Creamy Joanna Gaines Banana Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Joanna Gaines’s banana pudding turns simple components into a symphonic dessert that electrifies any social gathering.

Her Southern-inspired creation weaves comfort and contemporary elegance into a single, irresistible dish.

Luscious layers of silky cream, ripe bananas, and crunchy cookies cascade together in a harmonious blend.

Each delectable spoonful whispers stories of cherished family moments and sunlit kitchen memories.

Decadent yet uncomplicated, this pudding represents culinary magic at its finest.

The recipe radiates warmth, promising to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary celebration.

Let this sweet masterpiece become the star of your next meal and watch as smiles bloom around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 11

Joanna Gaines Banana Pudding Ingredient List

• Whole Milk: Select fresh, full-fat milk for rich, smooth texture.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Choose high-quality brand for intense vanilla flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Opt for smooth, creamy variety for extra sweetness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Look for authentic, high-grade extract for deep aromatic notes.
• Whipped Topping: Pick light, fluffy topping for airy consistency.

• Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Select crisp, golden cookies with robust vanilla undertones.
• Fresh Bananas: Choose ripe, unblemished bananas with vibrant yellow color.

• Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Pick crunchy, well-textured cookies for delightful topping.

Gear for Making Joanna Gaines’ Banana Pudding

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious vessel for combining pudding ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending pudding mix and creating silky texture.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements for milk and condensed milk.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding whipped topping into pudding base.
• Clear glass serving bowl: Showcases beautiful layers of banana pudding.
• Knife: Helps slice bananas into even, attractive layers.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate portioning for vanilla extract.
• Crusher or rolling pin: Breaks vanilla wafers into delightful crumbs.
• Refrigerator: Chills and sets the pudding to creamy perfection.

How to Make Banana Pudding Like Joanna Gaines

• Prepare Creamy Pudding Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk whole milk with instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and thick. Pour in sweetened condensed milk, stirring until perfectly blended.

• Create Luscious Mixture

Add a splash of pure vanilla extract to your pudding base. Fold in whipped topping gently, maintaining a cloud-like texture that’s light and irresistible.

• Build Tempting Layers

In a clear glass bowl, start creating mouthwatering layers. Begin with crisp vanilla wafer cookies, followed by ripe banana slices, then cover with your creamy pudding mixture. Repeat these delicious layers, ending with a generous pudding topping.

• Chill and Develop Flavor

Slide your dessert into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This magical resting time allows all the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, cohesive taste that will make taste buds dance.

• Finish with Flair

Right before serving, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for a satisfying crunch. Dive into this creamy, dreamy banana pudding that promises pure dessert bliss.

Tips for Creamy Banana Pudding (Joanna Style)

• Customize Cookie Crunch: Swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers, shortbread, or chocolate cookies for a personalized twist that adds unique texture and flavor to your dessert.
• Boost Fruity Freshness: Experiment with additional fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mandarin oranges alongside bananas to create a vibrant and colorful layered pudding.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify and meld together, making your banana pudding even more delicious.
• Elevate Topping Options: Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra gourmet touch that transforms the classic dessert into a show-stopping treat.

How to Serve Banana Pudding by Joanna

• Serve Elegantly in Glasses: Use clear parfait glasses or mason jars to showcase beautiful layers, letting each colorful stripe of banana and pudding peek through the glass.
• Garnish with Flair: Top with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, or a light dusting of cinnamon to add visual interest and extra flavor complexity.
• Create Individual Portions: Prepare single-serve cups for easy entertaining, making each guest feel special with their own perfectly crafted dessert portion.
• Pair with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside cold milk, iced coffee, or a light sweet tea to enhance the creamy banana pudding experience and balance the dessert's rich texture.

Saving Leftovers of Joanna Gaines’ Banana Pudding

• Preserve Pudding Perfection: Store banana pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and maintain its creamy texture.
• Prepare Ahead Strategy: Assemble the pudding layers up to 24 hours before serving. Keep the crushed wafer topping separate until the final moment to prevent soggy cookies and maintain maximum crunch.
• Freezing Wisdom: Avoid freezing the entire dessert, as bananas and whipped topping break down when thawed. If you must store longer, keep individual components separate and reassemble fresh.
• Serving Smart: Remove banana pudding from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight warming allows the flavors to bloom and creates a more enjoyable eating experience, letting the creamy texture shine.

Effortless Joanna Gaines Banana Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ banana pudding combines Southern comfort with creamy elegance. Layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and silky custard create a delightful dessert you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 bananas (small, sliced)
• 1 package (16 oz / 453 g) vanilla wafers
• 1 container (12 oz / 340 g) frozen whipped topping (thawed)
• 2 cups (473 ml) cold milk
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package (5 oz / 142 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Pudding Preparation: Whisk cold milk with instant vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes until achieving a thick, creamy consistency. Blend in sweetened condensed milk until smooth and uniform.
2. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate vanilla extract and gently fold in whipped topping to create a light, silky texture.
3. Layering Foundation: In a clear serving dish, create the first layer by arranging vanilla wafer cookies as a crisp base, followed by a delicate arrangement of banana slices, then generously cover with prepared pudding mixture.
4. Strategic Assembly: Continue layering with precise alternation of cookies, bananas, and pudding, ensuring even distribution and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Complete with a final pudding layer for a refined finish.
5. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and the structure to solidify completely.
6. Final Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafer crumbs across the top to add a delightful crunch and visual dimension.

Notes

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and achieve optimal texture, ensuring a perfectly set dessert.
• Whisking Technique: Beat pudding mixture exactly 2 minutes to guarantee a smooth, thick consistency without lumps.
• Layer Strategically: Create even, neat layers of wafers, bananas, and pudding for a visually stunning and balanced dessert presentation.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and add delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg