How to Make the Best No-Cook Banana Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Banana pudding is a classic dessert that is revered in the South. It combines layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and cookies, typically vanilla wafers. My best no-cook banana pudding recipe uses the same ingredients with a twist.  No stove-top cooking of the vanilla pudding.  This is an easy, no-cook, crowd-pleasing recipe that will delight even the biggest food critic. Stay a while, this is a recipe that you will want to add to your recipe box.

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Historical Background of Banana Pudding

Banana pudding has a rich history rooted in American cuisine, particularly in the Southern United States.

Origins

• The dessert likely evolved from traditional British recipes for custards and puddings, which were often savory dishes.
• The first known recipe mention for banana pudding appears in a 1888 cookbook by a New York City chef named Maria Willet Howard.

Development

• The Nabisco Company, originally known as the National Biscuit Company, began producing vanilla wafers in 1898.

• Commercially produced vanilla wafers were introduced in the late 19th century, making banana pudding a popular dessert.
• Banana Pudding gained prominence in the Southern states, becoming a staple at family gatherings and potlucks. The Old-Fashioned Baked Banana Pudding recipe is still one of the most loved recipes in the South. This recipe will be featured in a future post.

Culinary Evolution

• Banana Pudding is a common dessert that is served at many Southern restaurants.

• Variations include topping with whipped cream or meringue, and some recipes incorporate different types of cookies.

Cultural Significance

• Banana pudding is often associated with comfort food and Southern hospitality.
• It is featured in various cookbooks and is a common dessert at events like barbecues and holiday meals.
• The dessert remains a beloved choice in restaurants and homes across the country.

Know Your Bananas: When Making the Best No-Cook Banana Pudding

To me, this is probably the most important part of making a successful banana pudding, no matter what recipe you use. Always use firm, yellow ripe bananas for banana puddings.

Bananas can be used in various recipes depending on their ripeness. Here’s a guide to cooking with bananas at different stages.

• Green Bananas: Cooking method: boil, steam, or fry. Uses: Make savory dishes, such as banana fritters, or add to stews. They have a starchy texture and are less sweet.
• Yellow Bananas: Cooking methods: Bake, grill, or use in smoothies. Uses: Ideal for pancakes, muffins, and banana nut bread. They are sweet and soft, making them versatile for both sweet and savory recipes.
• Spotted or Brown Bananas: Cooking methods: Mash or puree. Uses: Perfect for baking bread, cakes, or cookies. The sweetness intensifies, making them great for desserts.
• Overripe Bananas: Cooking Methods: Blend or incorporate into batters. Uses: Use in smoothies, pancakes, or as a natural sweetener in recipes. They can also be frozen for later use in baking.

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Key Ingredients For the Best No-Cook Banana Pudding

• Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Pudding: A homemade vanilla pudding is most common, but use a vanilla-banana instant pudding mix for a rich, creamy banana flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped or frozen whipped cream adds lightness and enhances flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: My favorite No-Cook banana pudding uses sweetened condensed milk for added creaminess and richness.
• Vanilla Wafers: A classic choice for layering with bananas; as they refrigerate, the vanilla wafers absorb the pudding’s moisture, giving the banana pudding its classic, delicious taste.

• Deep Large Serving Bowl w/ Lid
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Large Spoon (for mixing and scooping)
• Measuring Cups
• Hand Mixer

• Classic Southern Banana Pudding: Layers of homemade vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers. Topped with whipped cream or meringue.
• No-Bake Banana Pudding: Made with instant pudding mix, whipped cream, and sometimes sweetened condensed milk. Quick to assemble and make for large crowds, best if refrigerated overnight.

This no-cook banana pudding recipe will wow people with the very first bite. It’s the kind of dessert that has everyone coming back for seconds. Rich, creamy, and full of banana flavor, this is one of my most requested recipes—and for good reason. The secret to great banana pudding is letting the vanilla wafers soften enough to create smooth, creamy layers, with no crunchy cookies in between. I always make this pudding the night before so the flavors can blend and meld beautifully. Designed to serve a crowd, this easy banana pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

Ready to make this creamy, no-cook banana pudding? Follow my simple step-by-step recipe below to create the perfect dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

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The Best No-Cook Banana Pudding

This no-cook banana pudding is rich, creamy, and full of banana flavor. Perfect for crowds, it’s easy to make ahead, with soft vanilla wafer layers that blend beautifully for a classic, irresistible dessert.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 20 people

Calories: 404kcal

Author: Mary Lou Coon

Equipment

• 1 deep serving bowl You will need 1 large deep serving bowl or container.
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 large spoon
• 1 measuring cups
• 1 Hand Mixer

Ingredients

• 1 – 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 – 3.4 ounce instant banana pudding mix
• 3 ½ cups whole milk (cold) Can use 2% milk if you wish
• 1 – 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 – 16 ounce container of frozen whipped cream Allow to thaw slightly in fridge.
• 2 – 16 ounce packages of vanilla wafer I usually use 1 & 1/2 packages
• 10-12 large bananas firm yellow bananas

Instructions

• Pour milk into a large mixing bowl and add the banana and vanilla instant pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk for 2 minutes.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk to the pudding mixture and blend thoroughly.
• Add whipped cream and slowly blend into the pudding mixture.

Layering the Pudding

• Step One: Spread an even layer of banana pudding on the bottom of your serving container.
• Step two: Place vanilla wafers on the pudding layer. It is important to place the vanilla wafers on top of the pudding layer to ensure they soften, adding texture and more flavor to this delicious dessert.
• Step Three: Place a layer of sliced bananas on the vanilla wafers.
• Repeat this process, ending with a layer of pudding as the top layer.
• Finishing Touch: I usually crush some vanilla wafers and add them as a final layer, and at times, I will top with a layer of whipped cream plus crushed vanilla wafers as a finishing touch.
• Place the banana pudding in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to make sure the vanilla wafers have softened before serving. I usually will make this the night before just to be sure all the flavors meld and the cookies are soft.

If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to scroll up and tap those stars! I’d love to know how it turned out for you.

Notes

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g

Tips for Best Results With Cooked or No-Cooked Banana Pudding

• Allowing the pudding to chill for several hours or overnight will the flavor and texture in no-cook instant banana pudding recipes.
• Consider adding a splash of vanilla or banana extract for extra flavor.
• Replace some of the milk with sweetened condensed milk.
• For the baked-in-the-oven banana pudding, I remove it from the oven once the meringue has browned, then serve it warm or let it come to room temperature. Cooking in the oven intensifies the flavor of the ripe bananas.

• Assemble in a large bowl, then serve in individual cups.
• Garnish with additional banana slices or crushed wafers for presentation.

Storing the Best No-Cook Banana Pudding

This has never been a problem with my family and friends because it is just known at my house that leftovers will be split and sent home with my guests. They will have it no other way. The last thing I hear when I tell them how long it’s good for in the fridge: “Don’t worry, it won’t last 24 hours at my house.” But just in case, below are some recommendations for keeping your leftover banana pudding fresh and safe to eat later.

Refrigeration

• To prevent your banana pudding from absorbing odors and moisture, place the pudding in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best flavor.

Freezing

• For longer storage, consider freezing banana pudding in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• Banana pudding is best if eaten within 2 months of freezing. The texture may change upon thawing.

• Thaw frozen banana pudding in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• After thawing, gently remix the banana pudding to restore its creamy texture before serving.

If you love all things banana, try my most requested pound cake recipe, The Best Banana Walnut Pound Cake.

There you have it—my favorite no-cook banana pudding! Rich, creamy, and full of banana flavor, it’s the perfect dessert to make ahead and share with family and friends. Whether it’s a special gathering or a simple weeknight treat, this banana pudding is always a crowd-pleaser. Go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

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