Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Recipe Print Pin
3 hours 30 minutes
8 servings

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.

Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a southern, easy scratch-made layered trifle brimming with creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and Cool Whip!

The top of a banana pudding trifle that is topped with whipped cream and crushed Nilla Wafer cookies.
All images and text ©Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average, LLC

Not Entirely Average is a website for home cooks of all levels. If you are a seasoned cook, you may jump straight to the recipe by using the button at the top of the page. Alternatively, you may scroll through the Table of Contents below to quickly access the information you need.

This make-ahead, no-bake classic banana pudding recipe uses simple ingredients and is sure to please everyone at your next gathering! With just a few minutes of prep time, you can create this delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. 🙂

The homemade creamy pudding (no instant pudding here!) is layered with sweet bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and Cool Whip whipped cream making for a decadent and satisfying treat. Whether you’re serving it for a potluck, a birthday party, or just a weeknight dessert, this banana pudding is sure to be a hit, and it’s even better the next day!

This pudding is among the most popular of the custardy desserts I feature here on Not Entirely Average. This sweet joins the likes of Lemon Pudding Cakes, my method for jasmine custard in these Cream Puffs, and Russian Crème Custard.

A bowl of freshly made banana pudding with a spoon.
a

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

·         Wholesome – What sets this recipe apart from other pudding recipes is that while instant pudding is made with powdered milk and artificial flavors, a homemade pudding is made with 2% milk, sugar, and eggs giving it a thicker, creamier texture.
·         Fresh Ingredients – You control the components and ensure that they are fresh and of high quality.
·         Visually Appealing – Homemade trifle is served in a trifle dish, which is a tall glass bowl that allows the layers to be seen making it all the more eye-catching and tempting.
·         Customizable – Tailor the recipe to your own taste preferences using my list of variations as a guide.


Ingredients That Go Into This Recipe

Making banana pudding with vanilla wafers for dessert is a snap and uses easy-to-find ingredients. While the following list is pretty basic, I’ve added some notes and pointers below that are worth a quick read.

Ingredients for banana pudding trifle on a white marble countertop.
  • COLD Milk – use 2% milk to attain the best texture.
  • Eggs – use the whole egg. These should be kept refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Granulated sugar – use granulated which sugar contains sucrose, a complex carb that offers a richer flavor to finished dishes versus non-calorie and artificial sweeteners.
  • All-purpose flour – thickens the pudding while helping to also stabilize it which is super important for layering.
  • Unsalted butter – required for sheen and silkiness in the custard.
  • Banana extract – use pure extract as it enhances the flavor profile of the fresh banana slices.
  • Bananas – choose ripe but not too ripe bananas that display brown freckling. These are the perfect stage for this classic southern dessert!
  • Fresh lemon juice, fresh pineapple juice, or fresh orange juice – using an acid keeps the bananas from turning brown and extends the life of the assembled layers.
  • Nilla Wafers – I haven’t met a southern banana pudding that didn’t employ these little single-bite cookies, the Nabisco company having spurred the puddings popularity almost singlehandedly. 
  • Whipped topping – Cool Whip not only saves on time, but also stands up to the heavier layers that get piled on top of it.
a

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.


Substitutions and Variations

  • Whole milk – may be substituted in place of 2%.
  • Cornstarch – 1/4-cup may be substituted in place of AP flour.
  • Vanilla extract – may be substituted in place of banana extract however will not yield in same level of banana flavor as pure banana extract.
  • Pound cake, Chess Men, shortbread cookies, ladyfingers, animal crackers, or graham crackers – may be used in lieu of vanilla wafers.
  • Fresh whipped cream – swap out the Cool Whip for freshly whipped that you whip yourself.
  • Spiced Rum – be ‘island-inspired’ by replacing a few tablespoons of milk with spiced rum.
  • Fresh strawberries, Flaked Coconut, or Pineapple Tidbits – hull and halve strawberries or scatter coconut or canned tidbits, alternating with fresh banana slices as you layer the creamy homemade banana pudding.
  • Chocolate Shavings – grab for a semisweet baking bar and use a vegetable peeler to amass a pile of chocolate shavings for layering, garnishing, or both!
  • Salted Caramel Sauce – a drizzle of this liquid elixir makes a BIG flavorful impact.

How Ripe Should Bananas Be?

A hand of ripe bananas with some brown spots.

Select bananas that are ripe without being overly ripe – I look for light spotting that is just beginning.

What Is The Best Milk For Banana Pudding?

Four types of milk were tested to determine the best consistency and thickening properties for banana pudding.

  • Whole milk produced a pudding with a rich, creamy texture and a smooth, glossy finish.
  • 2% milk was a close second, with a slightly thinner consistency but still a pleasant texture.
  • Fat-free milk resulted in a pudding that was thin and watery, with a dull finish.
  • Half heavy cream, half 2% milk produced a pudding that was similar to whole milk in terms of consistency and texture, but with a slightly richer flavor.

