Creamy and nostalgic, this Chick-fil-A banana pudding recipe brings Southern-style comfort to your table—perfect for gatherings or a sweet homemade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet utterly crucial ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture, so pick the freshest bananas you can find and don’t be shy with the whipped cream!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luscious creaminess and that classic old-school sweetness.
- Cold Water: Helps thin the condensed milk, creating the perfect base for the pudding.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: The secret shortcut to a thick, dreamy pudding layer—no stovetop required!
- Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped, it gives the pudding the light, fluffy texture that makes it so moreish.
- Nilla Wafers: Essential for the nostalgic crunch and mellow vanilla flavor—don’t substitute!
- Ripe Bananas (4–5, sliced): Their sweetness and just-soft texture are the heart of this dessert.
- Optional Whipped Cream Topping (1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract): For a cloud-like finish on top—absolutely worth the extra step if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until the mixture is silky-smooth and fully blended. This simple step sets the stage for a base that’s creamy and never grainy.
Step 2: Add Instant Pudding
Sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix and grab your whisk again—really get in there for about two minutes until the mixture is smooth and already starting to thicken up. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours. Letting it rest ensures your Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding sets up to perfection.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
When your pudding base is set, it’s time for a little magic! Grab your three cups of heavy whipping cream and, using a stand mixer or beaters, whip them until they form beautiful stiff peaks. This whipped cream will give your pudding that classic fluffy lift.
Step 4: Fold Together
Take your chilled pudding base and gently fold the whipped cream in, doing this in two batches. The goal is to keep the mixture light and airy, so don’t rush and definitely don’t overmix. You want a cloud-like finished pudding!
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
In a 9×13-inch dish or your fanciest trifle bowl, start by lining the bottom with Nilla wafers. Layer with fresh banana slices, then top with a generous blanket of pudding. Repeat these layers until you reach the top, finishing with a final creamy layer.
Step 6: Make and Add Whipped Cream Topping (Optional)
If you’re going all out, whip one cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks form. Spread this cloud of whipped cream over the top for bakery-level indulgence.
Step 7: Chill and Garnish
Pop your pudding in the fridge for at least two more hours. This waiting game is worth it, trust me—it lets all the flavors meld and the wafers soften dreamily. Garnish with extra banana slices and wafers just before serving.
How to Serve Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding
Garnishes
For a classic look, top your Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding with a spontaneous scatter of Nilla wafers and a fan of fresh banana slices right before serving. For a fancy finish, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of crushed wafers works like a charm.
Side Dishes
This pudding truly shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad, crisp shortbread cookies, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving at a barbecue or potluck, fresh lemonade or sweet tea is the perfect sip alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try layering the pudding into individual mason jars or small glasses for a grab-and-go treat. You can also make a showstopping trifle by building glorious high layers in a clear glass trifle bowl. No matter the vessel, Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding always looks (and tastes) utterly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Just cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container, then keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, but be mindful that the bananas can begin browning a bit after a day or so.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding, it’s not my top recommendation, since the whipped cream can separate and the bananas may get mushy. If you must freeze, do so before adding bananas, and add fresh slices after thawing for best results.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dessert—it’s meant to be served cold and creamy straight from the fridge. If your pudding has been in the chill a bit too long and is very firm, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade vanilla pudding, go ahead and use it—the result will still be a delicious Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding. Just make sure it’s well-chilled and thick before folding in the whipped cream.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
To help prevent browning, slice and layer bananas just before assembling, and be sure they’re fully covered by the pudding. A quick toss of the banana slices in a little lemon juice can also work wonders if you’re prepping ahead.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Sure! If you’re in a pinch for time, store-bought whipped topping works for both the pudding and the topping layer. The flavor and fluffiness will be slightly different, but the Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding will still be a hit.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes—just substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers! All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so simply swap out the wafers to make this dessert safe for gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to transport this to a potluck?
Assemble your banana pudding in a travel-friendly container with a tight lid, and bring along extra wafers and banana slices for garnishing right before serving. Be sure to keep it well-chilled until you set it out—the creamy texture and flavor are best served cold!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding from scratch—it turns any gathering into a celebration and always leaves everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe, too). So grab your whisk and gather your loved ones—it’s time to whip up some sweet memories!
Sweet Treats That’ll Make You Smile
If you loved our Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding, don’t stop there—there’s more creamy goodness waiting! Treat yourself to the nostalgic Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe for a crispy twist. For another banana favorite, try the decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Delight. Keep the fruity fun going with the moist and tender Fluffy Banana Oat Pancakes or the indulgent Chocolate Banana Bread. And for a brunch-worthy showstopper, don’t miss the Bananas Foster Brioche French Toast Recipe.
Print
Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and nostalgic, this Chick-fil-A banana pudding recipe brings Southern-style comfort to your table—perfect for gatherings or a sweet homemade treat.
Ingredients
Pudding Base
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 1 box Nilla wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
Optional Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth and fully blended. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and continue whisking for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and is lump-free.
- Chill the Pudding: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding is fully set. This step is crucial to achieving a firm and creamy base.
- Whip the Cream: Once the pudding base is set, add 3 cups of heavy whipping cream to a separate cold bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
- Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding in two separate additions. Use a spatula and light, gentle motions to maintain the airy texture and ensure the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Layer the Pudding: In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, arrange a layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas, then spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over them. Repeat the layers as desired, finishing with a final layer of pudding on top.
- Make Optional Whipped Cream Topping: If you’d like to add a topping, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this over the top layer of pudding.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the top with extra Nilla wafers and banana slices. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- If assembling ahead, add the final garnish of Nilla wafers and bananas right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- You can substitute Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream for a shortcut, but homemade offers the best flavor and texture.
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice before layering.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg