Hey there, dessert lovers! Craig here from With the Bickhams, and today I’m thrilled to share a beloved family recipe with you: Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding. This delightful dessert comes from Melissa’s Aunt Donna, and trust me, it’s one of the best banana puddings you’ll ever taste. It’s perfect for any occasion, incredibly simple to make, and doesn’t require any baking. Let’s dive into the story behind this classic American dessert and then get into the step-by-step recipe.
The Charm of Classic American Desserts
A Taste of Nostalgia
Banana pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of nostalgia. For many Americans, it brings back fond memories of family gatherings, potluck dinners, and holiday celebrations. The combination of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, crunchy Nilla wafers, and fluffy Cool Whip is simply irresistible. This dessert has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, and for good reason – it’s delicious, comforting, and easy to make.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family reunion, or just craving something sweet, this no-bake banana pudding is perfect. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, so you can prepare it the night before and let the flavors meld together in the fridge.
The Secret Ingredient: Love
As with any cherished family recipe, the secret ingredient in this banana pudding is love. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of heart. When you make this dessert, you’re not just following a recipe – you’re creating a dish that’s been enjoyed by countless family members over the years. It’s a way to bring a piece of our family’s history to your table, and we hope it becomes a favorite in your household too.
Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
To make this delicious banana pudding, you’ll need:
- 2 to 3 bananas
- 1 large box of instant vanilla pudding
- 1 small box of instant banana cream pudding
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 cup sour cream (or more to taste)
- 1 box Nilla wafers
- 2 containers Cool Whip
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- Mix the Pudding:
- In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding, instant banana cream pudding, and cold milk. Use a whisk to mix until the pudding is smooth and starts to thicken. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Add Sour Cream:
- Stir in the sour cream to the pudding mixture. The sour cream adds a nice tangy flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the pudding. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but 1 cup is a good starting point.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
- Slice the Bananas:
- Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. These will be layered into the pudding to add a fresh, fruity flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pudding
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Now it’s time to assemble the pudding. You can use a large glass bowl, a 13×9 glass dish, or a trifle bowl – whichever you prefer. Start by placing a layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom of your dish. Next, add a layer of the pudding mixture, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of Cool Whip.
- Top with Crushed Nilla Wafers:
- For a finished look, crush some Nilla wafers and sprinkle them on top of the final layer of Cool Whip. This adds a bit of texture and makes the pudding look extra inviting.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate:
- Place the assembled pudding in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set up nicely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- When you’re ready to serve, simply scoop the pudding into bowls and enjoy. The creamy pudding, sweet bananas, crunchy wafers, and fluffy Cool Whip make every bite a delight.
A Family Favorite
Melissa’s Aunt Donna’s Special Recipe
This no-bake banana pudding recipe comes from Melissa’s Aunt Donna, who has been making it for years. It’s a family favorite that’s always requested at gatherings. Aunt Donna’s secret is the combination of instant vanilla pudding and banana cream pudding, which gives the dessert a rich, layered flavor. The addition of sour cream is another unique twist that sets this pudding apart from others.
Perfect for Sharing
One of the best things about this dessert is that it’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re taking it to a potluck, a picnic, or just enjoying it at home with family, it’s sure to be a hit. The recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, so there’s plenty to go around.
A Versatile Dessert
While this banana pudding is delicious as-is, it’s also a versatile dessert that you can customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Fresh Fruit: In addition to bananas, try adding sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Change the Pudding Flavors: If you can’t find banana cream pudding, you can use all vanilla pudding or try other flavors like butterscotch or chocolate.
- Top with Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the final layer of Cool Whip.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
No Baking Required
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires no baking. You don’t need to heat up your oven or spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This makes it perfect for hot summer days when you want a cool, refreshing dessert.
Simple Ingredients
You probably already have most of the ingredients for this banana pudding in your pantry or fridge. If not, they are easy to find at any grocery store. The simplicity of the ingredients is part of what makes this dessert so appealing.
Quick and Easy
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Then, you just pop it in the fridge and let it chill until you’re ready to serve. It’s a great option for when you need a last-minute dessert that still looks and tastes impressive.
Conclusion
This Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding is a classic American dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, it’s guaranteed to please.
Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure. I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. If you try this recipe or have any questions, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to check out our With the Bickhams Cookbook Volume 1 for more delicious recipes and our With the Bickhams Amazon storefront for all your cooking essentials.
For those of you looking to elevate your kitchen game, I highly recommend checking out my Coolina Knives. They are perfect for slicing those bananas and any other kitchen prep you need.
Happy cooking, and I’ll see you next time!
Watch the YouTube video tutorial below!
By following these steps, you’ll have a delightful no-bake banana pudding that’s sure to become a family favorite. Be sure to watch our YouTube video for a visual guide to making this amazing dessert. Enjoy, and happy eating!
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Have you tried the banana pudding recipe on the Nilla vanilla wafers box?
I haven’t, but I may have too!
Have you tried the banana pudding recipe on the Nilla vanilla wafers box?
I haven’t Donna. I may have to give it a try! Thank you!
Craig Bickham