Ultimate Banana Pudding

What We're Cooking

Banana Pudding Season Starts Here

For us, Easter marks the unofficial start of banana pudding season. It’s that first gathering where something light, creamy, and shareable just feels right — and this pudding always delivers.

But it doesn’t stop there.

This is the dessert that shows up all season long — from cookouts and backyard parties to Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. It’s easy to make ahead, easy to serve, and somehow always the first thing gone.

There’s something about banana pudding that everyone agrees on. It’s familiar, comforting, and just a little nostalgic — the kind of dessert that doesn’t need explaining.

Simply put, everyone loves this one.

Built in Layers

This pudding comes together the way it should — in layers.
Nilla wafers, fresh bananas, and that creamy pudding base, repeated until the dish is full. It’s simple, but every layer matters.

Finished with a generous topping of Cool Whip and a final wafer for that classic touch, it’s equal parts nostalgic and elevated.

No Rules on How to Serve It

One of the best things about banana pudding is how flexible it is.

  • Layer it in a 9×13 dish for easy serving
  • Use pie plates for a more classic presentation
  • Build individual trifles for parties or gatherings

It doesn’t need to be fussy to feel special — just layered well and served cold.

Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly

This is the kind of dessert that works ahead of time. Assemble it in a casserole dish, freeze, and pull it out when you need something ready to go. It holds up beautifully and still delivers that creamy, comforting texture we’re after.

The Ingredients:

by weight

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 5.1 oz box INSTANT Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • 3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 8 oz container Cool Whip, divided
  • 3 Bananas
  • Nilla Wafers

Instructions

  • 1. Place the Cream Cheese & Condensed Milk in your mixing bowl and whisk till smooth. Add in Vanilla Pudding Mix and stir till combined.
  • 2. While mixing, gradually add in your milk and mix on medium-low speed till pudding mixture thickens. Add in Vanilla Extract.
  • 3. Fold in HALF of your thawed Cool Whip till smooth.
  • 4. Once mixture is ready, start forming layers of Nilla Wafers, Sliced Bananas & Pudding Mix.
  • 5. Top trifle with remainder of Cool Whip and garnish with Nilla Wafers.
  • 6. Allow pudding to set-up in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
  • 7. Serve up & enjoy!

From our kitchen to yours

  • This banana pudding is everything we want in a dessert — simple, layered, and made to share. It’s familiar enough to feel nostalgic, but just elevated enough to stand out. The kind of recipe that shows up, gets served generously, and never has leftovers.

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Strong Women
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Made with Love,

Birdy&Pretzels

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