Here’s a classic Mama’s Banana Pudding recipe 🍌🍮—creamy, sweet, and layered with vanilla wafers, just like the homemade southern favorite!
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 cup for lighter version)
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Make the pudding mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix, cold milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Chill for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Whip the cream:
- In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream gently into the pudding mixture for a creamy, airy texture.
- Layer the pudding:
- In a trifle dish or large bowl, place a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom.
- Top with a layer of banana slices, then a layer of pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Optional garnish:
- Crush a few extra vanilla wafers or sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: use mascarpone or cream cheese folded into the pudding.
- Mini parfaits: layer in individual cups for easy serving.
- Make it lighter: swap whipped cream for whipped Greek yogurt.
If you want, I can also make a high-protein, teen-friendly banana pudding that still tastes like the classic dessert but has extra protein and less sugar.
Do you want me to do that version?