Description

A quick, no-bake banana pudding that comes together in just five minutes of active time. This dessert uses pantry staples like heavy cream, condensed milk, and vanilla wafers to create a light, airy, and velvety texture that is perfect for last-minute hosting or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)
1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 package (15 oz) vanilla wafers
4 large ripe bananas
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (optional)

Instructions

Peel and slice bananas into half-inch rounds. Toss with lemon juice if desired to prevent browning, then set aside.
In a chilled large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture using a spatula until fully combined and airy.
In a 9×13 inch serving dish, create layers: start with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture, and then a layer of banana slices. Repeat these layers three times, ending with pudding on top.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
Before serving, garnish with extra banana slices and crushed vanilla wafers if desired. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

Ensure heavy cream is very cold for best whipping results. Do not substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free vanilla wafers. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk. The pudding improves in flavor after sitting overnight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of the dish
Calories: 280
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 180
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: banana pudding, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, 5-minute dessert, creamy pudding, vanilla wafers, make-ahead dessert, comfort food