Creamy Banana Pudding(By Lounelle Shaw, Pendergrass, Ga)
A creamy banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas, topped with whipped cream. Perfect for desserts, potlucks, or family gatherings with sweet, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 2 cups cold water ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding ⓘ
- 1 medium carton Cool Whip or 2 cups whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
- 36 vanilla wafers ⓘ
- 3 medium bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons cocoa ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peanut butter and/or 1/2 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups quick cooking oatmeal ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cocoa, milk, and margarine in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for one minute, then remove from heat.
- Add oatmeal, peanut butter and/or nuts, and vanilla to the mixture.
- Mix well, then drop teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper.
- Allow to cool and set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before folding it into the pudding mixture. If you prefer a nutty flavor, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter. You can also substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers for a different crunch. For added richness, consider drizzling some Quick Chocolate Sauce over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy banana pudding chilled, garnished with additional banana slices or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience. For a crowd-pleasing treat, consider serving it alongside Chewy Cranberry Gingers for a contrasting flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding may thicken slightly, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed, affecting its creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Banana Pudding(By Lounelle Shaw, Pendergrass, Ga) contains roughly 2217 calories, with 42g protein, 332g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1603mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute fresh whipped cream for Cool Whip. Just make sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form before gently folding it into the pudding mixture. This adds a fresh taste and creamy texture to your banana pudding.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this banana pudding gluten-free, replace the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers. Additionally, check that the instant vanilla pudding mix is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the banana pudding a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients and refrigerate it. Keep in mind that bananas may brown, so consider adding them just before serving to maintain their freshness and appearance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).