No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe: Creamy, Quick Dessert

This no-bake banana pudding layers rich, creamy whipped pudding with crisp vanilla wafers and sweet banana slices. It’s a classic Southern dessert that both kids and adults will love.

A white casserole dish that is filled with banana pudding. There is a spoon in the front of the dish with a scoop of banana pudding out of i. The scoop is behind the casserole dish in a square bowl.

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THE BEST NO BAKE BANANA PUDDING

If you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, this banana pudding fits the bill. It balances creamy pudding, crunchy wafers, and tender banana slices for an irresistible contrast of textures.

This version requires just 4 simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on prep. There’s no baking, no mixer, and it’s easy enough to make with kids — they can help layer the pudding and cookies.

The most challenging part is letting it chill so the layers set. Once chilled, it’s a light, vanilla-banana dessert that’s always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.

Crushed up vanilla wafer cookies on top of banana pudding in a white casserole dish. In front of it is a few squares of vanilla wafer cookies.

INGREDIENTS

This recipe uses just four easy-to-find ingredients:

3–4 Bananas
1 large box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla or banana pudding mix
8 oz tub of Cool Whip
1 box of vanilla wafers

Cool Whip is recommended for its stability and airy texture, but you can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer—just know it may soften faster.

Banana slices on top of vanilla wafer cookies in a white casserole dish. There are two bananas in front of the dish and part of two bananas behind the dish.

HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE BANANA PUDDING

The method is straightforward: prepare the pudding, assemble layers, and chill. No oven or electric mixer needed.

A hand holding a bowl that is filled with instant pudding. Next to it is banana slices on top of vanilla wafer cookies in a casserole dish.

STEP 1: PREPARING THE BASE

Use a 13×9-inch casserole dish, two loaf pans, or a large trifle bowl. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom.

Slice 1½–2 bananas and place an even layer over the wafers.

Prepare the instant pudding according to package directions. When set, gently fold in the entire tub of Cool Whip until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the mixture light and airy.

A couple of banana slices on top of vanilla wafer cookies in a white casserole dish on a white counter.

STEP 2: FORMING THE LAYERS

Spread half of the pudding mixture over the banana layer and smooth with a spatula. Add a second layer of vanilla wafers and more sliced bananas.

Top with the remaining pudding mixture and smooth. Crush 4–6 vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top; add extra banana slices if desired.

A pudding mixture covering bananas in a white casserole dish.

STEP 3: CHILLING & SERVING

Refrigerate for at least one hour to let the pudding set and the flavors meld. When chilled and firm, serve and enjoy.

A white casserole dish filled with banana pudding. Behind it is part of two bananas.

HOW TO STORE BANANA PUDDING

This pudding is best the day it’s made, but leftovers keep well. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

You can freeze portions for up to two weeks in an airtight container—toss banana slices in lemon juice first to prevent browning. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Crushed up vanilla wafer cookies on top of banana pudding in a white casserole dish. A spoon is in the dish to the left of the pudding with a scoop taken out of that section. Behind it is the scoop of pudding in part of a square bowl.

FAQS ABOUT THIS NO BAKE BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

WHY DID MY BANANA PUDDING NOT SET?

If it’s not set, it usually needs more chilling time. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator until firm. Freezing briefly can speed up the process, but let it soften a few minutes before serving.

How do you keep banana pudding from getting watery?

Using instant pudding mix and Cool Whip helps prevent a watery texture: the instant mix thickens and Cool Whip stays light yet stable. If you prefer homemade whipped cream, use it as a topping rather than folding it into the pudding for best results.

HOW RIPE SHOULD MY BANANAS BE FOR BANANA PUDDING?

Choose bananas that are ripe and fully yellow without dark brown spots. Overripe or brown bananas can become mushy and alter the texture of the pudding.

Banana pudding in part of a white casserole dish.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

This no-bake banana pudding is creamy, light, and easy to make. It’s a reliable recipe to bring to parties, and people are always surprised by how simple it is to prepare.

If you try it, let others know how it turned out—this classic dessert is one of those recipes that keeps getting requested.

For more dessert ideas, try other no-bake treats or explore similar simple recipes on the blog.

More Dessert Recipes

If you’re in the mood for more sweet recipes, there are plenty of options to try next.

Biscoff cheesecake
Funfetti cookies
Salted caramel fudge
Dunkaroo dip
Churro cheesecake bars
Double chocolate cookies

Yield: 6 servings

No Bake Banana Pudding

This no-bake banana pudding layers rich whipped pudding, crisp vanilla wafers, and sweet banana slices for a comforting, nostalgic dessert.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Total Time
10 minutes

Ingredients

3–4 Bananas
1 large box (5.1 oz) Instant vanilla or banana pudding
8 oz tub of Cool Whip
1 box of vanilla wafers

Instructions

Place one layer of cookies in the bottom of a 13×9 casserole dish or trifle bowl.
Slice 1½–2 bananas and layer them over the cookies.
Prepare the pudding according to box instructions.
Gently fold the tub of Cool Whip into the prepared pudding until combined.
Pour half of the pudding mixture over the first layer of cookies and bananas.
Add a second layer of cookies and bananas.
Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer.
Crush 4–6 cookies and sprinkle them on top.
Refrigerate until set before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 209Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g