No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and ridiculously easy to make — enter no-bake banana pudding.

This layered treat is packed with sweet vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and soft vanilla wafers, all topped with light whipped cream.

It’s the perfect dessert for summer cookouts, holiday dinners, or just a simple midweek treat, and the best part? No oven required.

Seriously, it comes together in just a few steps, and the results are absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients (Serves ~6-8)

• 2 cups cold milk (1% or whole milk)
• 2 packets instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (use all or half, depending on sweetness preference)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 4–5 ripe bananas
• 1–2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
• Optional garnish: extra cookie crumbs, banana slices, fresh mint or basil

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding base
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups cold milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract.
   • Beat with an electric hand mixer until the pudding thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
   • Add sweetened condensed milk to taste and mix thoroughly.
2. Whip the cream
   • In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
   • Fold 2/3 of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for topping.
3. Assemble the layers
   • Use a trifle dish or glass casserole.
   • Layer 1/4 of vanilla wafer cookies, then 1/4 of sliced bananas, then 1/4 of the pudding mixture.
   • Repeat the layers 3 more times until ingredients are used up.
4. Top and chill
   • Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.
   • Garnish with extra cookies, banana slices, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.
   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow cookies to soften.
5. Serve
   • Dig in with a large spoon — it doesn’t slice like cake, but each scoop has perfect layers of pudding, bananas, and cookies.
   • Best eaten same day for optimal texture.

Tips 

• Use an ice cream scoop for easy, even portioning.
• Folding whipped cream gently keeps the pudding light and fluffy.
• Bananas and cookies soften nicely after chilling, making it creamy and easy to serve.