Mom’s Signature Banana Pudding

Back in the late 1970s, my mother-in-law needed a quick, throw-together dessert for a schoolteacher luncheon. Instead of making traditional stovetop banana pudding, she created an easy no-cook version using banana and vanilla Jell-O pudding mixes, sweetened with rich Eagle Brand condensed milk.

She folded in fluffy Cool Whip for a light, creamy texture, then layered the pudding with classic vanilla wafers—making sure the top layer was always covered with cookies for that perfect finishing touch.

The result was a simple, delicious banana pudding that quickly became her signature dessert. Ever since, this shortcut recipe has been a family favorite, proving that easy recipes can be just as memorable as the traditional ones.

Mom’s Signature Banana Pudding with Cool Whip (Half Vanilla, Half Banana Favorite)

Recipe by My Southern Spoon (MySouthernSpoon.com)
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Our second recipe is a super easy banana pudding made with Cool Whip and pudding mix—basically the one everyone begs for at holidays and get-togethers on her side of the family.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either one—they both turn out amazing. But this one? It’s ridiculously good… and definitely a little addictive!

Course: DessertCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

minutes
Calories

490

kcal
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 (5.1 oz) box banana cream instant pudding mix

  • 1 (5.1 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 6 cups cold milk (or amount specified on pudding packages)

  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed

  • 1 (11–12 oz) box vanilla wafers

  • 4 –5 ripe bananas, sliced

Directions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine: Banana pudding mix
    Vanilla pudding mix
    Cold milk
    Sweetened condensed milk
  • Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
  • Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula until fully combined and creamy.
    Do not overmix—keep it light and fluffy.
  • Assemble the Layers
  • In a large serving dish or trifle bowl: Place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom
  • Add a layer of sliced bananas
  • Spread a layer of pudding mixture evenly over the top
  • Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pudding.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
    This allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to blend.

Recipe Video

Thank you

  • Find more recipes at MySouthernSpoon.com Watch step-by-step videos on YouTube:
    @Southernspoon
  • Twelve 15 oz family size boxes of NILLA Wafers Cookies (packaging may vary)
  • Sweet, crispy, artificially flavored vanilla wafers go great with milk, coffee or tea
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