No Bake Banana Pudding: A Southern Delight

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This No Bake Banana Pudding is a quick and easy Southern dessert made with layers of creamy homemade whipped cream, sweet bananas, and crunchy shortbread cookies. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, BBQs, or anytime you need a simple make-ahead treat, this classic banana pudding recipe is rich, fluffy, and full of old-fashioned flavor.

no bake banana pudding with shortbread cookies on top

Why This Recipe Works

Remember when your Grandma baked banana pudding in the oven? This dish has everything you're looking for in a classic dessert, but it's easier because it's a no-bake recipe. And, guess what? It's topped with Pecan Sandies cookies!

quick, no bake, and easy to make
perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners
can be made in advance
tastes delicious

I have fond memories of my Mom stirring this southern banana pudding in a big bowl and letting me lick the spoon! This easy no-bake dessert recipe has been around for years, but it's still my favorite way to make homemade banana pudding because it's so light and airy.

Can't get enough banana recipes? Be sure to try my Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins because folks gobble these up! Learn How to Make Banana Bread, or try this delicious Old Fashioned Banana Cake that will remind you of Grandma's kitchen. These Banana Pudding Cookies are easy to make and taste like the real thing, and you've gotta try Million Dollar Banana Pudding made with sweetened condensed milk! 🍌

Ingredient Notes

Here's what you'll need to make this creamy No Bake Banana Pudding recipe. For quantities, see the printable recipe card below.

vanilla instant pudding - a large box works best
half and half cream - use cream instead of milk for a thicker pudding
sour cream - adds incredible flavor and depth
bananas - use about 4 firm bananas, thinly sliced
vanilla wafers - the perfect cookie to create the best banana pudding
pecan sandies cookies - top off the pudding with a surprise treat
heavy whipping cream - used in the pudding and as the final layer
powdered sugar - sweetens the whipped cream
vanilla extract - gives the whipped cream its flavor

bowl of banana pudding with a shortbread cookie on top

How To Make No Bake Banana Pudding

Whip the Cream

With a mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form (about 1 to 2 minutes on high speed).
Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar and mix until blended.

mixture of vanilla pudding with sour cream on top

Mix The Pudding

Combine vanilla instant pudding mix with half and half in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk until thickened, then add sour cream and stir well.
Fold in ½ of the whipped cream and stir until blended. Save the rest of the whipped cream for the final layer.

mixture of vanilla pudding, sour cream and whipped cream

Layer it Together

Start by layering a 13 x 9 inch dish with vanilla wafers.

Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of wafers.

Spread half of pudding mixture on top of bananas.

Repeat layers above.

Finish with a layer of whipped cream.

Top pudding with shortbread cookies and refrigerate two hours before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute Cool Whip?

If you want to skip the step of making homemade whipped cream, you are welcome to use Cool Whip instead. I like the extra layer of flavor that whipped cream provides, but it won't affect the final outcome if you used prepared whipped topping.

Can this dessert be frozen?

Freezing banana pudding is not recommended due to the heavy cream content. The final outcome might curdle, so I advise against it.

Recipe Tips

Use a mixer (stand or hand) to make the whipped cream. It's exhausting to use a hand whisk and it rarely whips the cream to the correct consistency.
Choose bananas that are not overly ripe. Ripe bananas will turn brown faster and break down in the pudding.
To prevent the banana slices from browning, brush with lemon juice before using.
Feel free to vary the cookies used. If you prefer, use all vanilla wafers, or mix it up with chessmen cookies and pecan sandies.

bowl of banana pudding with cookie on top.

Storage Guide

Make Ahead: For best results, make the pudding a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Refrigerate: Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

More Desserts To Love

If you love banana pudding, try these other dessert recipes that are sure to please...

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Recipe Card