This no bake banana pudding is a creamy and cool no bake dessert. This version uses instant vanilla pudding and Cool Whip topping for a simple dessert that comes together in almost no time. Perfect for family gatherings any time of the year!
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This no bake banana pudding is a classic southern dessert that plays on repeat here at my house.
When the temperatures rise, I'm all about making no bake or no cook desserts. In Texas, where I live, it can just be too hot to cook and bake so I need dessert recipes that don't require the oven or stove top. That's what makes this the perfect dessert; the cool creamy vanilla pudding between a layer of cookies topped with Cool Whip has summer written all over it.
Why you'll love it
Easy recipe - instant pudding mix helps make this delicious dessert easy to whip up.
Simple ingredients - readily available at your local grocery store.
Classic dessert - the familiar taste makes this banana dessert a comfort food the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Instant vanilla pudding mix - I used Jell-O brand
Cold Milk - we like whole milk or 2% milk to make the pudding
Fresh bananas - the bananas need to be ripe so they'll be sweet. The ones with brown spots are perfect! Green bananas will need a day or two on the counter before using in this recipe.
Cool Whip - I like Cool Whip for this recipe because it's stabilized and keeps for several days without turning watery. Use your favorite homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
Chessman cookies - these are butter cookies from Pepperidge Farms. They are stamped with chess piece designs on top. During the spring they offer ones stamped with flowers, which would be really cute on this banana pudding. You can stick with the classic vanilla wafers, your preference!
Equipment
- I used an 8 by 8 inch square baking dish. A 9 by 9 inch dish will work too.
- An oval or round dish will also work.
- A trifle dish makes a fabulous presentation.
- If you want to make this in a 9 by 13 casserole dish, I suggest doubling the recipe.
- You'll also need a whisk and a large mixing bowl.
Instructions
This is an overview of how to make no bake banana pudding with step by step photos. Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and printable recipe card.
1) In a large bowl, make the instant pudding according to package directions. Set pudding mixture aside in the refrigerator to allow it to set.
2) Peel bananas and slice them crosswise into rounds. You'll need 50 slices about half an inch thick.
3) Place 12 chessman cookies in the bottom of the dish.
4) Top cookie layer with 25 banana slices, spaced evenly apart.
5) Top banana slices with half the pudding mixture spread evenly to the edges of the dish. Top pudding with the remaining slices of banana, spaced evenly.
6) Top the banana layer with remaining pudding and spread evenly to the edges.
7) Top the banana layer with half the tub of Cool Whip.
8) Top the Cool Whip layer with the remaining 12 chessman cookies.
9) Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips
- Use any broken cookies on the bottom layer so the top will be perfect!
- Be sure you use ripe bananas for the best results.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding if you want even more vanilla flavor.
- If you have a favorite homemade pudding and/or whipped cream recipe, you may want to use them instead. Keep in mind that the results will be different and it may not keep as long.
- Instant banana pudding can stand at room temperature for a couple hours.
How to store
Refrigerator - cover any leftovers with plastic wrap tightly or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I make no bake banana pudding ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great recipe to make ahead. You'll need at least 2 hours before serving, but it's great to make the night before or even 24 hours ahead.
Can I eat the bananas if they turn brown?
Sliced bananas turn brown or get darker when expoed to air. This is a natural process that starts happening almost immediately after peeling and slicing. The bananas in the pudding will be good for about 4 days, but if any browning bothers you, you can coat the bananas in a high vitamin C juice like orange juice, lemon juice, or pineapple juice. Using a product called Fruit Fresh can also be applied.
More no bake desserts you'll love
- No Bake Chocolate Pie with Jell-O and Cool Whip
- No Bake Pineapple Pie
- Viral Booty Dip
- Peanut Butter Truffles
- No Bake Lemon Pie
- Sunbutter Cups (No Peanuts)
If you like this no bake banana pudding, I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Instant Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk whole or 2%
- 24 Chessman butter cookies or nilla wafers
- 3-4 bananas ripe
- ½ tub Cool Whip
Instructions
- In a large bowl, make the instant pudding according to package directions. Set pudding mixture aside in the refrigerator to allow it to set.
- Peel bananas and slice them crosswise into rounds. You'll need 50 slices about half an inch thick.
- Place 12 chessman cookies in the bottom of the dish.
- Top cookies with 25 banana slices, spaced evenly apart.
- Top banana layer with half of the pudding spreading evenly to the edges of the dish.
- Top the pudding with the remaining slices of banana, spaced evenly.
- Top bananas with the remaining pudding.
- Top the pudding layer with half the tub of Cool Whip.
- Top the Cool Whip layer with the remaining 12 chessman cookies.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
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