Even though I am from the South, I have never actually made banana pudding before (shocker I know!!!!). This week I teamed up with a couple of other Sales guys at work to cook for charity. We chose a Southern theme for our submission. What is more Southern than banana pudding? Nothing! We were feeding a bunch so I whipped up this no bake banana pudding recipe that feeds a crowd and will have everyone asking for your recipe.
(Note that the new banana pudding pics show a third of the full recipe. This makes enough Southern banana pudding for a crowd in a big roaster pan like the picture below.)
I volunteered to make banana pudding. Easy, peasy….right?
Well, I forgot about it and then had to figure out a recipe last minute. This recipe checked all the boxes. It’s not really like my Granny’s (hers had meringue) but I prefer whipped cream instead. Meringue is just not my thing. (It may that my granddaddy always called it “calf slobbers” growing up. Ick!)
I would definitely call this a cheater recipe. Traditional Southern banana pudding has a cooked pudding base while this recipe has an instant pudding base. Thankfully, the instant pudding base makes this a no-bake recipe which we all love.
Regardless it tastes AWESOME and was a big hit with everyone. Don’t be wary of the condensed milk in the recipe either. It doesn’t make the recipe too sweet, it just changes the banana pudding for a crowd from just good to AMAZING.
Make it for your next barbecue party or take it to a potluck. I guarantee someone will ask for the recipe. Not sure you want to make banana pudding but looking for that flavor? Try my Banana Pudding Rice Krispies instead!
Did you know…
- Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the American diet?
- Bananas float!
- Bananas are officially a berry!
Who knew! Bananas are a favourite in our house (tho Dewey is actually allergic to them). We use them in Green Smoothies, Banana Bread and, of course, Banana pudding. I also love them just as they are or sliced on top of toast slathered with crunchy peanut butter.
If I’m going to eat bananas by themselves, they have to be perfectly yellow with a tinge of green at the top with no brown spots. Once a brown spot appears, into the freezer they go (peeled of course) for smoothies and banana bread. Banana pudding is best when made with ripe but not mushy bananas.
How to Make Southern Banana Pudding for a Crowd
Banana Pudding for a Crowd
Love banana pudding but not sure how to make enough for a crowd? Here is how to make banana pudding for a crowd that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3 14 oz/300 ml cans condensed milk
- 4 1/2 cups cold water
- 3 3.4 oz packages vanilla instant pudding, small
- 6 cups whipping cream, whipped
- 2 15 oz boxes Nilla wafers
- 12 bananas, +/- depends on how big they are
- additional whipped cream for garnish
- 1 disposable rectangular turkey roaster pan (20.5” x 12.5” x 2.75”)
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine condensed milk and water. Stir until well mixed. Add vanilla pudding and mix well with a whisk. Chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Whip whipping cream in small batches (you cannot whip 6 cups of cream in a normal mixer at one time....ask me how I know).
- Peel bananas and cut them into 1/2 inch thick circles. Toss banana pieces with lemon juice to keep from browning. Set aside.
- Gently fold whipped cream into chilled pudding mixture until just mixed. Spread 1/4 of the mixture in the bottom of the roaster pan. Follow with a layer of vanilla wafers and then a layer of bananas. Top with pudding mixture, layer of cookies, layer of bananas & finish off with the rest of the pudding. Chill overnight if possible.
- To serve, add additional whipped cream for garnish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30Amount Per Serving: Calories: 370Saturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 130mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 1gSugar: 35gProtein: 4g
Recipe Notes: This is BIG. It will serve a lot of people. It is a big party pleaser, though, so it is worth it. My friend Jolene said, “It’s like a slice of heaven.” If you have a smaller group just make the original recipe.
Southern food is kind of my jam. If it’s yours too, you’ll want to check out these fantastic Southern Recipes!
Super Chocolatey Coca Cola Cake
Retro Southern Recipes – Tea Cakes (Cookies)
Carolyn Severson
Friday 14th of July 2023
Here is the banana pudding recipe I made. I have made this (huge) version for a party. For us, I only made 1/3 of the recipe. It fit in a 8x11 pan.
Char
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
Would love it if the ingredients list was more informative, i.e. "small" box of pudding - depending on the brand some of these come in different sizes. No size info on the pan, other than "turkey pan", and sweetened condensed milk has no can size with it. Love that you're providing the recipe, but wish it was more informative.
Merry Kuchle
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
Generally they are all the same and this recipe is flexible enough that it likely won't matter BUT, I am going to go back and put that info in because you are totally right. :)
Nicole
Tuesday 20th of December 2022
How many cups of pudding does the condensed milk and vanilla pudding make? I'd like to make my own instead. Thank you!
Merry Kuchle
Tuesday 20th of December 2022
Hmmmm. I’m not sure as I didn’t measure. I would say around 14 cups.
Shelia
Wednesday 23rd of November 2022
This I s not southern banana pudding from scratch if it was you sure wouldn't use box pudding!!!
Merry Kuchle
Wednesday 23rd of November 2022
It doesn’t say “from scratch” anywhere. :) There are many different ways to make banana pudding. I have had many of them. For a big crowd, making it from scratch is often too big of a hassle. If that is what you are looking for, I’m sure you will find it. Good luck!
Carolyn
Tuesday 23rd of August 2022
Made this many times! Such a big hit and so so delicious! I have a question though-- I'm looking for ways to make this so much smaller for my sister's birthday and in the post you say something about "using the original recipe for smaller groups". Can I find this recipe somewhere or is there a certain way to divide the recipe? Help!!
Merry Kuchle
Tuesday 23rd of August 2022
Just divide everything by 3 and it will work perfectly!