Banana pudding layers vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a rich cream cheese pudding mixture into a classic Southern dessert that’s had a major viral moment in 2026. It takes about 20 minutes to assemble, then chills until the wafers soften and the flavors meld into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Category: Dessert
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding
- A true Southern classic that’s been rediscovered by a whole new generation online.
- The cream cheese addition makes the pudding richer and tangier than a basic box-mix version.
- Easy to make ahead, since it needs time to chill anyway.
- Works beautifully as one big trifle or portioned into individual cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 16 oz whipped topping, thawed, divided
How to Make Banana Pudding
- Whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until thickened, about 2 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until fully combined.
- Fold in half of the whipped topping.
- In a trifle dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with pudding on top.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping and a few crushed vanilla wafers.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
- Use ripe but firm bananas so they don’t turn mushy in the layers.
- Assemble close to serving time to keep the wafers slightly crisp, or chill overnight for a softer, more traditional texture.
- Layer in clear cups for a pretty individual presentation.
- Add banana slices close to serving time if you’re prepping the pudding base further ahead.
Variations to Try
- Add a layer of caramel sauce between the layers.
- Use chocolate wafers instead of vanilla for a twist.
- Sprinkle toffee bits on top before serving.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days — it’s best within the first 2 days before the wafers soften too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it’s best made a few hours to a day ahead so the layers have time to set.
Why does my pudding turn watery?
This can happen if the bananas sit too long before serving — add banana slices close to serving time if making the base ahead.
Can I use box pudding only, without cream cheese?
Yes, though the cream cheese adds a richer, tangier flavor closer to classic Southern banana pudding.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes, layer everything into small cups or jars for easy, portioned servings.