Easy Banana Pudding

This luscious Easy Banana Pudding is a potluck dessert star. The simple pudding filling is creamy and smooth, made even richer with cream cheese and sour cream, and requires no cooking at all. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family gatherings and summer picnics to elegant holiday parties, and it’s luscious to the very last spoonful.

Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

Southern banana pudding is a true dessert classic, and I’ll be the first to admit I’m obsessed with it in just about every form. That love for banana pudding shows up all over my recipe index, because I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy those familiar flavors we all adore.

This easy no-bake Southern banana pudding recipe is one of the simplest versions you’ll ever make, no cooking required. A creamy vanilla pudding base comes together effortlessly, with cream cheese and sour cream added for an extra-rich, smooth texture that makes every bite downright irresistible.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Banana Pudding Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Fresh Bananas – Fresh banana slices give this dessert its signature banana flavor.
• Liquid – Milk or half and half and sweetened condensed milk for the simple filling.
• Instant Pudding Mix – Instant vanilla pudding mix and vanilla extract for classic flavor.
• Sour Cream and Cream Cheese – Sour cream and softened cream cheese give this dessert an exceptionally creamy texture.
• Vanilla Wafers – Nilla wafers for layering.
• Whipped Cream – Frozen whipped topping i.e. Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream.

How to Make the Best Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

• Whip the Pudding – Whip together milk, pudding mix and vanilla extract until thickened but still pourable.
• Creamed Ingredients – To the same mixing bowl add sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese and sour cream. Beat with mixer until smooth and fully combined.
• Combine – Lower the speed of the mixer and beat pudding into condensed milk mixture mixing until fully combined.
• Whipped Cream – By hand fold in half of the whipped topping.
• Assemble Banana Pudding – In a 4-5 quart trifle bowl layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas and pudding mixture. Depending on size and shape of dish, I usually divide into thirds.
• Decorate the Top – Frost the top with remaining whipped topping and decorate with additional vanilla wafers.
• Refrigerate – Chill for several hours prior to serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Banana Pudding with Sour Cream and Cream Cheese

• Large trifle bowl.
• Large bowl and medium bowl.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Knife and cutting board.
• Offset spatula.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Garnish the Top – While the swirls of whipped topping may look fussy, it truly isn’t. I enjoy pulling out my piping bag for garnishing desserts, but you can finish the top of this banana pudding your way by simply frosting the top like a cake.
• Vanilla Wafers – You can use Chessmen cookies or shortbread cookies in place of vanilla wafers.
• Lemon Juice – If making one day in advance, toss sliced bananas with fresh lemon juice to delay browning. 
• Have Additional Nilla Wafers and Bananas – Depending on the size of the dish you use, additional vanilla wafers or bananas may be needed. Have extra on hand so, you’ll have what you need when assembling.
• Bowl Options – I enjoy making trifle desserts and have a collection of dishes in different sizes. I made this banana pudding in a 5 quart trifle dish, but you can use a large glass bowl. You could also use an oblong cake pan or deep baking dish. When choosing the dish, go larger rather than smaller to fit all of the ingredients inside.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This Easy Banana Pudding can be made one day in advance. When doing so, make a special effort to seal the banana layers as much as possible to delay browning. If you want to go the extra mile, toss banana slices lightly with lemon juice prior to assembling.
• Leftovers – Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – I don’t recommended freezing banana pudding, make it and enjoy!

When To Serve Banana Pudding

Enjoy this stunning dessert for any occasion:

• Casual family gatherings.
• Holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day.
• Summer picnics and potlucks.
• Birthday and graduation celebrations.

More Southern Dessert Recipes to Make

• Rich and buttery Southern Pecan Pie recipe.
• Banana Pudding Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is one of my signature cakes that everyone loves.
• These cute Southern Tea Cakes are perfect for tea time.
• Southern Fried Apples can be served as a side dish, a topping for pancakes and waffles or as  dessert.
• Hummingbird Cake is made completely from scr
• Single serving  Banana Pudding Cupcakes.
• Old Fashioned Meringue Banana Pudding topped with a homemade meringue.
• You also like to add this recipe for baked Banana Nut Oatmeal Cups from Eating Well.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Trifle Bowl