Layered sweet, thick, and creamy this banana pudding looks as good as it tastes.
Why this version is the star of the table
- Show-Stopper Look : Beautiful trifle-style layers for max wow factor.
- Extra Thick and Creamy : This pudding holds its own with every scoop.
- Banana Bliss : Fresh flavor, soft texture, and a cookie crunch topper.
What goes in this tall bowl of love
This banana pudding recipe is extra luscious and thickened just right for that “cut with a spoon” effect. Here’s the lineup:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Eagle Brand is my choice—it gives that creamy richness we love in Banana Pudding with Sweet Condensed Milk.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding: Thick, smooth, and fuss-free. Skip banana pudding mix real bananas do the job.
- Evaporated Milk: Only 1.5 cups here to keep the pudding extra thick.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a cheesecake-style depth, a must in any Cream Cheese Banana Pudding twist.
- Cool Whip: One full tub in the pudding, another for topping. Yup. Double the fluff.
- Bananas: Slice them thick (¼-inch) so they show off along the bowl’s edge.
- Vanilla Wafers or Chessman Cookies: Go traditional or level up with a Chessman Banana Pudding Recipe vibe. Either way, they shine on top.
- Lemon Juice + Water: Keeps those bananas from turning sad and brown.
Step-by-step: layer it tall and proud
- Start with a deep glass trifle bowl. In a small bowl, toss banana slices in lemon juice + water, then drain well.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk and blend until thick and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with 1.5 cups of evaporated milk. Let it thicken fully.
- Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Then gently fold in a full 16 oz tub of Cool Whip until combined.
- Begin layering: stand vanilla wafers around the bowl edges, then layer flat cookies on the bottom.
- Add thick slices of banana around the sides and in the center, then spoon on a layer of pudding mixture.
- Repeat this 3 times, building height and making sure banana slices peek through the sides of the bowl.
- Finish with a generous topping of Cool Whip and a full cookie crown, arranged edge-to-edge like in your photo.
- Chill at least 6 hours (overnight is best) to set those layers beautifully.
A few common banana pudding hiccups to steer clear of
- Using runny pudding: Stick with 1.5 cups milk so the pudding stands firm.
- Under-chilling: That bowl needs time, sugar. Chill it good so the slices hold.
- Skipping banana prep: Soaking in lemon water keeps ’em bright and pretty.
Kitchen wisdom from Southern pantry
This version is my go-to when looks matter as much as taste (and let’s be honest they both matter). Let’s make it picture-perfect:
- Use a trifle bowl. That’s non-negotiable if you want that showy layered look.
- Thick-slice your bananas. They’re part of the presentation, so let ’em show!
- Layer with intention. Cookies, bananas, pudding. Repeat. No shortcuts here.
- Chill overnight. It’s not just a suggestion. It’s the difference between good and unforgettable.
A little trick for extra pretty presentation
Don’t just layer, press those banana slices gently against the glass with a spoon before pouring pudding. They’ll stay in place better and look like you bought it from a fancy Southern bakery. Bonus: get the kids involved. My youngest calls it “banana wallpaper.”
What to serve with your banana masterpiece
Honestly, this pudding is the main event. But if you want a dessert bar vibe, serve it next to cream berry fairy cups or mini tiramisu cups. They balance the richness with something lighter. And if someone’s watching sugar, throw in a tray of sugar-free peanut brittle.
Southern Banana Pudding with Condensed Milk
Equipment
- Trifle Bowl
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
Banana Layer
- 5 bananas thick sliced (about ¼-inch)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice plus water for soaking
Cream Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1.5 cups evaporated milk
- 16 oz Cool Whip divided: half for mixture, half for topping
Cookie Layer
- 1 box vanilla wafers or Chessman cookies for layering and topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak sliced bananas in lemon juice and water to prevent browning. Drain well.
- Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and blend until thick and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix with evaporated milk (1.5 cups) until thickened.
- Fold pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold in half (8 oz) of the Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Line the edges of a glass trifle bowl with cookies. Place a layer of cookies on the bottom.
- Add thick banana slices along the bowl sides, pressing lightly to the glass. Add slices in the center as well.
- Spoon on a thick layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat the cookie, banana, and pudding layers at least 3 times for height.
- Finish with a topping of Cool Whip and a final cookie layer, arranged decoratively on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving for best results.
Notes
- For best visual appeal, use a trifle bowl and press banana slices to the glass before pouring pudding.
- Chill overnight to help the layers set beautifully.
- Can substitute homemade whipped cream for Cool Whip (2 cups heavy cream, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla).
FAQs
Can I use Chessman cookies instead of wafers?
Absolutely! That’s a whole other delicious twist. It turns into more of a Banana Pudding Chessman vibe more buttery and elegant, especially for holidays or church suppers.
How do I keep bananas from turning brown?
A quick soak in lemon juice and water does the trick every time. Just don’t leave them in too long, and pat dry if needed before layering.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Sure thing. Whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Just make sure it’s stiff enough to hold the layers well.
Why is my pudding not setting properly?
It’s all about the milk ratio. Stick to 1.5 cups of evaporated milk and chill long enough. That thicker base holds everything in place like magic.
This dessert’s got heart and it shows
Darlin’, this Southern Banana Pudding Recipe with Condensed Milk isn’t just dessert. It’s tradition in a bowl. It’s Grandma’s legacy, your new party favorite, and the sweet thing you sneak a spoonful of at midnight. Make it thick. Make it tall. And don’t forget to press those bananas to the glass like the beauty you shared with me.
If you’re curious about more creamy versions, the gals over at Restless Chipotle have a good one with cream cheese that’s worth checking out, too.
