There are a few things you can count on in the South: front porch sittin’, sweet tea that could qualify as syrup, and banana pudding at every family gathering worth its salt.
Now, banana pudding down here isn’t just dessert, it’s a little piece of tradition. It shows up at Sunday dinners, family reunions, and yes, even the occasional funeral. It’s familiar, it’s comforting, and most importantly, it’s delicious.
🍌 Southern Banana Pudding (The Classic Kind)
This recipe has been passed around more times than a church bulletin. And for good reason… it’s easy, creamy, and just the right kind of sweet. No baking, no fuss, just layers of goodness in one lovely dish.
What You’ll Need:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups cold water
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 box of Nilla Wafers (trust me, get the name brand)
4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced thin – (however, my husband likes to omit bananas from his, so you do you)
A Trifle dish so folks can admire your layers
Let’s get to it:
1. First things first, grab a mixing bowl and whisk the condensed milk with cold water. Make it smooth and silky.
2. Then, add the pudding mix. Whisk for about two minutes until it starts to thicken. Cover and chill for at least four hours.
3. While that’s chillin’, go ahead and whip your cream until stiff peaks form. It takes a little muscle, but think of it as your arm workout for the day.
4. Once the pudding’s ready, gently fold in the whipped cream. Don’t overmix it—treat it like your good china.
5. Now it’s time to layer: Start with a handful of wafers, add banana slices, then a generous layer of pudding. Keep going ‘til you run out.
6. Finally, cover and chill the whole dish for a few hours. Overnight is even better—it gives everything time to get cozy.
When it’s ready, you’ve got a dessert that’s light, creamy, and full of old-fashioned comfort. It may not be flashy, but it always disappears faster than you expect. Every time I bring it somewhere, someone asks, “Who made this?” And I just smile and pretend I haven’t made it a dozen times before.
Whether you’re headed to a potluck or just need something to brighten a Tuesday night, this banana pudding’s a sure bet. It’s simple, sweet, and has a way of making people feel at home.

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