Experience a taste of the South with this Southern Banana Pudding in a Jar. Layers of velvety vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and classic vanilla wafers, all conveniently packaged in a mason jar for easy serving make this classic dessert even more accessible and perfect for any occasion.
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Banana pudding is definitely in my top 10 list of favorite desserts. It requires no cooking at all which makes it my go-to in the hot summer months and serving it in a jar makes it perfect for easy serving at barbecues and picnics.
Be sure to also check out my banana split pie and my recipe for delicious s'mores bars for more great summer dessert options.
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Banana Pudding Ingredients
Even though banana pudding is a classic dessert, there are about a billion ways to make it. Each family and region have their own spin. I have listed two common recipes which are both delicious and easy!
- Bananas - Ripe bananas that still have a little green on the stem, but fully yellow bodies with a few small brown spots will work best.
- Vanilla Wafers - You can swap with shortbread cookies or any crisp vanilla cookie that you like.
- Cool Whip, Milk, and Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix OR Heavy Whipping Cream, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Vanilla instant pudding mix
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This recipe is seriously easy. It only takes a few minutes and absolutely zero cooking.
Start out by whisking together the pudding mix with the mix until there are no lumps. Let this mixture chill in the fridge for a few minutes while you slice the bananas and break up the vanilla wafers.
Once the pudding has chilled for at least 5 minutes, gently fold in the cool whip until it is smooth and completely mixed together.
Tip: I used just under ¼ cup of vanilla wafers, 4-5 slices of banana, and just over ¼ cup of pudding for each layer.
To assemble the banana pudding place a third of the vanilla wafers, a third of the banana slices, and a third of the pudding into each jar. Repeat the layers 2 more times.
Let the jars chill for at least 4 hours before serving. After 8 hours the bananas may begin to brown, but they will still taste great. Top with additional whipped cream and vanilla wafers to serve if desired.
The alternate inspired by the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, is included in the recipe carb below.
Tip: To make filling the jars super easy, place the pudding in a piping bag or even a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Squeeze it into the jars for each pudding layer.
Variations of Banana Pudding
Here are some of my favorite ways to change up this recipe:
- Low Carb/Sugar Free Banana Pudding - Swap this recipe for my low-carb banana pudding. It is delicious and tastes so much like the real thing!
- Try it with other fruit - Try swapping the bananas for fresh berries or sliced peaches to completely change up this simple recipe.
- Peanut Butter and Banana Pudding - Use nutter butter cookies in place of the vanilla wafers and mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the vanilla pudding if desired.
See this keto banana pudding for a great low-carb treat!
How to Store Banana Pudding
Store the banana pudding jars, with the lids on in the fridge for up to 5 days. After the first day, the bananas will begin to brown and the jars won't be as pretty, but they will still taste great!
I do not suggest freezing banana pudding.
FAQs
While I don't have any scientific proof, anecdotally I have noticed that the bananas do seem to brown at a slower rate when banana pudding is made in a jar and stored in the fridge with the lid on. If you try it, I would love to know if you have the same experience!
While traditional banana pudding uses vanilla wafers, you can experiment with different cookies if desired. Some popular alternatives include shortbread cookies or ladyfingers. The choice of cookie can add a unique twist to the dessert.
Top tip:
- To make filling the jars super easy, place the pudding in a piping bag or even a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Squeeze it into the jars for each pudding layer.
📖 Recipe
Banana Pudding in a Jar
Equipment
- 8 16-Ounce Mason Jars
Ingredients
- 4 Ripe Bananas
- 11 oz Vanilla Wafers
- 3 cups Cold Milk
- 5.1 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- 8 oz Cool Whip thawed, plus additional for serving
Alternate Pudding Recipe:
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 ½ cups Cold Water
- 3.4 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- 3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl whisk together the milk and pudding mix until there are no lumps. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes while you peel and slice the bananas in ¼ inch slices.5.1 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix, 3 cups Cold Milk
- Gently fold the cool whip into the pudding mixture until it is fully combined.8 oz Cool Whip
- Break the vanilla wafers into pieces. Place ⅓ of the vanilla wafers into the bottom of the mason jars, top with ⅓ of the banana slices, followed by ⅓ of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers 2 more times. Top the final pudding layer with vanilla wafer crumbs if desired. I used just under ¼ cup of vanilla wafers, 4-5 slices of banana, and just over ¼ cup of pudding for each layer.4 Ripe Bananas, 11 oz Vanilla Wafers
- Cover the jars and chill for 4-8 hours. After 8 hours the bananas will begin to brown.
Alternate Pudding Method:
- In a large bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk and water.14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1 ½ cups Cold Water
- Whisk the pudding mix into the water and condensed milk until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until it is firm.3.4 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it has nearly doubled in volume and stiff peaks form.3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until it is smooth and fully combined.
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
Nutrition
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