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Creamy Grandma’s Banana Pudding Recipe with Nilla Wafers

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A quick and easy creamy banana pudding layered with ripe bananas and crunchy Nilla Wafers, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. This nostalgic dessert combines smooth pudding, airy whipped topping, and a hint of vanilla for a luscious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced (ripe but firm for best texture)
  • 2 packets instant vanilla pudding mix (about 3.4 oz each)
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 ½ cups cold whole milk (can substitute 2% milk for lighter version)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
  • About 45 Nilla Wafers (or vanilla-flavored cookies)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 packets of instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 ½ cups of cold whole milk. Whisk vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and smooths out.
  2. Stir in the entire 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined and thick.
  3. Gently fold in the 8 oz whipped topping using a spatula, blending evenly without deflating the whipped topping.
  4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish or glass trifle bowl, layer about ¼ of the Nilla Wafers, then half of the sliced bananas, followed by one-third of the pudding mixture.
  5. Repeat the layers with another ¼ of wafers, remaining bananas, and another third of pudding.
  6. Finish with a final layer of wafers and the remaining pudding on top.
  7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
  8. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra Nilla Wafers or banana slices. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use firm ripe bananas to avoid mushiness. Toss banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. Do not overmix whipped topping to keep pudding airy. Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute milk and condensed milk with coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free whipped topping. Gluten-free option available by using gluten-free vanilla wafers.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, creamy dessert, Nilla Wafers, easy pudding recipe, potluck dessert, nostalgic dessert

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