Easy Banana Pudding

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This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is a staple in our house. Perfect for any get together. The sweet, creamy pudding with the crunch of the cookies make this irresistible.

Side view of a easy banana pudding parfait.

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The Easy Banana Pudding recipe has been popular for decades. Since Magnolia Bakery introduced banana pudding to their menu, it seems that there has been a resurgence of this southern classic dessert.

This recipe is the best that I have found, not just because it is easy but because of its great taste. The addition of the sour cream cuts some of the sweetness and the addition of the butter cookies makes a great surprise! It is truly a Pinterest perfect recipe!

What makes this recipe great? Find out more here. And, if you’re looking for a banana pudding twist, try these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars. We also love this Banh Flan – it’s so decadent!

  • Less than 30 Minute : This comes together quick but is a superb dessert.
  • Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge.
  • Family Friendly: This dessert is a mush make for everyone.
  • Adaptable: Can make it lower in calorie.
top shot of three banana puddings.

What You Need to Make Homemade Banana Pudding

Ingredients

  • sweetened condensed milk 
  • instant vanilla pudding 
  • half-and-half 
  • sour cream 
  • Pinch salt 
  • butter cookies
  • caramel sauce 
  • bananas
  • frozen whipped topping, thawed

Equipment

How to Make Best Easy Banana Pudding – Step by Step

  • Make Pudding: First, in a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, the instant pudding mix, half and half, sour cream and salt.
  • Crush: Second, reserve 6 cookies for garnish and place the remaining cookies in a zipper bag and then crush the cookies into large, bite-sized pieces.
  • Layer: Next, place 2 tablespoons of the cookie pieces in the bottom of 6 serving dishes. Layer 1/8 cup of pudding mixture in each serving dish and then drizzle each with 2 teaspoons of caramel sauce and finally, layer banana slices on top of caramel.
  • Repeat: Then repeat the layers.
  • Top: Lastly, top with cool whip, whole cookies and sliced bananas. Allow to set for 10 minutes.

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Looking for more?  Check out all of the easy desserts on It Is a Keeper.


Common Questions About Best Bana Pudding Recipe

HOW DO YOU KEEP BANANA SLICES FROM BROWNING AFTER CUTTING THEM?

I like to put a little lemon juice in a spray bottle and lightly spritz them to prevent oxidation. However, the best way to serve this delicious dessert is to make and serve as soon as possible.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Of course, this dessert is great to take to a party. Use a clear disposable glass and make as many as you require.

BANANA PUDDING BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?

Indeed, ideally from keeping this from getting too soggy, I like to make the pudding in advance and then assemble right before I am ready to serve. It only takes a few minutes.

BEST WAY TO STORE EASY BANANA PUDDING?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

RIPE BANANAS? HOW RIPE SHOULD THEY BE?

Truthfully, the best banana pudding is made with ripe bananas. It will give the best flavor and make the perfect banana pudding. Look for skins that are turning brown!

Side view close up of banana pudding with bluegreen napkin.

Expert Tips for Making Old Fashioned Southern Banana Pudding

  • Trifle: This is a great recipe for a crowd. So you can make it in a trifle bowl and serve a larger version.
  • Chocolate Chips: I love to top this dessert with a few chocolate chips or shaved chocolate for extra flavor.
  • Short cut tip: Have all the components ready ahead of time and assemble right before serving.
  • Variation tip: Feel free to add banana cream flavored pudding in place of the vanilla pudding mix. Replace butter cookies with vanilla wafers or graham crackers!
  • Alternate ingredient: Adult only gathering? Add a little bourbon, rum or Banana Liqueur. Yum!
  • Dietary consideration tip: Make a low calorie version with sugar free pudding, low fat sour cream and sugar free caramel syrup.

⭐⭐⭐ RATE THIS RECIPE ⭐⭐⭐

If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it in the comment section below.

Side view of a easy banana pudding parfait.
5 from 10 votes

Easy Banana Pudding

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
cooling time: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is a staple in our house. Perfect for any get together. The sweet, creamy pudding with the crunch of the cookies make this irresistible.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

  • 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk, 1 can
  • 5.1 ounce instant vanilla pudding, 1 box
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Pinch salt
  • 12-16 ounces butter cookies, divided
  • 1 cup prepared caramel sauce
  • 3 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, half and half, sour cream and salt; Set aside.
  • Reserve 6 cookies for garnish and place the remaining cookies in a zipper bag. Crush the cookies into large, bite-sized pieces.
  • Place 2 tablespoons of the cookie pieces in the bottom of 6 serving dishes.
  • Layer 1/8 cup of pudding mixture in each serving dish.
  • Drizzle each with 2 teaspoons of caramel sauce.
  • Layer banana slices on top of caramel.
  • Repeat the layers – cookie crumbs, pudding, caramel and bananas.
  • Top each serving with 1/4 cup of whipped topping.
  • Garnish with reserved cookies and banana slices.

Expert Tips

  • Trifle: This is a great recipe for a crowd. So you can make it in a trifle bowl and serve a larger version.
  • Chocolate Chips: I love to top this dessert with a few chocolate chips or shaved chocolate for extra flavor.
  • Short cut tip: Have all the components ready ahead of time and assemble right before serving.
  • Variation tip: Feel free to add banana flavored pudding in place of the vanilla pudding.
  • Alternate ingredient: Adult only gathering? Add a little bourbon, rum or Banana Liqueur. Yum!
  • Dietary consideration tip: Make a low calorie version with sugar free pudding, low fat sour cream and sugar free caramel syrup.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 672kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 446mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 68g | Vitamin A: 787IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 352mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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3 thoughts on “Easy Banana Pudding”

  1. 5 stars
    Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make banana pudding recipe! It’s really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply

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