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Delicious Best Homemade Southern Banana Pudding Recipe (Easy) photo

Best Homemade Southern Banana Pudding Recipe (Easy)

This Southern Banana Pudding is a creamy, nostalgic treat! Layers of pudding, bananas, and crunchy wafers create a dessert everyone will adore.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pudding:
  • 3 small boxes vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz each)
  • 6 cups ice cold whole milk (best choice for creaminess)
  • 8 ounces sour cream (regular sour cream for richness)
  • 12 ounces Cool Whip (divided, original flavor)
  • 5 medium-sized bananas (cut into disks, yellow with no spots)
  • 1 box vanilla wafers (for the classic crunch)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the three boxes of vanilla instant pudding and the cold milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
  2. Gently fold in the 8 ounces of sour cream into the pudding mixture. This will enhance the creaminess and add a tangy flavor that elevates the dessert.
  3. Take 8 ounces of the Cool Whip and carefully fold it into the pudding mixture. Be gentle to maintain the light and airy texture. Set aside the remaining 4 ounces of Cool Whip for later.
  4. In your 9x13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the pudding mixture, followed by a layer of banana slices. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
  5. Spread the reserved 4 ounces of Cool Whip evenly over the top layer of pudding. This will provide a beautiful finish and add a delightful creaminess.
  6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if time allows. Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set properly. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful layers of banana pudding!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
  • To prevent bananas from browning, toss slices in lemon juice.
  • Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a gluten-free option.