Banana pudding is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. The combination of pudding mixed with whipped cream, bananas, and 'nilla wafers is sure to please any palate!

Banana pudding is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style.
And while it's definitely delicious when made with store-bought ingredients, it's easy (and a lot more fun) to make your own from scratch.
In this post, we'll show you how to make a banana pudding using simple and easily accessible ingredients.
You can't go wrong with this sweet and simple recipe. Whether you're cooking it yourself or using packaged ingredients, the combination of pudding mixed with whipped cream, bananas, and 'nilla wafers is sure to please any palate!
This would be perfect for holiday celebrations or just everyday occasions that we sometimes dread.

Southern Banana Pudding Ingredients
- Banana instant pudding
- Cold milk
- Cool whip thawed
- Vanilla wafers crushed
- Bananas sliced
For exact measurements, please see the printable recipe card below.

How To Make Homemade Banana Pudding
In a large bowl add your instant pudding along with the milk. Whisk until smooth.

Once the pudding has thickened, fold in the cool whip. You want to fold the cool whip in to keep your mixture thick.

Next, add in your bananas and crushed vanilla wafers by folding them in.

Store in an airtight container if not immediately serving.
To serve, place extra bananas and crushed vanilla wafers on top!

How Do You Keep Bananas From Turning Brown in Pudding
Bananas turn brown when exposed to the air. Covering the bananas with whipped topping will keep them from turning brown.
A trick I learned a long time ago to keep bananas from turning brown in the pudding was to soak them in lemon juice before adding them to the pudding or pie.
However, I never was a big fan of the taste. After more research, I found that you can soak them in lemon-lime soda, and the carbonation will keep the bananas from turning brown.
Plus, the lemon-lime soda does not change the flavor.
Does Homemade Banana Pudding Need to be Refrigerated
The simple answer is yes. Since the banana pudding is made with milk, keeping it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it is best.
Can I make the Southern Banana Pudding Ahead of Time
Yes, the pudding can be made ahead of time. However, please don’t add the crushed Vanilla wafers or bananas to it until almost ready to serve. The vanilla wafers will get soggy.
Is Pudding Still Good After a Week
If you still have the banana pudding after a week, that’s a problem. It doesn’t last for more than a day or two at the most in our house. However, I would get rid of it after 5 days.
Do You Serve Banana Pudding Hot or Cold
We normally serve this combination of pudding mixed with whipped cream, bananas, and ‘nilla wafers cold. Did you know that traditional southern banana pudding is served warm?
Printable Recipe Card

Old Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Small Mason Jars 8 oz 6 Pack Mini Jelly Jars With Regular Mouth Airtight Lids and Bands, Half Pint Mason Jars for Jelly,Jam, Honey, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Salads
Ingredients
- 1 3.5 oz banana instant pudding
- 1 ½ c cold milk
- 8 oz cool whip thawwed
- 2 c vanilla wafers crushed
- 2 medium bananas sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl add your instant banana pudding along with the milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Once the pudding has thickened, fold in the cool whip. You want to fold the cool whip in to keep your mixture thick.
- Next add in your bananas and crushed vanilla wafers by folding them in.
- Store in an airtight container if not immediately serving.
- To serve, place extra sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers on top!
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