Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Recipe No Bake

Collage of no bake banana pudding in a baking dish on top, banana pudding in a ramekin on bottom, and the words

This timeless old fashioned No Bake Banana Pudding features creamy vanilla pudding, crunchy vanilla wafer cookies, sweet banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream in every bite.

No Bake Banana Pudding

No Bake Banana Pudding is an American classic dessert layered with creamy pudding, vanilla wafer cookies, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream.

Every bite has this amazing crunchy, creamy, sweet, and airy combination, making it an ultimate comfort food and family favorite for every occasion.

This ridiculously simple recipe can be thrown together in about 20 minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill!

What's in Banana Pudding?

All banana pudding generally consists of vanilla or banana pudding, vanilla cookies, and banana slices. It is then topped with either whipped cream or meringue.

Which is better - Classic Southern or No Bake Banana Pudding?

Southern Banana Pudding is topped with lightly toasted meringue and can be served warm. No Bake Banana Pudding is topped with whipped cream and is only served chilled.

So which is better?

Well, both are delicious, and the answer probably depends on which one you were raised with. I recommend giving them both a try! You can check out my favorite Southern banana pudding recipe here.

No Bake Banana Pudding in a ramekin with a spoon sticking out the side

Do You Have to Refrigerate Banana Pudding?

Yes. Banana pudding has dairy in it that needs to be stored cold.

Can I Make Banana Pudding Ahead of Time?

Kind of. Once you assemble the pudding, you risk the bananas browning. But you can absolutely make the pudding and the whipped cream and store in separate air tight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling. Then assemble in layers according to the recipe instructions.

More Banana Recipes You'll Love

Southern Banana Pudding - another twist on banana pudding. Just as delicious and topped with lightly toasted meringue.
Chocolate Banana Cake - moist chocolate cake made with bananas in the batter and topped with the richest, chocolatiest pour-on frosting.
Banana Cream Pie - a classic creamy pie filled with bananas and pudding and topped with whipped cream.
Nutella Banana Muffins - chocolate Nutella and bananas swirled together in this decadent breakfast.
Banana Blueberry French Toast Bake - an overnight French toast casserole packed with fresh blueberries and bananas.

▢ 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (6 ounces)
▢ 3⅓ cups milk
▢ 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
▢ 2 tablespoons butter room temperature
▢ ⅓ cup powdered sugar
▢ 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (11 ounces)
▢ 5 bananas slices

Whipped Cream

▢ 2 cups heavy whipping cream
▢ ¼ cup sugar
▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a medium mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
Add pudding to cream cheese mixture, and beat to combine.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine all whipped cream ingredients, and whip until peaks form.
Fold half of the prepared whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Set aside.
Line the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish with vanilla wafers.
Top wafers with banana slices.
Spread pudding mixture on top of banana slices all the way to the edges.
Top with the remaining whipped cream.
Cover and refrigerate for at least for 4 hours or overnight.

You can also layer this in a large bowl or trifle dish. There will be more layers since the base is a little smaller. Just continue layering cookies, bananas, and pudding until all the ingredients are used.
I highly recommend using the homemade whipped cream, but you can substitute it for 2 (8 ounces) containers of thawed whipped topping if you would rather.
Make Ahead Directions: Prepare pudding and whipped cream up to 3 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble banana pudding the day that you're planning to serve, allowing enough time to properly chill.
Storage: Store your banana pudding wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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