In this Instructable, I will show you how to make banana pudding. This easy homemade banana pudding recipe is so easy to make using simple ingredients. If you like pudding and you like bananas you have to try this classic southern American treat out. It is super popular in the South as well as Nationwide. Since there is no baking or cooking involved it is the perfect summer treat as well. If I can do it, you can do it, let's get started!

Don't forget to follow me and check out my other Instructables. :)

Follow the easy steps below or watch the video tutorial or do both. :)

Step 1: Ingredients and Tools

You may print the recipe here if you like.

Ingredients:

8 oz softened room temp cream cheese (226g)
14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk (396g)
1 to 2 tsp. of vanilla extract (5 to 10ml)
5 oz box of instant vanilla pudding mix (144g)
3 cups cold milk (whole, 2%, 1%, etc.) (750ml)
8 oz container of whipped topping (226g)
2 to 3 large bananas or 4 small bananas (it doesn't matter you can use as many as you want)
1 box of vanilla wafers (11oz or 311g)

Tools:

Bowls
Mixer
Whisk
Spoon
Spatula
Knife

Step 2: Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a large bowl, begin by mixing the softened room temp cream cheese until smooth. If you forget to leave the cream cheese out to soften, you can put it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or so to soften it up. Use more time if needed. Once mixed add the can of sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla extract then mix again until all combined.

Step 3: Vanilla Pudding Time

This recipe uses instant vanilla pudding, although you can certainly use a homemade vanilla pudding too if you like. Add the instant pudding as well as 1 cup of the milk. It may splash up, if so, just switch to a whisk from here on out. Continue adding and mixing the milk until all combined.

Step 4: Finish the Pudding Base

Now it is time to finish the pudding base. Take half of your softened whipped topping and fold it into the pudding mixture until combined. Just leave the whipped topping out when you set out the cream cheese to soften. If you forget to leave it out soften it up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Step 5: Assemble That Banana Pudding

Now it is time to cut up those bananas and assemble the banana pudding. I recommend only cutting two bananas to start. You can also cut more if you like. It will also depend on how large the bananas are, as well as your preference. This doesn't have to be precise by any means.

You can use a variety of dishes to put the pudding in. A large glass bowl is a classic choice, as well as a 13x9 inch glass dish. You can also use a bunch of individual bowls or ramekins if you like.

Place several vanilla wafers on the bottom of your bowl or dish. Then add a layer of sliced bananas. Then pour in some pudding until it covers everything, then repeat with the layers of wafers and bananas. Once you get about 1 inch from the top, spread on the remaining half of whipped topping. Then decorate it with wafers. You can also crush up the wafers and sprinkle them on top as well.

There are so many ways to assemble a banana pudding. Feel free to get creative with it.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Next, wrap the bowl or dish in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. It will last up to 4 days or so stored in the fridge. If you use individual serving bowls, make sure to wrap those as well. Then after they have chilled serve them up. A nice cold refreshing banana pudding. Enjoy!