Easy Instant Banana Pudding Recipe The Soul Food Way
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Sometimes, the sweetest Southern traditions come together with a little modern convenience, and that’s exactly what you get with this easy instant banana pudding recipe! It’s the classic dessert you know and love: layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and buttery Nilla Wafers, all crowned with a cloud of whipped topping.
But instead of cooking pudding from scratch, we’re using instant pudding mix for a quicker, no-fuss version that still delivers that down-home flavor. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or just a craving for something sweet and nostalgic. This easy banana pudding is comfort food at its simplest and most satisfying.
Banana pudding with instant pudding
Banana pudding has long been a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners, providing comfort in a simple casserole dish. And while homemade pudding is a labor of love, using instant pudding mix is a quick and convenient way to capture that same creamy, nostalgic flavor.
This method saves you about 10-15 minutes compared to my classic Southern banana pudding recipe, which requires cooking on the stovetop. It’s the perfect shortcut for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice Southern tradition.
Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, thanks to the convenience of instant pudding mix. With just a box of vanilla pudding, some ripe bananas, Nilla Wafers, and whipped topping, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it took hours. While banana-flavored pudding is available, the traditional soul food way is to use vanilla pudding, letting the natural sweetness of the fresh bananas shine through just like Grandma used to make!
How to make instant banana pudding
The main difference between banana pudding made with instant pudding mix and the classic homemade version is how the pudding thickens. With instant pudding, there’s no cooking involved. It sets quickly in about 5 minutes after you stir in the milk, making the process fast and fuss-free.
Here’s how to make this easy and delicious dessert:
- Prepare the pudding – Follow the instructions on the box to make your instant vanilla pudding base.
- Layer the goodness – Once the pudding has set and chilled, layer it with Nilla Wafers, banana slices, the pudding, and a generous topping of my signature cream cheese mixed with whipped cream.
Best dish for gorgeous banana pudding
To create two delicious layers of cookies, bananas, pudding, and whipped cream, use a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 2-quart round baking dish, preferably one with a lid for easy storage. For an extra touch of Southern charm and presentation, I recommend using a round glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers of this classic dessert.
How to store instant banana pudding
To store this easy instant banana pudding recipe, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Banana pudding is best enjoyed within 2–3 days for the freshest taste and texture, as the bananas will start to brown within hours of slicing, and the cookies will continue to soften over time. For best results, avoid freezing, as the pudding can separate and lose its creamy consistency.
Equipment
- Whisk to make the instant pudding
- 2-quart glass bowl (preferably with a lid) Or 9"x13" baking dish (preferably with a lid)
Ingredients
- 3 bananas ripe and sliced into banana rounds
- 2 cups milk cold
- 4.6 oz. vanilla pudding instant pudding
- 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 instant pudding according to the instructions on the box, using milk, and set it aside in the refrigerator.
- Mix the whipped topping and cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- Line the bottom and sides of a baking pan or dish with Nilla Wafers 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 pudding layer.
- Repeat the above steps for a second layer of cookies, bananas, pudding, and whipped topping.
- Sprinkle the ¼ cup of crumbled cookies over the top layer of whipped cream.
- Allow the banana pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Banana pudding is easiest to slice after being refrigerated, then serve, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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