Delicious Banana Wafer Pudding Recipe for Dessert Lovers
Have you ever tasted a dessert that leaves you wanting more after every bite? Well, let me introduce you to my banana wafer pudding recipe. This Southern classic is easy to make, and it’s one of the best banana pudding recipes out there!
As a baker, I love simple and flavorful desserts that captivate people’s hearts, and this recipe does just that. With layers of vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crispy wafers, your taste buds will be begging for more. It is an excellent treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
I have made this recipe numerous times and received many compliments from my family and friends. Therefore, I decided to share with you this classic southern banana pudding recipe. Keep reading to learn how to make it in your home kitchen with straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana wafer pudding recipe will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more! Whether you’re baking for a potluck, holiday party, or just craving a decadent dessert, this recipe won’t disappoint.
What makes this pudding recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of creamy vanilla pudding and fresh, ripe bananas sandwiched between layers of crispy nilla wafers. And for an added crunch, this recipe includes chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries on top!
But don’t just take my word for it – the proof is in the pudding. Literally. Our viewers rave about how easy and delicious this recipe is to follow. Plus, it’s a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations in Southern American cuisine.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly customizable. You can swap out the nuts or add extra fruits like strawberries or blueberries to mix up the flavors. And if you’re looking for a lower-calorie version, try using low-fat milk or fat-free cool whip instead of its higher-calorie counterparts.
So whether you’re looking for a quick after-dinner treat or an impressive trifle for a celebration, this banana wafer pudding recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and taste the magic for yourself!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make my delicious homemade Southern-style Banana Wafer Pudding recipe:
Ingredients 1:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 5 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Ingredients 2:
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box of Nilla wafers (original Nilla or Nilla banana)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
Ingredients 3 for Decorations:
- Nilla Wafers (for top decoration)
- Freshly sliced bananas (for top decoration)
- Crushed walnuts (optional topping)
- Maraschino cherry (optional topping)
Don’t worry about breaking the wafers, we are going to layer them anyway! Time to create a delicious masterpiece.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding that is sure to make you a star in any potluck.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (5 -ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups of cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
- 4 cups sliced ripe bananas
- 1 box Nilla wafers (11 oz)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until combined. Then add the sweetened condensed milk into the bowl and whisk until all ingredients are well-combined.
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Take one of the large container of Cool Whip, and fold it into your pudding mixture until entirely smooth.
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Once the mixture is smooth, you’ll want to start layering your dish. Arrange a layer of Nilla Wafers on the bottom of your trifle or casserole dish (use at least one-third of the box).
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On top of this layer, add another layer of sliced bananas (use about half or one-third of the sliced banana).
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Then, spoon about one-third of your pudding mixture over the banana layer.
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Repeat this process—another layer of wafers, then bananas, followed by pudding mixture—until you run out of ingredients, making sure that you finish with a layer of pudding mixture at the top.
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Cover your dish with plastic wrap tightly and place it in refrigerator for around four hours or overnight.
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Take your dessert out from refrigerator and arrange some remaining Nilla Wafers around its circumference.
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Add some chopped walnuts on top before garnishing each individual serving dish with maraschino cherries.
Tip: You can also use whipped cream or more Cool Whip for topping.
Easy Banana Pudding Recipe Video:
If you’re more visual when it comes to cooking instructions, check out this video recipe version created by Recipe Food that follows this recipe .
Enjoy this classic dessert- Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding-that will be hit in every party that has southern hospitality!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Banana Wafer Pudding recipe is that it allows for different substitutions and variations so you can put your own flavor spin on it. For example, instead of using walnuts, you can swap them out for pecans or almonds. And if you don’t have maraschino cherries on hand, feel free to leave them out or substitute with fresh cherries.
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, try swapping out the Cool Whip for fat-free whipped cream or Greek yogurt. You could also use vanilla Greek yogurt in place of the vanilla instant pudding mix for a healthier twist.
For those who are gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or nilla wafers. You could also make this recipe low carb by swapping out the nilla wafers for almond flour cookies.
Looking for a more boozy twist? Incorporate some liqueur such as amaretto or rum into the pudding or soak the nilla wafers in your favorite liquor before layering.
You could also make this recipe vegan by using non-dairy milk and vegan sweetened condensed milk. Or try using ripe avocados instead of bananas to make an avocado pudding that’s just as creamy and delicious.
No matter how you choose to adapt this classic recipe, be creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors and textures until you find your perfect variation of this Southern comfort dessert.
