Description

Hey there, dessert lovers! If you’re craving something irresistibly sweet and comforting, you’ve come to the right place. This Better Than Mama’s Banana Pudding recipe is guaranteed to be your new favorite. With creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy cookies, this banana pudding is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

2 small boxes of instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
2 cups whole milk – you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
2 cups heavy whipping cream – coconut cream is a great alternative for a lighter version.
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
16 oz Stauffers Original Animal Crackers – or use graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
4 ripe bananas – sliced thinly for easy layering.

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the two small boxes of instant vanilla pudding and the milk. Set this aside to thicken for a few minutes.

Step 2: Using a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream on low speed, gradually increasing to high until stiff peaks form. This may take several minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cream holds its shape on the whisk.

Step 3: Slowly fold in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the whipped cream until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream using a silicone spatula. Add the pudding in small increments to ensure the mixture stays light and fluffy.

Step 5: Start layering in your trifle dish. Begin with a layer of animal crackers at the bottom, followed by a layer of pudding mixture, and then a layer of banana slices. Repeat this until all ingredients are used.

Step 6: Top the final layer with more crackers along the edges for a decorative touch. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Serve chilled, using a large spoon to scoop out generous servings. Enjoy!

Notes

Fresh Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can add a dash of lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
Layering Hack: To make the dessert even more visually appealing, alternate between thick and thin layers of pudding and bananas.
Pudding Texture: If you like a firmer texture, add a little less milk when preparing the pudding.