Southern Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana pudding is my favorite dessert.

It’s simple, sweet, and soothing. The kind of comfort that settles the soul and softens the day. Just how I like it, every time.

Serves: 10–12

Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or anytime your soul needs something sweet and familiar.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1½ cups cold water

  • 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 2 cups cold whole milk

  • 1 (12 oz) container vanilla wafers

  • 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed (optional if you're using cream cheese only — still no whipped cream topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until combined.

  2. Add the pudding mix and whisk for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken.

  3. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly fold in the pudding mixture, blending until creamy and smooth.

  4. Fold in the Cool Whip if using (or leave out for a denser, creamy texture).

  5. In a trifle dish or 9x13 pan, begin layering: vanilla wafers, then banana slices, then pudding mixture. Repeat until you reach the top.

  6. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want it even better the next day.

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