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Black Southern Banana Pudding

Black Folks Southern Banana Pudding

Black folks’ Southern banana pudding layers Nilla Wafers, ripe bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and a rich cream cheese-whipped topping for a soul food classic that’s creamy, fluffy, and made to hold its layers!
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Servings: 10
Calories: 339kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

  • Saucepan (If using Jell-O Cook & Serve Pudding)
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small spatula or spoon
  • 3 qt. glass bowl preferably with a lid
  • Handheld or stand mixer (optional)

Ingredients

  • 3 bananas ripe and sliced into banana rounds
  • 4.6 oz. vanilla pudding Instant Pudding or Cook-&-Serve pudding
  • 3 cups milk for the pudding mix
  • 8 oz. whipped cream 1 container
  • 8 oz. cream cheese 1 container, whipped-version
  • 11 oz. Nilla Wafers 1 box and ¼ cup of crumbled Nilla Wafers cookies

Instructions

  • Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions and allow it to thicken as directed. If using Jell-O Cook & Serve Vanilla Pudding, cook it with the milk on the stovetop according to the package directions, then cool before layering.
    Make the instant pudding according to the pudding mixture instructions and set it aside in the refrigerator
  • Mix the whipped cream (whipped topping) and whipped cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
    Mix the whipped topping and cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
  • Line the bottom of the glass bowl with Nilla Wafers.
    Line the bottom of the glass bowl with Nilla Wafers.
  • Add a layer of sliced bananas over the cookies.
  • Spread an even layer of vanilla pudding over the bananas, using a small spatula.
    Spread a layer of the cream cheese-whipped topping mixture over the pudding.
  • Spread a layer of the cream cheese-whipped topping mixture over the pudding.
    Add a layer of the whipped topping and cream cheese mixture over the layer of pudding
  • Repeat the layers with cookies, bananas, pudding, and the cream cheese-whipped topping.
    Banana pudding - repeat the layers
  • Finish with the crumbled Nilla Wafers sprinkled over the top.
    Sprinkle the crumbled cookies over the top layer of whipped cream
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the pudding can set and the cookies can soften. Serve chilled and enjoy!
    Banana pudding is easiest to slice after being refrigerated, then serve, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

🥄 Shaunda says: Use ripe but still-firm bananas. If they’re already very soft when you layer the pudding, they’ll break down faster as the dessert chills—which is exactly what you don’t want. The bananas should soften with the pudding while still holding their shape in the finished layers.
Vanilla pudding: I use vanilla—not banana-flavored—pudding so the fresh bananas bring the banana flavor.
For the best set: Give the finished pudding at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before serving. The chill time helps the creamy layers settle while the Nilla Wafers soften.

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 501IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 0.1mg

❤️ Shaunda's Soul Food Standard

Created and tested by Shaunda Necole, creator of The Soul Food Pot® (real cook, real kitchen). Rooted in African American culinary traditions, with modern shortcuts that never sacrifice flavor or legacy. No AI-generated instructions. Every measurement, timing note, and technique is written, cooked, and verified by Shaunda, with make-it-your-way guidance so you can cook confidently with the tools you have.

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