Banana Pudding I

10 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Banana Pudding I
Old Fashioned like Mawmaw used to spend hours cooking. Here it is and takes no time to make. This quick Southern banana pudding uses instant pudding, vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, nostalgic dessert ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

10 servings
  • 2 boxes instant banana pudding
  • 3 - 4 ripe bananas, peeled
  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 1/2 tub of Cool Whip
  • 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix instant pudding as directed on box. Add in the 1/2 tub cool whip and the can of condensed milk. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  2. Using a 2qt. - 2 1/2 qt. casserole dish, line bottom and sides of dish with vanilla wafers. Slice bananas to cover wafers. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over bananas.
  3. Repeat the vanilla wafers and bananas and top with the remaining pudding mixture and then top with more bananas. Crumble a few more wafers on top.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend and pudding to set. Try adding chopped fresh strawberries; great tasting and pretty!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my banana pudding runny?

A: Make sure to refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to fully set. Also, follow the liquid measurements on the instant pudding box exactly—too much milk will make it runny.

Q: How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?

A: Use bananas that are ripe but not overly so, and assemble the dessert close to serving time. The pudding mixture coating helps protect them, but they're best within 24 hours.

Tips and Techniques

For best results, use ripe bananas with just a few brown spots—they’ll be sweeter and have better flavor. The condensed milk adds extra richness and sweetness that makes this taste more like the old-fashioned cooked version.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Cool Whip: freshly whipped heavy cream (1 cup cream whipped with 2 tablespoons sugar)
  • instant banana pudding: instant vanilla pudding
  • Eagle Brand Condensed Milk: any brand of sweetened condensed milk

Equipment Needed

  • 2 to 2 1/2 quart casserole dish or trifle bowl
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk or electric mixer

Historical Context

Banana pudding became a Southern dessert staple in the early 1900s when bananas became widely available and affordable. This quick version honors that tradition while adapting to modern convenience ingredients.