If you are craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you. This copycat Chick-fil-A banana pudding tastes just like the restaurant version. You can make it right in your own kitchen. It is the perfect sweet treat for any day.
You do not need an oven for this recipe. It is cold, refreshing, and incredibly simple to assemble. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, the fridge does most of the hard work for you.
Why You’ll Make This Again
This dessert is a massive hit at every summer BBQ. It is light enough for hot days but rich enough to satisfy. The combination of vanilla and fresh fruit is always a crowd-pleaser. You will love how reliable this recipe is for guests.
It is also a great kid-approved option for weeknight treats. You can prep it in the morning and serve it after dinner. The ingredients are simple and usually easy to find. It is a budget-friendly dessert that feels like a total luxury.
How This Comes Together
We use a few smart shortcuts to keep things fast. Instant pudding mix saves you from standing over a hot stove. Combining it with sweetened condensed milk creates a thick and velvety base. Freshly whipped cream adds the perfect airy texture.
The layering process is almost like building a delicious puzzle. You just stack wafers, fruit, and cream in a dish. Beginners can master this recipe on the first try. It is virtually impossible to mess up this classic comfort food.
What You’ll Need
Check your pantry for these simple staples. Most of these items are probably in your kitchen right now.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1.5 cups ice cold water
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 11 ounces vanilla wafers
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until fully incorporated.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the milk mixture and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Cover the pudding mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gelatin to fully set.
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the set pudding mixture using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain.
- In a 3-quart glass dish, create a base layer using one-third of the vanilla wafers.
- Top the wafers with half of the sliced bananas and spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the top.
- Repeat the layers with another third of the wafers, the remaining bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture.
- Garnish the top with the final third of vanilla wafers, either whole or crushed.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
How To Serve It
Serve this copycat Chick-fil-A banana pudding straight from the refrigerator. It is best when it is ice cold and set. Use a large spoon to scoop deep into the layers. You want every bite to have wafers, fruit, and cream.
This looks beautiful in a clear glass trifle bowl or 9×13 dish. It is perfect for a casual backyard picnic. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy night. It also makes a fantastic holiday side dish or dessert.
Leftovers & Storage
Keep any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. This pudding stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. The bananas may brown slightly, but it still tastes great. The wafers will continue to soften as it sits.
Do not try to freeze this dessert. The creamy base will separate and change texture once thawed. It is always best enjoyed within the first 48 hours. If you need to make it ahead, prep it one day early.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Use ice-cold water to help the pudding set quickly and firmly.
- Do not skip the 4-hour chill time or the wafers will be crunchy.
- Avoid over-mixing when you fold in the whipped cream to keep it light.
- Use bananas with a few brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
- Chill your metal mixing bowl before whipping the heavy cream for faster results.
- Spread the pudding all the way to the edges to seal in the bananas.
- Crush a few wafers on top right before serving for extra texture.
- Keep the pudding covered in the fridge to prevent it from absorbing odors.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers for a different crust flavor.
- Add a drizzle of salted caramel between layers for extra decadence.
- Use cheesecake flavored pudding mix for a tangier dessert profile.
- Stir in some toasted coconut flakes for a tropical summer twist.
Quick Questions
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
Make sure the bananas are completely covered by the pudding mixture. This prevents air from reaching them. You can also toss the slices in a little lemon juice first.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use an 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping. However, fresh heavy cream provides a much richer flavor and better texture. If you use the tub, skip the extra vanilla extract.
What if my pudding is too runny?
Ensure you used instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve kind. Also, make sure your heavy cream was whipped to very stiff peaks. Chilling it for the full 4 hours is essential for setting.
I hope you love this creamy dessert as much as my family does. It is the ultimate shortcut to a restaurant-quality treat. Enjoy every bite!
— Ethan
Copycat Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until fully incorporated.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the milk mixture and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Cover the pudding mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gelatin to fully set.
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the set pudding mixture using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain.
- In a 3-quart glass dish, create a base layer using one-third of the vanilla wafers.
- Top the wafers with half of the sliced bananas and spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the top.
- Repeat the layers with another third of the wafers, the remaining bananas, and the remaining pudding mixture.
- Garnish the top with the final third of vanilla wafers, either whole or crushed.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
