Classic banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, creamy pudding, and whipped topping—a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert.

2 boxes vanilla wafers

6 to 8 ripe bananas, sliced

2 cups milk

1 (5 oz) box French vanilla pudding mix

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or sweetened whipped cream)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Line a 13×9-inch dish with half of the vanilla wafers. Layer sliced bananas over the wafers.

In a bowl, use an electric mixer to blend milk and pudding mix until smooth.

In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.

Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.

Combine the cream cheese mixture with the pudding and stir until well blended.

Pour the mixture over the wafers and bananas. Top with the remaining vanilla wafers.

Refrigerate until chilled, about 2–3 hours, before serving.

For extra flavor, lightly toast the vanilla wafers before layering.

Best served within 24–48 hours for optimal banana freshness.

Swap French vanilla pudding for banana cream pudding for an even stronger banana flavor.