If you’ve never experienced the pure joy of banana pudding, you’re in for a serious treat. And if you have tasted it before—get ready to meet your new favorite version. This is The Best Banana Pudding Ever, hands down. It’s creamy, sweet, and dreamy, layered with soft bananas and vanilla wafers, and chilled to perfection.

What makes this banana pudding a standout? A luscious blend of French vanilla pudding, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping creates a velvety, tangy-sweet filling that soaks into the cookies and bananas for the ultimate dessert experience.

It’s the kind of dessert that appears at family reunions, holidays, potlucks, and Sunday dinners across the South—but its simplicity and flavor have made it a favorite coast to coast.

🌟 Why This Banana Pudding Is So Good

No baking required
Feeds a crowd – perfect for 9×13 pans
Quick to prepare with easy, everyday ingredients
Make-ahead friendly
Rich and creamy texture with sweet banana flavor
Highly requested – this recipe never comes home with leftovers

Whether you’re new to banana pudding or a seasoned expert, this version is a must-try.

🧾 Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at why each ingredient works so well in this layered masterpiece:

🍪 2 Boxes Vanilla Wafers

Classic vanilla wafers bring crunch and nostalgic charm. As they sit, they soften and absorb flavor from the pudding and bananas, giving the pudding a cake-like texture.

Pro Tip: Save a few extra wafers for garnish or crushing on top!

🍌 6 to 8 Bananas, Sliced

Fresh, ripe bananas offer natural sweetness and balance the creaminess. Slightly underripe bananas work best because they won’t brown as quickly and hold their shape longer.

🥛 2 Cups Milk + 1 (5 oz.) Box French Vanilla Pudding

The French vanilla pudding is thicker and more flavorful than standard vanilla—perfect for a decadent base. Mix with cold milk for a creamy consistency that blends beautifully.

Note: Be sure to use instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve version.

🧀 1 (8 oz.) Package Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the pudding and bananas. It gives the filling body and richness.

🥫 1 (14 oz.) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweet, thick, and irresistible—condensed milk gives the filling a silky smooth texture and enhances the vanilla flavor.

🥣 1 (12 oz.) Container Frozen Whipped Topping (thawed)

This makes the pudding light and airy while helping it set up beautifully. You can also use an equal amount of homemade sweetened whipped cream for a more natural finish.

👩‍🍳 How to Make the Best Banana Pudding Ever

Step 1: Line the Pan

In a 13×9-inch dish, line the bottom with 1 bag of vanilla wafers. Spread them evenly to create a sturdy base.

Layer sliced bananas on top. Make sure to cover the wafers entirely.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

In a mixing bowl, add:

2 cups of milk
1 (5 oz.) box of French vanilla pudding mix

Use a handheld electric mixer to blend until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes). Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In another bowl, combine:

8 oz. cream cheese
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Beat with your mixer until creamy and lump-free.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

Fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. This step gives the mixture a mousse-like consistency.

Step 5: Combine & Layer

Add the whipped mixture to the pudding mixture. Stir until fully blended.

Pour this thick, creamy mixture over the banana and wafer layer in your pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.

Top with the remaining vanilla wafers in a decorative pattern or a simple layer.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

Cover the pudding with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

When ready to serve, scoop into bowls or slice into squares.

🍽 Serving Tips

This pudding is best served cold and is perfect for:

Summer BBQs and potlucks
Holiday dessert tables
Church gatherings or baby showers
Make-ahead desserts for entertaining

Add a sprig of mint or a dusting of crushed wafers on top just before serving for a polished look.

❄️ Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. The bananas will gradually brown, so it’s best eaten fresh.
Do not freeze: Cream-based desserts like this one don’t freeze well—stick to fridge storage.

🔁 Variations & Substitutions

Banana-Free Version: For picky eaters or allergies, skip the bananas and go full-on vanilla.
Chocolate Twist: Swap the French vanilla pudding for chocolate for a decadent spin.
Layered Parfaits: Assemble individual servings in mason jars or glasses for a party-ready option.
Whipped Cream Swap: Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a from-scratch version (about 3 cups whipped).

💬 Final Thoughts

This banana pudding is rich, creamy, and absolutely foolproof. With soft vanilla wafers, sweet bananas, and layers of velvety filling, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert—and the one you’ll be asked to bring to every gathering from now on.

If you’ve ever doubted banana pudding, this recipe will change your mind. And if you already love it—this just might become your new favorite version.