|

Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers Recipe

ByWendy Carter
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Picture this: You need a dessert that’ll make people think you slaved in the kitchen, but you’d rather binge-watch Netflix than turn on the oven.

Enter No-Bake Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers. It’s creamy, dreamy, and requires exactly zero baking skills.

No fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients—just layers of banana-filled goodness that taste like nostalgia in a bowl. Want to impress without the stress? This is your cheat code.

Why This Recipe Slaps

This isn’t just pudding—it’s a texture masterpiece.

Soft bananas, crunchy Nilla Wafers, and velvety custard create a symphony in every bite. Plus, it’s foolproof. Forget tempering eggs or worrying about a soggy crust.

The no-bake method means even if you burn toast regularly, you can nail this. And let’s be real: anything involving whipped cream and cookies is basically a crowd-pleaser by default.

Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers Recipe
Pin
Print

Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers Recipe

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Dessert, Vegetarian
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 box (11 oz) Nilla Wafers

  • 4 ripe bananas (not the mushy ones)

  • 2 cups cold whole milk

  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (trust me)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt (because even desserts need balance)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Make the pudding: Whisk milk and pudding mix in a bowl for 2 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Fold in the good stuff: Gently mix in whipped topping, sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Don’t overmix—fluffy is the goal.
  • Layer like a pro: In a trifle dish or large bowl, alternate Nilla Wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture. Repeat until you run out.
  • Chill out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is better). The wafers will soften into cake-like perfection.
  • Serve cold: Top with extra whipped cream and a few wafers for aesthetics.

Storage Tips

This pudding stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, but let’s be honest—it’ll vanish by day two.

Keep it covered with plastic wrap to prevent banana browning (pro tip: add a squeeze of lemon juice to the banana slices if you’re prepping ahead). Freezing? Don’t.

The texture turns into a sad, icy mess.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

Beyond being delicious, it’s versatile. Potluck? Done.

Last-minute guests? Sorted. Kids’ birthday party?

They’ll forget the cake exists. It’s also scalable—double the recipe for a crowd or halve it for a solo indulgence session. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to use up those bananas that are one brown spot away from banana bread territory.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 52g (worth it)
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 35g (it’s dessert, not a salad)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overripe bananas: They turn mushy and make the pudding soggy.

    Aim for slightly firm, just-yellow bananas.

  • Skimping on chill time: Patience is key. Rushing means crunchy wafers instead of that perfect soft layer.
  • Overmixing the pudding: Stir gently. You’re not kneading dough.

Swaps and Subs

No Nilla Wafers?

Food Icon

Calorie Calculator

Instantly find your personalized goals for weight loss, maintenance, or gain, with our Calorie Calculator App.

Try Now!

Use graham crackers or shortbread cookies. Dairy-free? Swap milk for almond milk and whipped topping for coconut cream.

Want extra flair? Add a layer of caramel or chocolate sauce between the bananas. IMO, the sour cream is non-negotiable—it cuts the sweetness perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Sure, if you enjoy unnecessary dishes.

Instant pudding is faster and just as tasty here.

Why sour cream?

It adds tang and richness. Without it, the pudding tastes one-dimensional (aka boring).

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Just add the final whipped cream topping right before serving to keep it pretty.

My pudding is runny—what went wrong?

You probably didn’t let the pudding mix thicken enough before layering.

FYI, rushing dessert is a crime.

Final Thoughts

This no-bake banana pudding is the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to get compliments.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a no-brainer.

Now go forth and pretend you’re a dessert genius—your secret’s safe with me.

Similar Posts