Serving and Pairing
What’s a delicious banana wafer pudding without the perfect way of serving and pairing to unlock its full potential? Get ready to enjoy this dessert with rich and creamy texture all thanks to a balanced combination of flavors.
You can create variations of the classic banana pudding by adding different types of fruits. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can give the recipe an extra sweetness and a fruity taste that compliments the flavor of the bananas. You can also add a sprinkle of walnuts or garnish it with sweetened maraschino cherries on top for that visual appeal.
This dessert is perfect and complete on its own but can also be paired with your choice of hot beverage like coffee or tea. The strong coffee flavors add an exciting contrast to the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla pudding while hot tea creates a mild blend of flavors that is healthy and refreshing.
When serving, place in glass cups so you can see the beautiful layers of vanilla wafers, freshly slice bananas and creamy pudding. You might also want to remember that this dessert tastes great chilled when served, giving time for all flavors to fuse together.
Bon appétit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Banana Wafer Pudding, making it ahead of time is not just recommended but actually preferred. This pudding has a remarkable ability to improve in flavor and texture when left to sit in the fridge for a while. So, feel free to make this pudding a day or two ahead of time and keep it stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
To store the pudding, cover it well with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent moisture from getting in. When you’re ready to eat it, simply take it out of the fridge and let it rest for a few hours at room temperature before serving. This will allow it to come back to its creamy and smooth consistency.
If you have any leftovers, store them as instructed above and consume them within 4-5 days. Reheating this pudding is not recommended as it can change its texture and flavor. However, if you really want to reheat it, do so gently over low heat in a double boiler until warm. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Another great thing about this pudding is that it can be frozen for up to 1-2 months without losing its quality. Simply transfer the cooled pudding into an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bags and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, defrost them overnight in the fridge, let them come to room temperature before serving.
In short, making this Banana Wafer Pudding ahead of time is one of the secrets behind its exceptional taste and texture. It can be conveniently stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months without losing its deliciousness. So don’t hesitate – make a large batch today and enjoy this delightful dessert anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients and are ready to begin making your Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, read through these helpful tips to ensure the perfect end result.
1. Use ripe bananas
When selecting bananas for this recipe, make sure they are ripe with a few brown spots on the skin. Ripe bananas will be sweeter and softer, making them easier to slice and blend well with the pudding mixture.
2. Layer the Nilla wafers carefully
When layering your Nilla wafers in between the pudding mixture and banana slices, be sure to arrange each cookie neatly and flat against each other. This will result in a more cohesive texture throughout the dish.
3. Make adjustments for high altitude baking
If you live at high altitude, you may need to make a few adjustments to the recipe to ensure it turns out as intended. For instance, try decreasing the sugar amount slightly or adding extra liquid to compensate for the dry air.
4. Use fat-free or low-fat ingredients for a healthier option
If you’re looking for a healthier or lighter version of this recipe, consider using fat-free or low-fat options such as milk, cream cheese, and Cool Whip.
5. Chill it thoroughly before serving
While it may be tempting to serve immediately after assembling, the best results come from chilling the pudding in the fridge for several hours or even overnight before serving. This allows time for all the flavors to meld together and creates a firmer consistency.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and crowd-pleasing Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding that everyone will enjoy.
Bottom Line
All in all, this banana wafer pudding recipe is the perfect dessert to make for any occasion. With a smooth and creamy texture, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, its simplicity makes it easy to follow and guarantees an excellent result every time.
If you’re as big of a fan of bananas as I am, then you’ll love this recipe. And even if you’re not, trust me – this dessert is worth trying! So next time you’re wondering what to make for dessert, give this banana wafer pudding recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Banana Wafer Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers
- 4 (3 1/2 ounce) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 (14 ounce) box graham crackers
- 32 ounces Cool Whip, the large size
- maraschino cherry
- walnuts, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pudding as indicated on box.
- Make a layer of the wafer cookies and graham crackers in the bottom.
- of the bowl or pan, then add some sliced Bananas.( If using a see.
- through bowl make sure to layer so it will look nice).
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding.then on top of pudding add a thin layer of cool whip on top of that ad a little cherry juice.
- Now continue this.
- Wafers,Crackers,Bananas,Pudding,Cool Whip And juice until you reach the top.
- At the top do not add cherry juice, instead top with remainin cool whip.
- Crush about 2 vanilla wafer cookies and crush 1 whole graham cracker.
- sprinkle this on top of the cool whip, Add nuts(opt)top with one cherry, cover and chill.
- TIP: The more wafers and crackers used the better the pudding.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.