Banana pudding is one of those desserts that has a permanent place in my heart. It was always on the table at family gatherings growing up, and there is just something about that sweet, creamy combination of homemade pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers that feels like pure comfort.
Many southerners will tell you there is nothing better than the classic, old-fashioned version — and I completely agree. But I also can’t help myself when it comes to dreaming up new twists. I’ve stirred in Nutella, swapped in Nutter Butter cookies, layered in rum-flambéed bananas, and even turned the whole thing into a poke cake and cupcakes. Some of these are from-scratch showstoppers, and some come together in just a few minutes with store-bought ingredients. All of them are absolutely delicious and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing southern dessert. Here are my all-time favorite ways to make banana pudding!
Classic Banana Pudding
A classic southern dessert made of layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and custard and topped with whipped cream.
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Banana Pudding with Meringue
This is the old-fashioned, true southern banana pudding — layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and homemade vanilla custard topped with a fluffy, toasted meringue. Many southerners will tell you a real banana pudding has meringue on top, and I have to agree. There is nothing quite like pulling this golden beauty out of the oven.
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Bananas Foster Banana Pudding
This one tastes like traditional banana pudding, but better. The banana slices get coated in brown sugar and cinnamon and then flambéed with rum before being layered into a homemade custard with vanilla wafers and whipped cream. It would be absolutely perfect for a Mardi Gras party.
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Chocolate Banana Pudding
Traditional banana pudding gets even better with a rich, homemade chocolate pudding layered in. I can never resist chocolate, and it makes a fantastic addition here. Cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor — this one is perfect for summer entertaining.
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Nutter Butter Banana Pudding
If you love banana pudding and peanut butter, this is a must-make recipe. Nutter Butter cookies take the place of vanilla wafers and get wonderfully soft as they sit in the pudding. A creamy peanut butter drizzle on top takes it completely over the edge.
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Nutella Banana Pudding
Made with chocolate hazelnut spread and Oreo cookies, this is not your ordinary banana pudding. It is one of the best variations I have ever made — so rich and decadent that you may find yourself favoring it over the classic. Super quick and easy to pull together, too.
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Twinkie Banana Pudding
I love making things with Twinkies, and they are an awesome addition to banana pudding. Sliced Twinkies, bananas, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream all get layered together in a trifle bowl for a fun, nostalgic twist. This one is perfect for your next potluck or picnic.
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Banana Pudding Poke Cake
This completely from-scratch poke cake is wonderfully creamy and bursting with banana flavor. A homemade banana cake soaks up all that vanilla pudding, and the whole thing gets topped with fresh bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers. There is a whole lot of deliciousness going on here!
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Banana Pudding Cupcakes
All the flavors of classic banana pudding in a fun, handheld form. These cupcakes are filled with a creamy pudding center and topped with whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers. They are perfect for potlucks or large gatherings because they can — and should — be made ahead.
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Banana Pudding Cake
This Banana Pudding Cake Recipe takes everything we love about classic banana pudding — fresh bananas, Nilla wafers, and that creamy, dreamy pudding flavor — and transforms it into a stunning layer cake. It's the perfect way to bring a little sophistication to a down-home favorite without losing any of that comfort food magic. If you're looking for a showstopper dessert that still tastes like nanner puddin' from grandma's kitchen, this is it.
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Banana Pudding Cheesecake
This Banana Pudding Cheesecake is the ultimate mashup of two classic desserts, and it is every bit as dreamy as it sounds. A buttery vanilla wafer crust, a ring of whole Nilla wafers around the edges, and a creamy filling made with fresh bananas and brown sugar make this an absolute showstopper. If you love banana pudding and cheesecake, this one is going to blow you away.
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Banana Pudding Pancakes
Banana Pudding Pancakes are exactly the kind of recipe that makes you question everything you thought you knew about breakfast. Mashed banana and crushed vanilla wafers go right into the batter, and then the whole stack gets layered with a thick, creamy pudding syrup loaded with fresh banana slices and finished off with whipped cream and more vanilla wafers on top. Breakfast or dessert — honestly, who cares?
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Banana Pudding Ice Cream
A creamy and rich banana pudding ice cream with real banana flavor and wonderful pieces of Nilla wafers mixed in.
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