There are few things more comforting than a generous serving of banana pudding. Perfectly creamy and sweet, this rich dessert is an all-American classic! It also requires zero baking, so you can make it in a pinch. Serve this delicious banana pudding in a large casserole or trifle dish, or divvy it up into individual cups.
![Classic banana pudding recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/c4db798771b64294b2e0d5fe0e3493a1.jpg)
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Things You'll Need
4 bananas
12 ounces vanilla wafers
3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold water or milk
14 ounces condensed milk
16 ounces whipped cream, chilled
![Ingredients for classic banana pudding](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/984c77ae7086432e9bfced12d3924c48.jpg)
Step 1
In a large bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk or water. Add the condensed milk, then beat to combine. Cover and chill for 5 minutes or until set.
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![Beat pudding and milk](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/ddacf4660e594b8f90e858f739ef673b.jpg)
Step 2
Add half the whipped cream (8 ounces). With a spatula, fold until just combined. Take care to avoid over-mixing.
![Fold in whipped cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/771e87e1e7f946569983cc0b3af6821c.jpg)
Step 3
Slice the bananas.
![Slice the bananas](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/f42afb01ae3e43e38f4412dbc64c6399.jpg)
Step 4
In a large casserole or trifle dish, add a layer of vanilla wafers. Add a layer of bananas on top.
![Add vanilla wafers and bananas](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/477c291c0bb3405699c2be6d22953c5c.jpg)
Step 5
Add a layer of pudding.
![Add pudding](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/f7d3c4bc7cbd4bb0a1837266b7a06f4a.jpg)
Step 6
Follow with a layer of whipped cream, carefully spreading it into an even layer.
![Add whipped cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/50629de912e44abf96936e4fdecd93c2.jpg)
Step 7
Repeat the layers until the dish is full. Top with whipped cream and garnish with vanilla wafers and banana slices. If you'd like, add a sprinkling of crushed wafers or ground cinnamon.
![Classic banana pudding recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/584a910599b84b2e93421c999e440eca.jpg)
Step 8
If you don't have a large dish (or if you're looking for a party-friendly option), serve the banana pudding in individual glasses or jars. Simply follow the steps above.
Another option is to place the wafers and bananas flat against the glass. This technique, which makes the tasty layers more visible, can be used in both large and small dishes.
To use this method, spoon a layer of pudding along the bottom. Add the wafers along the edge, then fill in the center with pudding.
![Add vanilla wafers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/e1c0cdba7c1b473ea1246fc42cc100d9.jpg)
Top with a layer of whipped cream, then add banana slices. Again, make sure the bananas are flat against the glass.
![Top with whipped cream and bananas](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/3258172672dc4dde900ce44c19d1112d.jpg)
Fill the center with pudding, top with whipped cream and garnish with a vanilla wafer.
![Individual classic banana pudding](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/84010273f29d4955885eea8f7ff5f81f.jpg)
Banana pudding is best served cold, so make sure the ingredients are chilled before you layer them.
Otherwise, you can make the banana pudding in advance by preparing all the layers except the garnish. Just before serving, add the vanilla wafers and freshly cut bananas. (If you top the pudding with banana slices before chilling, the bananas will brown.)
![Classic banana pudding recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/9/12/c4db798771b64294b2e0d5fe0e3493a1.jpg)