Bananas Foster Banana Pudding Recipe

Butter-and-brown-sugar bananas bring a caramel flavor to this layered banana pudding. Vanilla wafers, pudding, and whipped cream make it a chilled dessert for Sunday dinner or a potluck.

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Key Ingredients

Bananas, butter, and brown sugar: These make the cooked banana layer. Vanilla finishes the flavor.

Pudding mix and milk: Follow the preparation directions for your pudding package; package sizes can differ.

Vanilla wafers and whipped cream: Alternate them with the pudding and bananas to build the layers. Keep the ingredient amounts in the recipe card handy.

How to Make Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

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1. Caramelize the Bananas

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
• Add brown sugar, stirring until it dissolves into a smooth caramel.
• Stir in vanilla extract.
• Carefully add sliced bananas, tossing gently to coat. Cook 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
• Remove from heat and set aside. (If caramel thickens too much, add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk.)

2. Prepare the Pudding

• In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk until smooth and thickened.
• Make sure no lumps remain — this should be creamy and silky.

3. Layer the Dessert

• In a trifle dish or deep glass bowl, start with a base layer of vanilla wafers.
• Spread a layer of pudding on top.
• Add a layer of caramelized bananas.
• Repeat until your dish is full, finishing with pudding.
• Top generously with whipped cream.
• Garnish with extra banana slices, caramel drizzle, and crushed wafers.

4. Chill & Serve

• Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving (overnight is best).
• Serve cold and enjoy every creamy, caramel-filled bite.

Pro Tips

1. Keep bananas from browning: Coat them in the caramel quickly — it acts like a shield.
2. Use ripe but firm bananas: Too soft and they’ll turn mushy in the pudding.
3. Make it ahead: This dessert tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.
4. Chill the bowl first: Cold glass keeps the pudding set longer when serving at parties.
5. Save a drizzle: Keep a bit of caramel sauce aside to pour on top right before serving for that glossy finish.

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Bananas Foster Banana Pudding

5 from 3 votes

Prep: 30 minutes mins

Chill Time: 2 hours hrs

Total: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 7

This Bananas Foster Banana Pudding combines the creamy comfort of traditional banana pudding with the rich, caramelized sweetness of bananas foster. It’s an easy yet show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to impress.

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Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 8 ripe bananas sliced
• ▢ 2 cups brown sugar
• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 pouches vanilla pudding mix large
• ▢ 6 cups whole milk
• ▢ 2 boxes vanilla wafers
• ▢ 2 cups whipped cream

Instructions 

• Melt butter in a skillet, add brown sugar, and stir until dissolved.
• Add vanilla and bananas, cook 2–3 minutes until caramelized, then remove from heat.
• Prepare pudding with milk according to package instructions.
• In a trifle dish, layer wafers, pudding, and bananas. Repeat.
• Top with whipped cream, garnish with caramel drizzle and crushed wafers.
• Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 380kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Serving Suggestions

1. Serve in individual mason jars for a party-friendly version.
2. Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.
3. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for a cozy finish.
4. Serve alongside hot coffee or espresso — the caramel pairs beautifully with bitter coffee notes.
5. For summer gatherings, serve it chilled straight from the fridge with fresh berries on the side.

Variations to Try

1. Bourbon Twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for an authentic bananas foster vibe.
2. Chocolate Lover’s: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate between layers.
3. Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Swirl peanut butter into the pudding before layering.
4. Coconut Cream Version: Substitute coconut milk for half of the milk and top with toasted coconut.
5. Cookie Swap: Replace vanilla wafers with Biscoff cookies or shortbread for a new flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love It

Caramelized bananas add a rich layer of flavor, while vanilla wafers and pudding make this a creamy, make-ahead dessert.

A clear serving dish shows off the layers for a family dinner or potluck.

FAQs About Banana Pudding

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.

2. How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly.

3. Can I freeze banana pudding?
Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture of both the pudding and the bananas.

4. What’s the best dish to serve this in?
A clear trifle dish or glass bowl shows off the layers beautifully.

5. How do I prepare the pudding mix?
Follow the directions on your pudding package. In the video, I whisk the mix with milk until it thickens without cooking it, then layer the dessert. Let the finished pudding chill for at least 2 hours; overnight is best.