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A serving of delicious banana pudding with wafers and sliced bananas

Easy 2-Step Grandma's Banana Pudding

This easy 2-step banana pudding recipe is a classic, no-bake dessert that comes together quickly with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. Perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pudding Base
  • 1 large (5.1 oz) box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • 3 cups cold Milk whole milk recommended
  • 1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
Assembly
  • 4-5 sliced ripe but firm Bananas
  • 1 (11 oz) box Vanilla Wafers

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Prepare the Pudding Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk, then whisk thoroughly for about 2 minutes until thickened.
  2. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined, creating a light and creamy pudding mixture.
Assemble and Chill
  1. Spread a thin layer of pudding mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish, followed by a single layer of vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.
  2. Repeat the layers of pudding, wafers, and bananas until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pudding.
  3. Optionally, arrange a few extra vanilla wafers or banana slices on top, then cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, make sure your bananas are ripe but still firm. Adjust sweetness to your preference by slightly reducing condensed milk if desired. This dessert is even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.