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FINAL RESULTE for banana pudding with Nilla Wafers

Southern Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers

A timeless Southern dessert with smooth vanilla pudding, layers of fresh bananas, and soft, cake-like Nilla Wafers. No baking required, and it gets even better after chilling.
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Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time4 hours 20 minutes
Servings:12 servings
Calories:320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 5 oz
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4–5 ripe bananas sliced
  • 1 box Nilla Wafers
  • sweetened condensed milk optional, for extra richness
  • meringue topping optional

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Slice the bananas just before assembling to help prevent browning.
  5. Layer the dessert: arrange Nilla Wafers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl.
  6. Add a layer of banana slices, followed by a generous layer of the pudding mixture.
  7. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the wafers soften.
  9. Serve chilled. Garnish with crushed Nilla Wafers or fresh banana slices just before serving, if desired.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture. Chilling overnight creates the classic soft wafer texture. For extra richness, stir a small amount of sweetened condensed milk into the pudding before folding in the whipped cream.