The banana pudding you see here once won first prize in a dessert contest. It will be a winner at your house too!
Once upon a time, I was a database programmer. No really, it’s true. When I worked at a consulting company, we had a summer picnic with a dessert contest. I decided to bring banana pudding, a picnic classic, right? I told my co-workers ahead of time, and they urged me to choose something else, telling me that banana desserts never win the competition. (They were old timers, and this was my first time at the rodeo.) I decided to buck the trend and stick with my plan.
Lo and behold, the pudding won! FIRST PRIZE. Some gloating was in order of course. One lady wanted to know my secret because her banana pudding had been passed over in the past. My boss, who had tried to warn me against making this dessert, seemed genuinely outraged that my pudding could win over his chocolatey chocolate whatever it was. What can I say? People love this dessert. YOU will love this dessert. Please try it and report back!
Thanks to my mom for teaching me how to make this many years ago.
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Award-Winning Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is VERY easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. Perfect for summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cup milk
- 7 oz vanilla instant pudding (two small boxes)
- vanilla wafers about a half box
- 3 bananas sliced into 1/4” rounds, not too green or too ripe
- 1 small tub Cool Whip topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until smooth.
- Line the bottom of a large (about 2 qt.) casserole dish or serving bowl with a single layer of vanilla wafers. Arrange banana slices evenly over cookies. (I slice my banana right over the bowl.) Spread 1/2 of the pudding over the bananas, being careful not to disturb the layers below.
- Make another single layer of cookies, then top with banana. Carefully spread the remaining pudding over the banana layer, then spread cool whip on top of that. If desired, place vanilla wafers along the top edge.
- Cover with plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
You can serve this immediately, but I prefer to wait at least an hour or so to let the cookies soften. This pudding will keep in your refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
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Debbie says
Hi There!
I made this a couple nights ago, and I have to say it is delish! Gets even better in the following days. My hubby, also a Matt :), raves about it and he’s a picky eater! I’m making it again Saturday when my family comes over for a pool party for my Dad’s birthday. It’s definitely a keeper, and I want to thank you so much! It’s so hard to find easy, delicious recipes for busy schedules. I’ll have to check out more of yours! Loved reading about you too! Take care!
De Eckman says
I grew up eating my mom’s banana pudding. It was THE best. No pudding mix for her. It was from scratch. I use her recipe to make my banana cream pies.
Veronica says
That’s funny, I make my pudding the same way but, I use even less milk and it is a best seller from my home bakery service!!!!
Andi says
I bet it is, Veronica! You can’t go wrong with this one :) Thank you!
Joanne says
Hi Andi! You can never go wrong with banana pudding! :-)
Andi says
Thanks, Joanne. I agree :)
Margaret Inmon says
I have made mine like this for years except I put half the tub of cool whip in the pudding mix and fold in until incorporated then use remaining cool whip to top off the finished product. Just makes the pudding lighter and tastes wonderful.
Andi says
That’s a great tip, Margaret. Thank you!
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Yeah! Congrats on winning 1st Prize, woohoo! Down here in Texas we love us some Banana Pudding so I will definitely be giving this a try. Pinning. :)
The Weary Chef says
Thanks, Krista! I’m from Mississippi, and it’s very popular there too. My aunt makes hers from scratch, but this is how I have always had it so it tastes like home to me.
Lilly Sue says
I absolutely love Banana Pudding! And have not had it in a while :) I love all these banana recipes all over the place! YUM!
The Weary Chef says
But what beer do you drink with banana pudding is the question! :)
Sue Metzger says
I had no idea you won a dessert contest! Proud of you:)
The Weary Chef says
You probably just forgot because it was over 10 years ago! Yow!
Liz says
can’t go wrong with vanilla wafers, vanilla pudding, and cool whip. LOVE that you took 1st prize for this baby. Yeehaw! Sometimes you need something that’s not chocolate. Thanks for sharing and great photo :-)
p.s. bet your boys gobble this one down.
The Weary Chef says
Thanks so much, Liz! You are right about the boys liking it. The Tall One LOVED it. The Short One ate one bite and said “I yike it!” (translated to “I like it”) and then ran off. He doesn’t eat much at the end of the day, even dessert!
Sue Schuster says
This is a blast from the past. My Mom used to make this for us kids in the summer. Thanks for sharing an old reliable.
The Weary Chef says
Glad you like it, Sue. I grew up eating this too. Thanks so much for stopping by!