers
6. Knife and cutting board – to slice the bananas properly
7. Optional: a rolling pin and a plastic bag – if you want to crush extra Nilla wafers for topping

FAQ

Best Banana Pudding Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Sweetened Condensed Milk substitute: you can mix 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk with about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of sugar to mimic the thick sweetness
• Cream Cheese substitute: try using mascarpone or even Neufchatel if you want a slightly lighter option, both give a similar rich creaminess
• Instant Vanilla Banana Pudding Mix substitute: you could whip up your own pudding with milk, a little cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract if you’re feeling adventurous
• Cold Heavy Cream substitute: if you dont have heavy cream, chilled coconut cream or even half and half mixed with a bit of melted butter can work in a pinch
• Nilla Wafers substitute: graham crackers or digestive biscuits work great for layering and add a similar crunch and flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your heavy cream is super cold before you whip it, cuz that really helps it form stiff peaks better without turning runny.
2. Try adding a tiny pinch of salt into the pudding mix during step 2 – it cuts the sweetness a bit and brings out the flavors more nicely.
3. When layering, don’t be too neat! Overlap your banana slices and wafers a little so every bite gets a mix of both textures.
4. Crumble some extra wafers over the top before serving for an extra crunch that makes the dessert a bit more fun.