Pam'S Banana Pudding
Creamy and decadent banana pudding with vanilla flavor, light whipped topping, and fresh bananas, perfect for family gatherings or casual dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the instant vanilla pudding mix with 5 cups of milk until well combined.
- Stir in the nonfat sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- Add sliced bananas and fold gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 12-inch pan lined with vanilla wafers.
- Top with additional vanilla wafers.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use whole milk instead of nonfat milk. You can substitute regular sweetened condensed milk if you prefer a richer flavor. If you're short on time, consider using pre-sliced bananas to save some prep time. To prevent browning, toss the sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pudding. This delicious dessert pairs beautifully with Coffee Toffee Balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pam's Banana Pudding chilled for a refreshing treat. It’s perfect for gatherings and can be topped with additional Cool Whip or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for added texture. Pair it with a slice of Whipping Cream Lemon Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pudding may thicken slightly upon chilling, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change significantly after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam'S Banana Pudding contains roughly 1820 calories, with 23g protein, 315g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 different flavors of pudding mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for a unique twist on this classic banana pudding. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, so choose a flavor that complements the bananas.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Pam's Banana Pudding gluten-free, ensure that the instant pudding mix and vanilla wafers you use are labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options for both ingredients, allowing you to enjoy this dessert without any gluten concerns.
What can I do if my pudding doesn't thicken?
If your pudding mixture doesn't thicken as expected, it may be due to insufficient mixing or the wrong milk type. Make sure to mix thoroughly and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, as it will firm up as it cools. If all else fails, consider adding a bit of cornstarch to help thicken it.
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).