Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 4 medium ripe bananas, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers)
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk together in a large bowl for 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Step 2: Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the pudding mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Step 3: Prepare 6-8 individual serving cups or jars. Start the layering by placing 2-3 whole vanilla wafers at the bottom of each cup, followed by an even layer of the sliced bananas.
- Step 4: Spoon a generous portion of the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas and wafers. Repeat the layers: adding more wafers, bananas, and a final layer of pudding mixture on top.
- Step 5: Garnish the top of each cup with a crumbled vanilla wafer or a single whole wafer. Cover the pudding cups and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover covered pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; after that, the bananas tend to get mushy and brown.
- For the best texture, remove the cups from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving so the pudding slightly softens, but do not allow them to warm completely.
- Elevate the presentation by finishing the cups with a very light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg right before serving.
- Ensure your bananas are ripe but still slightly firm; overripe bananas will brown and break down too quickly during the required overnight chill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American