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
Scale
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