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Delicious Southern Banana Pudding layered with vanilla wafers and bananas.

Homemade Southern Banana Pudding

A creamy, comforting dessert with layers of ripe bananas, vanilla pudding, and cookies that's perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 4 medium Ripe bananas, sliced Yellow with a few brown spots is perfect.
  • 1 box Instant vanilla pudding mix Or homemade if preferred.
  • 2 cups Cold milk
  • 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Soften fully before mixing to avoid lumps.
  • 8 oz Whipped topping or fresh whipped cream
  • 1 pinch Salt (optional) To balance sweetness.
Layering Ingredients
  • 1 box Vanilla wafers or butter cookies Use for layering.
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Instructions
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk until it starts to thicken. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.
  2. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix again until creamy.
  3. Stir the pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Add a splash of vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt if desired.
  4. Fold in whipped topping gently. Try not to over mix to maintain fluff.
Assembly
  1. In a baking dish, add a layer of cookies, then sliced bananas, and a thick layer of the pudding mixture.
  2. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
  3. Crush some extra cookies on top for garnish, or line them up neatly.
  4. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Notes

For the best texture, use ripe bananas and allow the pudding to chill. Day one and two are the sweet spots for eating. Avoid freezing, as it can change the dairy texture.