5 Easy Banana Pudding Recipes You'll Love

Imagine a dessert that effortlessly combines the sweet, creamy texture of ripe bananas with the comforting layers of pudding and crisp vanilla wafers. Banana pudding isn't just a dessert; it's a celebration of simplicity and flavor, loved by people of all ages. Whether you're craving a traditional taste or looking for a twist on the classic, we've got you covered with these five easy banana pudding recipes that you'll absolutely adore.

1. Traditional Southern Banana Pudding

Starting with the classic, this recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of Southern comfort food right to your table. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box of vanilla wafers (approximately 12 oz)
  • 6 ripe bananas
  • Pinch of salt
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a saucepan, mix sugar and flour. Add egg yolks, milk, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  3. Layer the bottom of a casserole dish with vanilla wafers, then slices of banana, followed by the pudding mixture. Continue layering until you reach the top.
  4. Whip egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with sugar if desired. Spread meringue over the pudding.
  5. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden.

🍌 Note: For a twist, consider adding a splash of bourbon or a layer of caramelized bananas for extra flavor.

2. No-Bake Banana Pudding Parfait

Perfect for those days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, this recipe layers simplicity with delicious taste:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 (3.4 oz) packages of instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 bananas
  • Vanilla wafers
  • Whipped topping (optional)
• Steps:
  1. Whisk together pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes, then let it sit to thicken.
  2. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  3. In a glass, layer pudding, slices of banana, crushed wafers, and whipped cream. Repeat until the glass is full.
  4. Top with a dollop of whipped topping or more wafers.

3. Chocolate Banana Pudding Trifle

Combine the charm of chocolate with the classic banana pudding for a dessert that’s both rich and satisfying:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 package of instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 package of instant banana pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 pound of cake, cut into cubes
  • 4 bananas
  • Whipped topping
  • Chocolate syrup for drizzle
• Steps:
  1. Prepare both pudding mixes with the milk according to the package instructions.
  2. In a trifle dish, layer cake cubes, then chocolate pudding, banana slices, and banana pudding. Repeat layers.
  3. Top with whipped topping and drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.

4. Vegan Banana Pudding Delight

Catering to plant-based diets, this vegan banana pudding is both delicious and inclusive:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of coconut milk (full fat)
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of cornstarch
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • Vegan vanilla wafers
  • 4 bananas
  • Vegan whipped cream (optional)
• Steps:
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk (liquid and cream), cornstarch, and maple syrup. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  2. Layer vegan wafers, banana slices, and pudding in a dish. Chill for at least 2 hours.
  3. Top with vegan whipped cream if desired before serving.

5. Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Imagine the creamy, dreamy world of cheesecake with the sweet essence of banana pudding. Here’s your recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of crushed vanilla wafers
  • ¹⁄₂ cup butter, melted
  • 3 packages of cream cheese (8 oz each)
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 box of instant banana pudding mix
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix crushed wafers with melted butter for the crust and press into a springform pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Slice bananas and arrange over the crust. Pour the pudding mix into the cream cheese mixture and fold in gently.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the bananas. Bake for 55 minutes or until center is almost set.
  5. Let cool in the oven with the door slightly open, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

As we wrap up, it's clear that banana pudding offers a world of delightful variations, each bringing its unique taste and preparation style to the table. From the traditional Southern comforts to vegan delights, there's a recipe here for everyone. Whether you prefer a straightforward no-bake approach or you're ready to venture into the realm of decadent cheesecake fusion, these five recipes ensure you'll never run out of banana pudding ideas. Enjoy exploring these sweet treats, where every layer is a celebration of flavor and texture!

Can I use store-bought pudding for these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute store-bought pudding in many of these recipes for convenience, although making it from scratch does give you more control over the flavor and texture.

How long can I store banana pudding?

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Most banana pudding recipes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, consume within the first day or two.

What are the best types of bananas for banana pudding?

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Ripe, yet firm bananas work best. They should be yellow with just a few brown spots for maximum sweetness without becoming too mushy.