If you’re craving a dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and a total crowd-pleaser, you absolutely need to try this Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe. I love this recipe because it combines the rich tang of cream cheese with sweet vanilla pudding and the natural sweetness of fresh bananas — all without turning on the stove. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your go-to for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want to wow with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Bake Simplicity: Perfect for when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen or need a quick dessert fix.
Creamy & Fluffy Texture: The cream cheese and whipped topping blend creates a luscious, light filling that’s irresistible.
Layered with Freshness: Slices of ripe bananas and crunchy Nilla wafers give it contrast and depth in every bite.
Family Favorite: My crew always asks for seconds — I bet yours will too.

A clear glass bowl filled with three distinct layers: the bottom layer shows round golden brown vanilla wafers partially soaked, arranged closely together, the middle layer is a creamy pale yellow custard that seeps between the wafers, and the top layer is a thick, smooth white whipped cream spread evenly. On top, there are three round vanilla wafers, two banana slices with their pale yellow interior visible, and a small green mint leaf for decoration. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background of white tiles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding, no-bake banana pudding recipe, quick banana pudding dessert, creamy banana pudding, simple fruit dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to make a luscious banana pudding that’s thick but smooth, sweet but balanced. Keep your bananas ripe but firm, and you’ll get the best results.

Flat lay of a block of soft cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl with smooth instant vanilla pudding powder, a small white bowl containing fresh whole milk, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl with fluffy whipped topping, a small stack of golden Nilla wafers arranged neatly on a white plate, a few fresh peeled bananas sliced into thin rounds arranged fan-like on a white plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding, no-bake banana pudding recipe, quick banana pudding dessert, creamy banana pudding, simple fruit dessert

Cream Cheese: Softening it to room temperature makes mixing so much easier for that smooth texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness without extra fuss.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Using instant means no cooking required — a lifesaver!
Milk: Choose whole or 2% for creaminess that holds up well.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the flavors and helps tie everything together.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Half goes in the pudding mixture, the rest tops it off for lightness.
Nilla Wafers: Classic for banana pudding — crisp before layering, tender after chilling.
Bananas: Five to seven, sliced fresh so the pudding stays bright and flavorful.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I love the classic version, experimenting is part of the fun! You can easily tailor this Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Make it Dairy-Free: I’ve swapped cream cheese for coconut cream and used almond milk — still got that creamy magic without dairy.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Try layering in some chocolate pudding mix or sprinkle cocoa powder — my family goes crazy for this variation.
Berry Banana: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or blueberries alongside bananas for a colorful touch and fresh burst.
Extra Crunch: Toasted pecans or almonds sprinkled on top add a delightful texture contrast.

How to Make Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Start by beating the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and fluffy. I like to stop and scrape the bowl at least once so everything blends evenly without lumps. Then, add in the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups of milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these well until you get a velvety, well-incorporated mixture. The final step here is folding in half of the whipped topping — this lightens the pudding so it’s not too dense.

Step 2: Layer It Up

Grab your favorite serving dish — I usually use a 9×13-inch baking dish for easier layering. Start by placing one-third of the Nilla wafers in a single layer at the bottom. Then add a layer of sliced bananas, making sure they’re evenly spread to cover the wafers. Next, pour one-third of your pudding mixture on top, smoothing it gently with a spatula to cover the bananas fully. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the pudding layer.

Step 3: Finish and Chill

Top the last layer of pudding with the remaining whipped topping for a lovely fluffy finish. Cover the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least one to two hours. This chilling time is key — it allows the pudding to set and the wafers to soften perfectly without becoming mushy.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: I learned early that cold cream cheese wrecks your texture — always soften it to make mixing a breeze.
Banana Freshness Matters: Slice your bananas just before assembling to avoid browning and keep the pudding bright.
Layering Patience: Take your time layering to evenly distribute flavors and textures — it really pays off.
Chill Time Is Key: Resist the urge to skip chilling; the pudding needs that time to set and the wafers to soften without turning soggy.

