This Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic southern recipe that's decadent, sweet, and delicious. It's easy to make and a crowd favorite.
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Eagle Brand Banana Pudding Recipe
This banana pudding is easy to make and easily adjusted for a crowd. It's a staple Southern dessert that people love so you won't have to worry about it getting eaten.
Everyone will be asking you for the recipe!
What do you need to make Banana Pudding?
- Milk
- Instant Pudding
- Cream Cheese
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Cool Whip
- Vanilla Wafers
- Bananas
How to make Banana Pudding from Scratch
Detailed instructions and measurements to make Homemade Banana Pudding are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Add the pudding mix to a mixing bowl with the milk. Using a hand mixer, mix until it begins to thicken and set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl add the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese. Using the hand mixer, mix until they are fully combined.
- Add the pudding mix to the cream cheese and condensed milk mixture and mix completely.
- Gently fold in the cool whip to the pudding mixture. Be gentle so it keeps some of the air in it.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish with vanilla wafers in an even layer.
- Top the vanilla wafers with sliced bananas.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the top of the bananas and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining vanilla wafers. I like to crush them, but you can also leave them whole.
- You can serve right away or store it in the fridge until ready to serve!
Tips and Tricks for Banana Pudding Recipe with Instant Pudding
- When whipping your milk and instant pudding mix together, you can stop before it gets really thick so that it's easier to spread. Once it's thickened slightly, you can place it in the fridge to thicken further.
- Be gentle when folding in the cool whip (or whipped cream). You don't want it to deflate. Keep some of the air in it by folding gently as you combine it.
- If you want more bananas, go for it! Make it your own. I find that 3 large bananas is the perfect ratio.
- You can put whole vanilla wafers across the top. I like the look and taste of them crushed on top.
Substitutions and Alterations
- Vanilla Wafers - you can replace the vanilla wafers with chess cookies. We prefer the vanilla wafers, but some prefer the chess cookies.
- Cool Whip - you can use homemade whipped cream if you want. Be sure to sweeten your whipped cream and that it has formed stiff peaks.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - you technically can use evaporated milk as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk for consistency and texture, but it will not have the same flavor. You will lack the sweetness and caramelized flavor if you do this. You will not get the same result.
- Instant Pudding - if you prefer to use homemade, you can. I prefer the consistency that instant pudding adds. If you do decide to make the pudding homemade, you'll need to be sure the consistency holds up.
How to store this Easy Banana Pudding
This easy banana pudding can be stored in the refrigerator as long as it stays covered. You can leave it in an airtight, covered container or cover it will cling style wrap.
Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How long does Homemade Banana Pudding last in the fridge?
Homemade banana pudding will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly.
No, it does not freeze well. You can freeze the pudding, but the texture and taste are affected when it is thawed. The ingredients are very delicate and freezing them changes them. I don't recommend freezing it.
To keep cut bananas from turning brown, you can coat them in a light layer of lemon juice.
The best cookies to use in the banana pudding are vanilla wafers. You can also use chess cookies.
Does this recipe use fresh whipped cream or cool whip? What is the difference and which is better?
This recipe uses cool whip but you can use fresh whipped cream if you prefer. If you opt to use fresh whipped cream, be sure to sweeten it.
The difference between the two will be taste and consistency. As far as which is better, this is entirely up to personal preference.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe can be doubled or even tripled easily. You'll find on the recipe card an area to change the number of servings and it will adjust all of the ingredients accordingly.
Other dessert recipes you might like
Homemade Eagle Brand Banana Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boxes french vanilla instant pudding mix 3.4ounce boxes
- 3 cups milk
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 12 ounces cool whip
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 3 whole bananas sliced
Instructions
- Add the pudding mix to a mixing bowl with the milk. Using a hand mixer, mix until it begins to thicken and set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl add the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese. Using the hand mixer, mix until they are fully combined.
- Add the pudding mix to the cream cheese and condensed milk mixture and mix completely.
- Gently fold in the cool whip to the pudding mixture. Be gentle so it keeps some of the air in it.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish with vanilla wafers in an even layer.
- Top the vanilla wafers with sliced bananas.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the top of the bananas and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining vanilla wafers. I like to crush them, but you can also leave them whole. You can serve right away or store it in the fridge until ready to serve!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy. It should only be used for estimation purposes and is not a guarantee of any kind. Nutritional information varies widely between brands and types of ingredients used. It is recommended that you calculate the nutritional information based on your own ingredients and brands used. Sweetly Splendid, LLC makes no guarantees as to the exact nutrition information.
Lesa
Thank you for this recipe I’m from Mississippi and never made one but love it. I’m in Wisconsin now so I’m gonna go out and get everything today and make one.❤️
kara
Hope you enjoy! It's a family favorite for us
Natalie
I love this recipe, and I make this all the time. When I found this I said forget the old fashion banana pudding. This is quicker and taste smooth. My customers can't get enough and neither can family!!
kara
This is so kind of you, Natalie. Thank you so much!!