Based on these results, 2% milk is the best choice for banana pudding. Whole milk may be substituted if desired, but the pudding will be slightly thinner. Fat-free milk is not recommended, as it will result in a thin, watery pudding with a dull finish.

a

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

A glass bottle filled with milk atop a red and white linen kitchen towel on a white surface.

How Long Does Banana Pudding Last?

  • Leftover banana pudding trifle will last up to three days in your refrigerator.

Step By Step Instructions

You’re about to dive into an easy recipe that is both prized and coveted in every southern state not to mention every southern state’s barbecue joints and smoke houses! I hope you allow yourself to enjoy the process.

a

Tip: Make Ahead!

Make the pudding ahead and chill for at least 3 hours BEFORE assembling the trifle. The flavor benefits from the chill and the thoroughly thickened pudding will withstand the layering process beautifully!


Step 1: Fill a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish with equal parts ice and water. Place atop a kitchen towel to absorb any condensation and set aside.

Step 2: Whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, and flour together in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, for about 20 minutes. 

Step 3: Cut in the butter and the banana extract. I like my pudding heavy on banana so I add extra extract.

Step 4: Stir until the butter has melted then remove the saucepan from the heat. Move to the ice bath.

Step 5: Place the saucepan in the prepared ice bath and let it stand, whisking occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and thoroughly chilled. At this stage, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Step 6: About 1 hour prior to serving, assemble your trifle. Begin by cutting the bananas into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toss to coat with lemon juice. Just give half the lemon one good squeeze and stir. I specify 5 bananas, however you may use more or less depending on taste and garnish.

Step 7: Line the bottom of a pedestaled trifle dish or glass serving bowl with wafers. Leave whole or crush. I do both!

Step 8: Cover with half the custard. Use a rubber spatula to ‘guide’ the custard to the sides of the bowl. 

Step 9: Top the custard with whipped topping, then a layer of bananas. You can also reverse layers of you like. With each layer, consider ‘rimming’ the wall of the trifle bowl with vertical slices of fruit or cookies.

Step 10: Top with more cookies, then repeat the entire process one more time. When you are through layering, the contents will be just about as tall as the sides of the trifle dish. Add a whipped cream topping and garnish.

How to Serve A Banana Pudding Trifle

  • Use a trifle dish or a wide and shallow glass serving bowl.
  • Do not use an opaque serving vessel, as this will hide the layers.
  • If you do not have a trifle dish, you can assemble the trifle in individual glass dessert bowls.
  • When serving trifle, dig deep and fill each dessert bowl with heaps of all of the luscious layers.
  • I find that two heaping spoonfuls is the perfect amount.

Prefer Individual Puddings Instead?

a dessert bowl filled with banana pudding and whipped cream and sliced bananas

Once the custard has thoroughly chilled, load the pudding into individual dessert bowls along with Nilla’s, banana slices, and whipped cream for a grab and go handy in the fridge!

Storage Instructions

·         If you are storing the pudding in a trifle dish, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding. This will help to prevent the pudding from absorbing any flavors from the fridge. DO NOT FREEZE.
·         If you are storing the pudding for more than 2 days, you may want to transfer it in an airtight container. This will help to keep the pudding fresh.
·         When you are ready to serve the pudding, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to help soften the pudding.

Jenny’s Recipe Pro Tips

  • Tossing in lemon juice or brushing with club soda will slow the process of oxidation preventing the banana slices from turning brown.
  • Layer slowly and spin your trifle dish around to eyeball your leveling of layers.
  • It’s important to chill the banana pudding for at least 3 hours before assembling the trifle establishing an extra firm pudding that will be easier to layer. 
  • If assembling in individual dessert bowls versus a singular large trifle bowl, make this a banana pudding with bananas mixed in versus layered by stirring ¾ of the bananas directly into the pudding and use the remainder as garnish.
  • Trifle is all about the layers meaning it’s important that each layer remain visibly distinctive. Don’t assemble too far ahead of serving as the layers will likely merge into each other.

Recipe FAQs

What Can I Use if I Don’t Own a Trifle Bowl?

Any bowl large and made of glass can be used to showcase a trifle, especially each delicious layer. Additional vessels that would work well include punch bowls, mixing bowls, glass ice buckets, or individual glass dessert bowls.

How Long Does it Take for Homemade Pudding to Thicken?

About 15 minutes both on the stove and in the ice bath. Further thickening will take place as the pudding is left to cool for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. A thick pudding is necessary to support the layers. 

How Can Bananas Be Kept From Turning Brown?

Any type of citrus, and more specifically, the acid in the citrus, may be used to stabilize bananas and many other fruits from turning brown. Think lemon, orange, or even pineapple. You only need one good squeeze.

A trifle bowl on a black countertop filled with layers of pudding and bananas and whipped cream.

More Puddings and Custards You’ll Love

a

After trying this recipe, I would love to hear your thoughts! Consider leaving a star rating in the recipe card located below or sharing your feedback in the comment section. Your reviews and comments are highly valued and appreciated.

