Banana Pudding with Wafers Layered

There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a bowl of Banana Pudding with Wafers Layered. This Southern classic dessert has been a beloved treat for generations. It features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers. The combination of textures and flavors—from the creamy pudding to the sweet bananas and crisp wafers—makes this dessert irresistible. Whether served at family gatherings, holiday meals, or potlucks, banana pudding is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.

Not only is it delicious, but banana pudding is also surprisingly simple to make. In just a few steps, you can create a dessert that looks elegant and tastes amazing, without the need for complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding with Wafers Layered

To make this traditional dessert, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The best part? Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making it an affordable treat.

For the Pudding:

• 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the pudding a rich, velvety sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups Cold Water: To mix with the condensed milk to form the base of the pudding.
• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: These pre-made mixes save time and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• 1 ½ cups Cold Whipping Cream: Whipped cream adds lightness and a silky texture to the pudding.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the pudding and adds depth.

For the Assembly:

• 4-5 Ripe Bananas: Sliced into round pieces. Fresh, ripe bananas are key to the flavor of the pudding.
• 1 box (12 oz) Vanilla Wafers: These classic cookies provide a sweet crunch and absorb the pudding’s flavors as they soften.

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped Cream: To top the dessert for extra richness and decoration.
• Fresh Banana Slices: For added texture and visual appeal.
• Vanilla Wafers: Crushed wafers can be sprinkled on top for added crunch.

How to Make Banana Pudding with Wafers Layered

This banana pudding recipe is incredibly straightforward. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautifully layered dessert that’s ready to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding

1. Mix the Pudding Base: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and cold water. Stir well until fully combined. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture is smooth and thickened.
2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold whipping cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will give the pudding its light, airy texture.
3. Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want the pudding to remain light and fluffy.

Step 2: Layer the Dessert

1. Prepare the Bananas and Wafers: Slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds. Set aside. Open the box of vanilla wafers and have them ready to use.
2. Layer the Pudding, Bananas, and Wafers: In a large glass trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Gently press them down so they form a base.
3. Add the Banana Slices: Place a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, ensuring that the bananas cover the entire layer.
4. Top with Pudding: Spoon a generous layer of the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Repeat the Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding until the dish is full. Finish with a layer of pudding on top.

Step 3: Chill the Dessert

Once the dessert is assembled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the wafers to soften, creating that classic layered texture.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, garnish the top of the banana pudding with additional whipped cream, banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers for a decorative touch. You can also drizzle with a little chocolate syrup for a fun twist.

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding with Wafers

While this banana pudding recipe is easy to follow, here are a few tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly:

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The bananas should be ripe but not overly mushy. If they’re too green, they won’t have the sweetness you need, and if they’re too brown, they can become mushy in the pudding.
2. Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: The chilling process is essential for the pudding to set properly and for the wafers to absorb the pudding mixture. If you don’t chill it long enough, the layers may not hold together when you serve it.
3. Layer the Dessert Carefully: Make sure to layer each component evenly, so each bite has a perfect balance of banana, wafer, and pudding.
4. Use a Trifle Dish for Presentation: A trifle dish or clear glass container showcases the layers of the pudding beautifully. If you don’t have one, any deep dish or 9×13 pan works perfectly.
5. Customize the Flavor: While vanilla wafers are traditional, you can mix it up by using different cookies, such as shortbread or ginger cookies, for a fun twist on the classic.

Variations of Banana Pudding

While the traditional Banana Pudding with Wafers is delicious, there are plenty of variations to consider based on your personal preferences:

1. Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding to the dessert or drizzle chocolate sauce between the layers for a chocolatey twist.
2. Banana Pudding Parfaits: For individual servings, layer the pudding mixture in small mason jars or parfait glasses. This makes for a fun and portable dessert.
3. Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Add a peanut butter layer between the pudding and bananas for a rich, nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for crunch.
4. Banana Coconut Pudding: Add shredded coconut to the pudding mixture or sprinkle it on top of the dessert for a tropical flavor.
5. Banana Pudding with Meringue: For a slightly different take, top the dessert with a fluffy meringue layer instead of whipped cream. Brown the meringue under a broiler for a beautiful golden top.

Why Banana Pudding is the Ultimate Comfort Dessert

Banana pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining familiar ingredients into a creamy, satisfying treat. The layers of soft vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and rich pudding evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It’s a dessert that everyone loves and can enjoy regardless of age. Whether it’s for a family gathering, holiday feast, or simply a treat after dinner, banana pudding is always a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dessert that looks elegant and tastes incredible. It’s also versatile enough to be customized to suit your tastes, making it easy to experiment with different flavors and textures.

Conclusion: A Dessert That’s Loved by All

Banana Pudding with Wafers Layered is a dessert that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with your family, this classic Southern dessert will leave everyone coming back for seconds. So the next time you’re craving something sweet, give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Banana Pudding with Wafers Layered

This classic Southern dessert layers creamy, vanilla pudding with fresh banana slices and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s topped with whipped cream for a sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any gathering or just a comforting dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine Southern

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle dish
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

• For the Pudding:
• 1 5 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Whipped Cream:
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For Layering:
• 2-3 ripe bananas sliced
• 1 12 oz box vanilla wafers

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Make the Pudding
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups whole milk. Whisk together until the pudding starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and beat until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add the prepared pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture, stirring to combine until smooth and creamy. Set the pudding mixture aside.
• Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
• In a separate bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it starts to thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.
• Step 3: Layer the Dessert
• In a large 9×13-inch baking dish (or a trifle dish for a more decorative look), begin by spreading a layer of the vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom.
• Next, add a layer of sliced bananas, placing them evenly over the wafers.
• Spoon a generous amount of the pudding mixture over the bananas, smoothing it into an even layer.
• Repeat the layering process with the vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding, until all components are used up. The final layer should be the pudding mixture.
• Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream
• Spread the whipped cream over the top layer of pudding, covering it evenly.
• For an extra decorative touch, you can arrange a few more sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers on top of the whipped cream.
• Step 5: Chill and Serve
• Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
• Before serving, give it a gentle stir, and serve chilled.
• Step 6: Enjoy
• Scoop into bowls or plates and enjoy the creamy, layered goodness of this ultimate banana pudding!

Notes

✔ Banana ripeness: Use ripe but firm bananas to ensure they hold their shape and add the perfect amount of sweetness.
✔ Make ahead: This dessert is perfect for making a day ahead of time, as it allows the layers to soak into the wafers for a more flavorful result.
✔ Creamy texture: If you prefer an even creamier pudding, you can substitute the instant pudding mix with cooked vanilla pudding or custard.
✔ Vanilla wafers: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can use plain or reduced-sugar vanilla wafers for the base.
✔ Whipped cream substitute: If you don’t want to make homemade whipped cream, you can use store-bought whipped topping (like Cool Whip), but the homemade version provides a fresher taste.