How to Serve Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe

The dish shows a layered dessert on a white plate with a delicate lace edge, set on a blue and white cloth over a white marbled surface. The dessert has three visible layers: the base layer is made of light brown, soft cookies or biscuits; the middle layer consists of creamy, pale yellow custard mixed with banana slices; the top layer is a thick, white whipped cream with a smooth texture, slightly unevenly spread. A small green mint leaf and a piece of banana sit on the side as decoration. In the background, there are whole bright yellow bananas and a glass of water with lemon slices and green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding, no-bake banana pudding recipe, quick banana pudding dessert, creamy banana pudding, simple fruit dessert

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, I love adding a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers or a few whole ones on top for a little crunch. A dusting of cinnamon or a few small banana slices can add a pretty touch, too. Sometimes I throw on toasted coconut flakes — it gives a lovely nutty contrast that my family adores.

Side Dishes

This pudding is such a treat on its own that I usually keep sides simple — like a fresh coffee or iced tea. But if you want a full dessert spread, fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve dished this up in pretty glass trifle bowls, so those layers pop visually — guests always love that. You can also serve it in individual mason jars for a cute, portable option. For a festive touch, try alternating the layers with some chocolate chips or peanut butter drizzle to mix up the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. I’ve found the pudding holds up well for 2-3 days, but the bananas may start to brown slightly, so consume sooner for peak freshness.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing this pudding because the texture of bananas and whipped topping changes when frozen and thawed. For best texture, I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so no reheating needed! Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes after taking it out from the fridge to soften slightly for easier scooping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh homemade pudding instead of instant?

You absolutely can, but keep in mind that this recipe relies on instant pudding mix for quick thickening without cooking. If you use homemade pudding, it might require cooling before layering and could change the texture a bit. I love the ease instant pudding brings here!
How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

Slicing bananas right before layering helps a lot. You can also brush them lightly with lemon juice to slow browning if you’re prepping early. Personally, I prep quickly and refrigerate promptly to keep everything nice and fresh.
Can I make this banana pudding in individual cups?

Yes! Individual servings in small jars or dessert cups look adorable and are great for parties. Just layer the wafers, bananas, and pudding the same way and chill as usual.
Is it possible to make this vegan?

With some swaps, yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, coconut milk-based pudding mix, and non-dairy whipped topping. I recommend testing measurements since vegan substitutes can behave differently in texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a cozy hug after a long day — creamy, comforting, and endlessly satisfying without much effort. I love how it brings everyone together, from kids sneaking extra bites to adults reminiscing about childhood treats. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something sweet and simple — I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup!

Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 95 reviews

Author: Jaden
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Southern American

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Banana Pudding recipe is a creamy, no-bake dessert featuring layers of sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, it’s a classic Southern treat that delivers rich flavor and a delightful texture contrast between smooth pudding and wafer crunch.

Ingredients

Filling

8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
5 ounce package INSTANT vanilla pudding mix (larger box)
3 cups milk (2% or higher)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounce tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed (divided use)

Layering

11 ounce box Nilla wafers (divided use)
5-7 bananas, peeled and sliced (divided use)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Beat cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Mix pudding base: Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix all ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
Fold in whipped topping: Stir in half of the thawed whipped topping gently into the pudding mixture to lighten the texture and add creaminess.
Layer wafers: In a trifle dish, large bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish, place one-third of the Nilla wafers in an even layer across the bottom.
Add banana layer: Place a layer of sliced bananas evenly over the wafer layer.
Add pudding layer: Pour one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it enough to cover all fruit slices.
Repeat layers: Continue layering two more times with wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture until all ingredients are used.
Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top layer of pudding.
Chill to set: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours to allow the pudding to thicken and the wafers to soften for perfect texture.

Notes

This banana pudding is a no-cook dessert that requires no baking or stovetop preparation, making it very simple and quick to assemble.
Using instant pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich and creamy filling without needing eggs or cooking.
The chilling step is essential for the wafers to soften, preventing a crunchy bite and making the pudding cohesive.
Feel free to adjust the number of bananas based on size and preference; ripe but firm bananas work best to avoid mushiness.
It can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days for convenience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 458 kcal
Sugar: 54 g
Sodium: 408 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 72 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg