This semi homemade Cold Banana Pudding is creamy, dreamy and delicious! Bananas, Banana pudding, milk, Cool Whip and Vanilla wafers make up this classic dessert!

RECIPE IS BELOW IN PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD BUT BLOG POST IS FULL OF “HOW TO MAKE IT”, TIPS, INFORMATION AND FAQ
Banana pudding is something that my mom mad a lot when we were growing up and now it’s something that I like to make for my family. This version of banana pudding is what I call “Cold Banana Pudding” and it’s simple made with just a few ingredients like banana pudding mix, fresh bananas, Nilla wafers and milk.
If you’re looking for more of a homemade from scratch southern banana pudding recipe, I have this Homemade Southern Banana Pudding on BigBearsWife.com that you’ll love.
But, let me show you how to make this easy cold pudding recipe!
Why You Should Make this Cold Banana Pudding…
- great make ahead dessert
- perfect for cookouts and parties
- super easy dessert to make with kids
QUICK GLANCE AT INGREDIENTS for Cold Banana Pudding:
- 3 cups Vanilla Wafer Cookies
- 4 bananas
- 2 boxes (5.1 oz each) banana cream instant pudding mix
- 5 cups milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip

I’ve show the ingredients above that you’ll need but you’ll also need a few items from the kitchen to make this recipe:

How to make Cold Banana Pudding:
- Cookie Bottom
Lay vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9×13 dish. Set 2 or 3 cookies to the side to crush on top of the finished pudding.
- Mix Pudding
In a mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and milk.
Whisk until pudding just starts to thicken. - First Banana Layer
Peel and slice two bananas into “coins” and scatter them on top of the vanilla wafers.
- First Pudding Layer
Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies.
- 2nd Banana Layer
Peel and slice two bananas into “coins” and scatter them on top pudding.
- 2nd pudding layer
Spread on remaining pudding.
- Topping!
Top with cool whip.
- Crushed Cookies to finish
Crush 2 or three wafer cookies over top of cool whip.
- Let it chill
Place into fridge for at least 2 hours. Serve Cold

Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but you’ll be missing a lot of the banana flavor from the pudding.
This banana pudding is best served cold.
You may be able to use something like oat milk for the pudding but soy milk won’t make it as thick. I haven’t tried this with anything other than regular whole milk. (However, any dairy milk will work)
More great banana recipes:
- Strawberry Banana Pudding Pie
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Pops
- Banana Split Eclair Dessert with Banana Whipped Cream
- Banana Cream Pie Poke Cake

Cold Banana Pudding

Cold Banana Pudding
This semi homemade Cold Banana Pudding is creamy, dreamy and delicious! Bananas, Banana pudding, milk, Cool Whip and Vanilla wafers make up this classic dessert!
Ingredients
- 3 cups Vanilla Wafer Cookies
- 4 bananas
- 2 boxes (5.1 oz each) banana cream instant pudding mix
- 5 cups milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip
Instructions
Lay vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9x13 dish. Set 2 or 3 cookies to the side to crush on top of the finished pudding.
In a mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and milk.
Whisk until pudding just starts to thicken.
Peel and slice two bananas into "coins" and scatter them on top of the vanilla wafers.
Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the bananas and cookies.
Peel and slice two bananas into "coins" and scatter them on top pudding.
Spread on remaining pudding.
Top with cool whip.
Crush 2 or three wafer cookies over top of cool whip.
Place into fridge for at least 2 hours.
Notes
Can be made up to a day in advanced and kept in the fridge
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: about 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 357Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 224mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 2gSugar: 28gProtein: 7g
If you make this recipe, snap a picture and share it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #semihomemaderecipes — We love to see what you’re making from the blog!
Love the recipes that you’re finding here but worried about misplacing them? Sign up for my newsletter above for new recipes every week OR make sure to pin this recipe to your Pinterest account so it’s always easy to find!
Leave a Comment