🍌 Classic Banana Pudding (Southern Style)
This Classic Southern-Style Banana Pudding is rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth—just like the version served at family reunions, Sunday dinners, and holiday gatherings across the South. Made with simple ingredients and no baking required, this dessert delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.
Why This Banana Pudding Is a Southern Favorite
- Ultra-creamy texture
- Perfect balance of sweetness
- Quick and easy, no oven needed
- Crowd-pleasing, nostalgic flavor
This recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike, and it never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Optional additions (traditional but not required):
- Sliced bananas
- Vanilla wafer cookies
How to Make Classic Southern Banana Pudding
1. Prepare the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fully incorporated. This step gives the pudding its signature Southern richness.
3. Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor and aroma.
4. Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula until light, fluffy, and evenly mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep the pudding airy.
Optional Traditional Assembly
For a classic Southern presentation:
- Layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding in a serving dish
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used
- Finish with pudding or whipped topping on top
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to set perfectly.
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled for best flavor
- Garnish with crushed wafers or banana slices
- Best enjoyed within 24–48 hours
Storage
- Store covered in the refrigerator
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness
A Timeless Southern Dessert
This Classic Banana Pudding (Southern Style) is creamy, comforting, and wonderfully nostalgic. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a weeknight treat, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style—and always disappears fast. 🍌🥄