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What can you substitute for Nilla Wafers in banana pudding?

Soul Food Easter Desserts | Southern Banana Pudding

Desserts hold a special place in Southern Easter celebrations. From the creamy layers of banana pudding that echo centuries of soul food culinary heritage, traditions, and stories passed down through generations.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Servings: 12
Calories: 301kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish

Ingredients

  • 3 bananas ripe & sliced into 1″ discs
  • 8 oz. whipped cream 1 container
  • 8 oz. cream cheese 1 container, whipped
  • 4.6 oz. vanilla pudding 1 box of cook & serve
  • 11 oz. Nilla Wafers 1 box and ¼ cup of crumbled Nilla Wafers cookies

Instructions

  • Make the instant pudding according to the pudding mixture instructions and set it aside in the refrigerator.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix the whipped topping and cream cheese and set aside.
  • Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan with Nilla Wafer cookies.
  • Add a layer of banana slices over the Nilla Wafers.
  • Using a small spatula, spread the vanilla pudding evenly over the bananas.
  • Add a layer of the whipped topping and cream cheese mixture over the layer of pudding.
  • Sprinkle the ¼ cup of crumbled cookies all over the top layer of whipped cream.
  • Allow the banana pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, then serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 402IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

❤️ Why trust this recipe?

Created + tested by Shaunda Necole, creator of The Soul Food Pot® (real cook, real kitchen). Rooted in African American culinary traditions, with modern shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or legacy. No AI-generated instructions — measurements, timing, and techniques are written, cooked, and verified by Shaunda. Make-it-your-way guidance included, so you can cook confidently with the tools you have.

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