10 Mouthwatering Banana Pudding Recipes You Need to Try

Banana pudding, with its perfect harmony of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers, has earned its place as an iconic dessert in American cuisine. This beloved treat traces its roots back to the American South, where it has been a staple at family gatherings, church potlucks, and restaurant menus for generations. What makes banana pudding so special is not just its delightful combination of textures and flavors, but also its incredible versatility.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re exploring ten of the most popular banana pudding variations that have captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert lovers worldwide. From the traditional Southern classic that grandma used to make to modern interpretations like the famous Magnolia Bakery version, and even health-conscious and adult-only variations, there’s a banana pudding recipe here for every occasion and preference.

Whether you’re a banana pudding purist or an adventurous dessert enthusiast looking to try something new, these recipes will inspire you to create something truly memorable in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of banana pudding!

1. Classic Southern Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
• 5-6 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually stir in milk.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Beat egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually stir about 1 cup of hot mixture into egg yolks.
5. Add egg mixture back to saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
7. In a 2-quart baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
8. For meringue: Beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
9. Spread meringue over pudding, sealing to the edges of the dish.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until meringue is golden brown.
11. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups ice-cold water
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined, about 1 minute.
2. Add the pudding mix and beat for another 2 minutes.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until it sets up.
4. In another large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks remain.
6. In a trifle dish or large bowl, layer one-third of the pudding mixture, then one-third of the vanilla wafers, and one-third of the banana slices.
7. Repeat with the remaining pudding, wafers, and bananas, making three layers of each, ending with pudding on top.
8. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.
9. Crushed vanilla wafers can be sprinkled on top before serving.

3. No-Bake Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
• 6 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat pudding mix and milk together for 2 minutes.
2. Blend in condensed milk until smooth.
3. Fold in whipped topping.
4. In a 9×13 inch dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture.
5. Continue layering, ending with pudding mixture on top.
6. Crush a few wafers and sprinkle on top for garnish.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
8. No baking required!

4. Homemade Banana Pudding From Scratch

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
• 5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to thicken and bubble (about 8-10 minutes).
4. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into egg yolks.
5. Pour egg mixture back into saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 more minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Let pudding cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
8. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat layers.
9. For whipped cream topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
10. Spread whipped cream over the top layer of pudding.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

5. Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Ingredients: For the crust:

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter

For the filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

For the topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 banana, sliced
• 12 vanilla wafers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. For the crust: Mix crushed wafers, sugar, and melted butter. Press into bottom of pan.
3. For the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
4. Whisk pudding mix and milk in a separate bowl until it begins to thicken.
5. Fold pudding mixture and mashed bananas into cream cheese mixture.
6. Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes until center is almost set (slightly jiggly).
8. Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Before serving, top with whipped cream, banana slices, and vanilla wafers.

6. Banana Pudding Trifle

Ingredients:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding
• 4 cups cold milk
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
• 6-7 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for preventing browning)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in condensed milk.
3. Fold whipped topping into cream cheese mixture.
4. Fold pudding into cream cheese mixture until well blended.
5. Optional: Toss banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
6. In a large trifle dish, layer ingredients: 1/3 of pudding mixture, 1/3 of vanilla wafers, 1/3 of banana slices.
7. Repeat layers twice more, ending with pudding mixture on top.
8. Garnish with additional crushed wafers and banana slices.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
10. Serve using a large spoon, making sure to scoop through all layers.

7. Healthy Greek Yogurt Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (1 oz) package sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups whole grain vanilla wafers or graham crackers
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and pudding mix until smooth.
2. Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
3. In a serving dish or individual glasses, create layers starting with whole grain cookies, banana slices, and yogurt pudding mixture.
4. Repeat layers, ending with yogurt pudding on top.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and optional chopped nuts.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. This healthier version has less sugar and more protein than traditional recipes.

8. Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required on box)
• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant banana pudding mix
• 4 cups cold milk
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 20 vanilla wafers, crushed
• 12 vanilla wafers, whole

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake cake according to package directions in a 9×13 inch pan.
2. While cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
3. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes.
4. Pour pudding mixture over cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
5. Refrigerate cake for 1 hour.
6. Layer sliced bananas over the top of the cake.
7. Spread whipped topping over bananas.
8. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers and arrange whole wafers around the edge.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
10. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

9. Vegan Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 3 cups plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1 package vegan vanilla wafers
• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 can coconut cream, chilled overnight
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together 2 1/2 cups plant milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until steaming.
2. In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 cup plant milk with cornstarch until smooth.
3. Add cornstarch mixture to saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and vegan butter.
5. Let pudding cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a serving dish, layer vegan vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat layers.
7. For coconut whipped cream: Scoop solid cream from top of chilled coconut cream can. Beat with powdered sugar until fluffy.
8. Top pudding with coconut whipped cream.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
10. Garnish with additional crushed wafers before serving.

10. Bourbon Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks, beaten
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
• 5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to thicken (about 8 minutes).
4. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually whisk about 1 cup of hot milk mixture into egg yolks.
5. Pour egg mixture back into saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 more minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons bourbon, vanilla extract, and butter.
7. Let pudding cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and bourbon pudding. Repeat layers.
9. For bourbon whipped cream: Beat heavy cream, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Top pudding with bourbon whipped cream.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
12. This adult version pairs wonderfully with after-dinner coffee.

Conclusion

Banana pudding, in all its glorious variations, continues to captivate dessert lovers with its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements. From the traditional Southern recipe that evokes nostalgia to modern interpretations that push the boundaries of this classic dessert, there’s truly a banana pudding for every taste preference and dietary need.

What makes these recipes so special is their adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of milk, sweeteners, or cookies to create your own signature version. You might try adding a layer of sliced strawberries for a fruity twist, incorporating a splash of rum instead of bourbon for a tropical flair, or using chocolate wafers instead of vanilla for a chocolatey variation.

Remember that the key to a perfect banana pudding often lies in the timing – allowing the dessert to chill adequately ensures that the flavors meld together and the cookies soften to the perfect consistency. And while banana pudding is traditionally served chilled, the baked version with its golden meringue topping offers a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that’s equally irresistible.

We hope this collection inspires you to bring the joy of banana pudding to your table. Whether you’re preparing a quick no-bake version for a weeknight treat or crafting an impressive trifle for a special occasion, these recipes are sure to delight family and friends alike. Don’t forget to share your banana pudding creations with us at FOODTEN.com – we’d love to see your personal spin on these classic recipes!