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Handheld photo of a clear glass bowl showing the distinct layers of No Bake Banana Pudding including cookies, yellow custard, and bananas.

No Bake Banana Pudding: The Ultimate Easy Layered Dessert

This easy No Bake Banana Pudding features layers of thick pale yellow custard, whole vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas topped with airy whipped cream. A nostalgic Southern classic that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 box (320g) Vanilla Wafer Cookies Divided for layers and garnish
  • 4 large Bananas Sliced into circular rounds
  • 2 cups (480ml) Whole Milk Must be cold
  • 1 package (100g) Instant Vanilla or Banana Pudding Mix
  • 8 oz (225g) Cream Cheese Softened to room temperature
  • 14 oz (396g) Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Whipping Cream Very cold
  • 2 tbsp (30g) Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • 1 Trifle Bowl or Glass Dish Clear glass is best for showing layers.
  • 1 Electric Hand Mixer For whipping cream and mixing pudding.

Method
 

Prepare the Pudding Base
  1. Whisk cold milk and instant pudding mix for 2 minutes until it reaches a thick, pale yellow consistency.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth, then fold into the pudding.
Assemble the Layers
  1. Line the bottom of a clear glass bowl with a foundation of whole vanilla wafer cookies.
  2. Layer fresh banana rounds over the cookies, ensuring they are visible through the glass.
  3. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the fruit and cookies. Repeat the layers once more.
Finish and Chill
  1. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pudding.
  2. Top with crushed cookie crumbs and a few whole wafers. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Toss bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Use cold heavy cream for the best whipped volume.