Need something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven? This Easy No Bake Banana Pudding is the creamy, dreamy dessert you’ve been craving. It’s smooth, cool, and layered with fresh bananas, pudding, and whipped cream for a taste that feels like sunshine in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s one of the most super easy dessert ideas you can make in minutes.
- No cooking, no baking, no stress just mix, layer, chill, and enjoy.
- Perfect for banana pudding for one or big family gatherings.
Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in making this easy banana pudding dessert silky, sweet, and irresistible.
- Bananas: Ripe but firm for that natural sweetness and creamy bite.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: The base of your no cook banana pudding use Jello pudding for best texture.
- Cold Milk: Helps the pudding set smooth and thick.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Brings airiness and a fluffy finish.
- Vanilla Wafers: Add a soft crunch layer that soaks up flavor perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor for that homemade touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this creamy delight together, you’ll see how fast and easy it comes together!
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thick.
- Add the condensed milk and vanilla extract, then fold in the whipped topping until creamy.
- Layer vanilla wafers on the bottom of a serving dish or cups.
- Slice bananas and place them over the wafers, then spoon a layer of pudding mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with pudding and whipped cream.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to set perfectly.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use overripe bananas, they make the pudding watery and brown quickly.
- Don’t skip chilling time, your easy no bake banana pudding needs time to set.
- Don’t overmix the whipped topping, gentle folding keeps it fluffy and light.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is amazing when layered in mason jars or dessert cups for parties. You can also add crushed vanilla wafers or a drizzle of caramel on top for extra flavor. If you love trying new sweets, explore Mini Tiramisu Cups or fruity treats like Cream Berry Fairy for more dessert recipes with pudding ideas.
Pro Tips
- Use ice-cold milk for the pudding it thickens faster.
- For a lighter version, choose low-fat milk and sugar-free pudding mix to make it more like pudding desserts healthy.
- Layer in a clear dish to show off those beautiful banana stripes.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy, warm flavor.
Easy No Bake Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 bananas ripe but firm
- 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix preferably Jello brand (3.4 oz)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 container whipped topping such as Cool Whip (8 oz)
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thick.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and creamy.
- Layer vanilla wafers at the bottom of a dish or dessert cups.
- Slice bananas and place them over the wafers.
- Spoon a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat layers until the dish is full.
- Finish with a final layer of pudding and whipped topping. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use ice-cold milk for quicker pudding set.
- Don’t use overripe bananas to avoid sogginess.
- Chill for at least 2 hours for best texture.
- For variety, try banana cream or white chocolate pudding.
FAQs
Why is my banana pudding runny?
If your pudding turns out runny, it’s often because the milk wasn’t cold enough or it wasn’t chilled long enough. Stick with cold milk and give it at least 2 hours in the fridge to firm up.
Can I make this banana pudding ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it gets even better overnight as the flavors blend. Just cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep your quick easy banana pudding fresh.
Can I use other flavors of pudding mix?
Absolutely. Try vanilla, banana cream, or even white chocolate pudding for fun variations. Jello pudding mixes are perfect if you love desserts using Jello for convenience and flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy banana dessert no bake recipe is all about comfort, ease, and that nostalgic flavor that never gets old. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, craving something cool, or need a super easy dessert idea for summer, this pudding will be your go-to favorite. Save it, pin it, and keep it close — you’ll want to make it again and again.