Recipe

a trifle bowl filled with creamy and delicious banana pudding

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Jenny DeRemer
This scratch-made banana pudding no-bake dessert is bursting with sweet banana making it the dessert among desserts filled with southern soul.
5 from 4 votes
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 servings
Calories 297 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter diced
  • 2 – 3 teaspoons banana extract
  • 5 bananas medium sized, ripe but not overripe
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 11 ounce package Mini Nabisco Nilla Wafers
  • 2 cups frozen whipped topping mostly thawed

Instructions
 

  • Before beginning, divide the banana slices in half BUT reserving a handful of slices for the end to garnish the dessert. Also set aside a handful of Nilla wafers, whole or crushed, to garnish the dessert.
  • Fill a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish with equal parts ice and water. I find placing the bowl on top of a folded paper towel or dish cloth will help to absorb condensation as well as keep the bowl from sliding around. Set aside.
  • Whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, and flour together in a semi-deep sided saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, for about 20 minutes. The mixture will start out watery and will end moderately thickened. Cut in the butter and the banana extract, stirring until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat.
  • Place the saucepan in the prepared ice bath and let it stand, whisking occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and thoroughly chilled. NOTE: scrape the pudding into a bowl and apply plastic film directly to the surface of the pudding. This will prevent the mixture from developing a skin. Chill for at least 3 hours. Continue with assembly no more than 1 hour prior to serving.
  • Cut the bananas into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toss to coat well with the lemon juice.
  • Line the bottom of a pedestaled trifle dish or glass serving bowl with wafers. You may either crush them lightly or leave whole. Cover with half the custard. Use a rubber spatula to 'guide' the custard to the sides of the bowl. Make a decorative band using some of the Nilla Wafers and go around the bowl, tucking each cookie gently into the custard. Top with half the bananas. Repeat. Make an additional decorative band using some of the banana slices.
  • Cover the final/top layer with whipped cream. Garnish with both reserved banana slices and reserved wafers. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead – the pudding benefits from being made ahead and given time to chill, thicken, and become more intensely flavored; minimum 3 hours, up to 24 hours.
Substitutions: while most types of milk work in this method, 2% milk and whole milk work best. Fat free milk left tasters feeling like something was missing. For this reason, use 2% milk in this recipe. Whole milk may be substituted. This recipe was not tested using any other types of milk aside from dairy milk.
Pre Assembly Storage: prior to assembly and while chilling, use plastic film to cover the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
Fully Assembled Storage: use plastic film to cover a fully assembled classic banana pudding trifle until ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers: cover with plastic film directly in the trifle bowl and refrigerate up to 3 days. Alternatively, spoon into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Do Not Freeze
Update Notes: This post was originally published in January, 2021, but was republished in 2023 with new photos demonstrating a more user-friendly, step by step method.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 7gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 84mgPotassium: 447mgFiber: 2gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 341IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 136mgIron: 1mg
Keyword nilla wafer banana pudding, nilla wafer pudding, southern banana pudding recipes
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Omg! Delicious! Made ahead and put together when we arrived at friends. Nobody could believe the pudding was from scratch!5 stars

  2. OH WOW! This is amazing, easy, and exactly works out to 8 indiv dessert bowls of pudding for my family of 4. Two nights of a fab dessert – THANK YOU! This is officially my only banana pudding recipe!5 stars

    1. Dendra, you’re welcome 🙂 It’s true that this works just as well, and is maybe more economical (requiring only a few cookies and perhaps a single large banana) when prepping for individual dessert bowls. Of course, I say this but if your dessert bowls are the size of cereal bowls, well then….!!! lol, glad you enjoyed. x – Jenny

  3. Want to thank you, Jenny for sharing this recipe. My husband recently lost his job and we’ve been under some pressure having to rethink our grocery budget while still eating real food. This recipe is entirely economical. I buy bananas every week and inevitably I end up with one or two that turn before I can use them. This pudding proves they won’t go to waste. And not having to spend out for whole milk is a relief – I used 2% as you recommend and it’s both healthier and already a part of our normal shopping list. I prefer this pudding assembled with Nilla’s but have also used animal crackers and Lorna Doone’s because they were on hand. I’ll be making your pork tenderloin and your cappelini and scallop recipes this week and am grateful all of the ingredients fit within our adjusted budget. Thank you, Jenny!5 stars

    1. Margaret Anne, I’m sorry you and yours are having to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate a job loss. It’s difficult not only to deal with that angst, but also to maintain what you’re used to while also ‘keeping the ship afloat’ so to speak. I’m going to email you several ‘rough recipes’ I am currently working on. Not only are they economical, but also really delicious! I don’t know what your dietary constraints might be, but if you find you’re able to make them, I’ll feel great knowing I was able to contribute. The hitch is you need to tell me what you’d do differently if anything – I’d love your feedback before I publish them 🙂 Jenny