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Best Banana Pudding Recipe (Crowd-Pleaser) - Creamy, Classic, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (family-size; not cook-and-serve)
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 12–16 oz whipped topping, thawed)
  • 5–6 ripe bananas (yellow with a few brown specks; no green)
  • 1 (11–12 oz) box vanilla wafers
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Optional: ground cinnamon or crushed wafers for topping

Method
 

  1. Make the pudding base: In a large bowl, whisk cold milk and instant pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 3–4 minutes to fully set.
  2. Blend the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth and silky. No lumps.
  3. Combine the mixtures: Fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until smooth. Take your time to avoid streaks.
  4. Whip the cream: Beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks (or use whipped topping). Gently fold it into the pudding mixture until airy and uniform.
  5. Slice the bananas: Cut bananas into 1/4-inch slices right before assembling to limit browning.
  6. Layer the dessert: In a 9x9 or 9x13 dish, add a layer of wafers, a layer of banana slices, then a layer of pudding. Repeat 2–3 times, finishing with pudding on top.
  7. Chill to set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This softens the wafers and melds flavors.
  8. Finish and serve: Just before serving, top with crushed wafers and a light dusting of cinnamon (optional). Spoon into bowls or slice neatly if fully set.