This Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding is a tasty treat that blends sweet bananas, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s deliciously layered and oh-so-comforting!
Making this banana pudding is super easy, just layer the ingredients and let it chill. I love to top it with some extra bananas for that fresh taste! Enjoy every spoonful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is crucial for creating that creamy texture. If you don’t have it, you can use a homemade custard mixture, but it requires more preparation time!
Heavy Cream: For the best whipped topping, I like using heavy cream. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness. If you find bananas aren’t sweet enough, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top could enhance their flavor.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies: These add a wonderful crunch. If you can’t find them, graham crackers or shortbread cookies serve as great substitutes!
How Do You Get Your Pudding to the Right Consistency?
Getting the pudding to the right thickness is key! After mixing the pudding mix and milk, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows it to set perfectly. Remember, the trick is to whisk well to avoid lumps!
- Use cold milk when mixing with the pudding to reach that ideal creamy texture.
- Folding in the whipped cream gently helps keep the mixture light and airy. Don’t overmix!
Chill the final dessert for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors come together and softens the wafers for that classic banana pudding experience.
Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pudding:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies (crumbled and some whole for layering)
- Whipped cream for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to chill. The chilling time lets the flavors meld and the cookies soften, making each bite perfect!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pudding:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it’s smooth. Place this mixture in the refrigerator to set for about 5 minutes until thickened.
2. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will add a delicious, fluffy layer!
3. Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream:
Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. This creates a light and creamy base that’s perfect for your banana pudding.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
To assemble your banana pudding, start by adding a layer of crumbled vanilla wafers at the bottom of each serving cup or dish. This will give a nice crunch!
5. Add Bananas:
Next, add a layer of sliced bananas over the crumbled wafers. The fresh bananas bring a delightful sweetness.
6. Spoon on the Pudding:
Spoon a layer of your pudding mixture over the bananas, making sure to smooth it out evenly.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Continue layering with more crumbled wafers, bananas, and pudding until your cups are filled, making sure to finish with pudding on top for a pretty presentation!
8. Top it Off:
Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the pudding. You want it to look inviting and delicious!
9. Garnish:
For a lovely finish, garnish with a few banana slices and sprinkle extra crumbled vanilla wafer cookies over the whipped cream for added decoration.
10. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows all the flavors to come together beautifully.
Now, sit back and enjoy your creamy, sweet, and utterly delightful Chick-fil-A style banana pudding! It’s perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat all to yourself!
Can I Use Almond Milk or Other Non-Dairy Milk in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for whole milk! Just make sure to pick an unsweetened variety to maintain the balance of flavors, and the pudding should still set nicely.
How to Prevent Bananas from Browning?
To keep your sliced bananas from turning brown, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before layering them in the pudding. This will help keep them fresh and looking bright for longer.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This banana pudding can be made a day in advance. Just assemble it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It actually tastes even better after chilling overnight!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the wafer cookies become too soft, you can add a few fresh crumbs on top when serving to bring back some crunch!
