Ina Garten, known for her delicious and accessible recipes, brings us a classic comfort food with a twist. Her meatloaf is a favorite for many, with its simple ingredients and foolproof steps, making it a go-to dish for any home cook. While this meatloaf recipe stands as a timeless choice, today we are sharing a delightful dessert recipe inspired by her simple and approachable style—a layered banana pudding that’s just as easy to make as it is delicious.

Packed with the creaminess of sweetened condensed milk, the fluffiness of whipped topping, and the delightful crunch of vanilla wafers, this dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of bananas and creamy layers offers a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Let’s dive into making this dessert that’s sure to impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and no baking required, this dessert is simple to prepare. You can whip it up in no time!

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a casual gathering, this dessert is sure to be a hit with its delightful layers and creamy texture.

3. Light and Refreshing

Bananas, whipped topping, and sweetened condensed milk come together to create a light, sweet, and refreshing dessert that’s not too heavy.

4. Versatile

You can customize this dessert by adding your favorite toppings, such as chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

5. Make-Ahead Convenience

This dessert is best when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together in the fridge. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Ingredients

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
14 ounces sliced fresh bananas

Variations

Add a Layer of Chocolate: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips between the layers for a chocolaty twist.
Nuts for Texture: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some extra crunch.
Caramel Drizzle: For added richness, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Use Different Cookies: Instead of vanilla wafers, you could use graham crackers or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor base.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Easy Banana Pudding

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and thawed whipped topping. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In a pie dish or a similar sized container, start by layering half of the crushed vanilla wafers on the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Bananas

Layer half of the sliced bananas over the wafer crust.

Step 4: Spread the Whipped Mixture

Spread half of the whipped topping mixture over the bananas, making sure it covers them evenly.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining crushed vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining bananas, and finishing with the rest of the whipped topping mixture.

Step 6: Refrigerate

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Easy Banana Pudding

Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure the bananas are ripe but not overly soft. Slightly firm bananas hold up better in the layers.
Thaw Whipped Topping Properly: Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed to achieve the right creamy consistency.
Serve Chilled: This dessert is best served chilled, so make sure to give it enough time in the fridge to set before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this dessert in individual bowls or slices straight from the pie dish. For an extra touch, garnish with more sliced bananas, crushed vanilla wafers, or even a dollop of extra whipped topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dessert will still be delicious, though the wafers will soften further as it sits.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dessert, as the texture of the whipped topping and bananas may change when thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake dessert, it doesn’t need to be reheated. Just serve chilled!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute fresh whipped cream for the whipped topping, though the texture may be slightly different.

2. How long can I store this dessert in the fridge?

It’s best eaten within 2-3 days, as the bananas will start to brown over time.

3. Can I make this dessert with sugar-free ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping for a lighter version.

4. Can I use frozen bananas?

Frozen bananas can be used, but they may release more moisture as they thaw, potentially altering the texture of the dessert.

5. How can I make this dessert more decadent?

For a richer version, add a layer of chocolate pudding between the bananas or drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top before serving.

6. Can I use a different type of cookie?

Yes, you can swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.

7. Can I use store-bought banana pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute prepared banana pudding mix for the whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk mixture, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

8. How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

To prevent browning, you can drizzle a little lemon juice over the banana slices before layering them.

9. Can I make this dessert the night before?

Yes, this dessert actually benefits from being made ahead of time. The flavors meld together in the fridge, making it even more delicious the next day.

10. How do I serve this dessert at a party?

For a party, serve this dessert in individual cups or jars for easy, single-serving portions.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s easy banana pudding is a simple, creamy, and satisfying dessert that everyone will love. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a casual get-together, this dessert will surely be the star of the show!