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Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding has that perfect balance of creamy sweetness and nostalgic comfort. This copycat recipe brings together fluffy layers of whipped cream, silky vanilla pudding, slices of fresh bananas, and those classic Nilla wafers that soften to almost cake-like perfection. It is the kind of dessert you want to bring to every family gathering or just hoard in the fridge for late-night cravings.
The first time I made this pudding I could not believe how much it tasted like something my grandmother would serve at Sunday supper. Now it has become a go-to dessert for birthdays and potlucks in our family.
Ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk: Rich and creamy sweetness that helps bind the pudding. Choose a trusted name brand for best flavor
- Ice cold water: Helps hydrate the pudding base and keeps the mixture light
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Gives classic vanilla flavor and creates that silky texture. Look for a box labeled instant so it sets quickly
- Heavy cream: Whips up for a cloudlike texture. Grab fresh cream with no additives for best results
- Marshmallow fluff: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra fluffiness. Use a brand that is soft and easy to scoop
- Barely ripe bananas: Choose yellow bananas with no spots for freshest slices that hold up best in the pudding
- Nilla wafers: The iconic cookie layer. Look for ones that are crisp and whole for easy layering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the pudding:
- In a large bowl whisk sweetened condensed milk with ice cold water until smooth and combined. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously until the mixture is silky and lump free. Cover and chill in the fridge for about four hours until set
- Whip the cream:
- In a separate large bowl use a hand mixer to whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Add in marshmallow fluff and continue whipping until the mixture holds firm stiff peaks that stand upright
- Fold together:
- Take the chilled pudding and gently fold in the whipped cream mixture a third at a time. Use a rubber spatula and make big gentle strokes to keep the mixture airy. Stop once there are no major white streaks left
- Layer it up:
- In a 9x13 dish or large trifle bowl start with a full layer of Nilla wafers along the bottom. Add a thick layer of banana slices right over the cookies. Spread a third of your creamy pudding mixture over everything in an even blanket
- Repeat the layers:
- Continue with two more layers of cookies bananas and pudding. End with a generous layer of pudding cream mixture on top. Smooth it out with a spatula
- Chill and finish:
- Cover the whole dish with plastic wrap and chill for at least four more hours ideally overnight. Right before serving top with extra Nilla wafer crumbs or whole cookies for decoration
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One of my favorite things about this recipe is the Nilla wafers. After a night in the fridge they soak up the pudding and become so tender and cake like. I remember my grandma always waiting until the next day to serve her banana pudding because she said it had to be just right. Every time I taste it I am back in her kitchen again.
Storage tips
Cover the pan tightly and keep refrigerated for up to three days. The cookies get even softer with time though the bananas start to brown after a day or two. If you want the freshest look slice bananas fresh for each portion instead of layering them in
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find Nilla wafers use any plain vanilla cookie or even butter cookies. Swap marshmallow fluff for an equal amount of whipped topping for a slightly less sweet finish. If you need it dairy free use dairy free pudding mix canned coconut cream and non dairy cookies
Serving suggestions
Serve this pudding extra cold right from the fridge. It looks beautiful scooped into clear glasses. Top each bowl with more whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for a little extra flair
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Cultural or historical context
Banana pudding has deep southern roots and is a staple at family gatherings picnics and church suppers all across the South. The use of instant pudding and whipped topping came about as a shortcut in the 1950s but the nostalgia and comfort remain the same
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prevent bananas from browning?
While browning is natural, adding bananas just before serving or tossing them with a little lemon juice can minimize discoloration.
- → Can you make this dessert in advance?
Yes, preparing a day ahead improves the flavor and the wafers soften beautifully. Keep it chilled until serving.
- → What makes the texture so fluffy?
Combining whipped cream with marshmallow fluff, then folding it into vanilla pudding, results in an airy and creamy texture.
- → Are Nilla wafers required or can you substitute?
Nilla wafers are traditional, but similar vanilla cookies or even ladyfingers can be used for a different twist.
- → How do you decorate the top for serving?
Sprinkle Nilla wafer crumbs or arrange banana slices and cookies on top for an inviting, classic finish.