Easy 3 Ingredient Banana Pudding Recipe You’ll Love
With our easy 3 ingredient banana pudding recipe, you’re only three ingredients away from the creamiest, dreamiest banana pudding delicious dessert you’ve ever tasted!

With a simple recipe up your sleeve, you’ll impress your loved ones and satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
We’ve got the scoop on the best way of selecting ripe bananas, blending the perfect pudding, and avoiding common kitchen blunders.
So roll up your sleeves, let’s get whisking, and soon you’ll be dishing up a dessert that’s just as delicious as grandma’s.
Here’s the scoop on our 3 ingredient banana pudding recipe.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Banana Pudding
You’ll need just three simple ingredients to make this delicious banana pudding: ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and instant vanilla pudding mix.
This easy 3 ingredient banana pudding recipe is a breeze to whip up. When gathering your ingredients for banana pudding, consider the ripeness of your bananas.
The sweeter and softer, the better – perfect for a homemade pudding.
As for the instant pudding mix, it’s a quick and convenient substitute to the traditional homemade banana pudding, yet it still keeps the classic dessert’s creamy allure.
The vanilla wafers provide that delightful crunchy contrast, my favorite part.
This easy banana pudding recipe, though simple, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, with these simple ingredients in hand, you’re ready to embark on your ingredient banana pudding recipe journey.

Step-by-Step: Preparing the 3-Ingredient Pudding
Let’s dive right into the preparation process, shall we? Your easy 3 ingredient banana pudding recipe starts here.
First, create a layer of vanilla wafer cookies in a casserole dish.
Grab your large mixing bowl and pour in the instant vanilla pudding mix. Add in your non-dairy milk, whisking until smooth.
This creates the base for your quick banana pudding, a delightful concoction that’s as creamy as it’s flavorful. Pour on top of the cookies.
Next, peel your fresh bananas and slice them into thin rounds. Layer these into your dish, right on top of the instant banana pudding.
Top it all off with your homemade whipped cream, adding a lovely, light touch to your easy pudding recipe. And voila, you’ve just completed the step-by-step: preparing the 3-ingredient pudding.
It’s that simple, quick, and oh-so scrumptious! And even better the next day.
How to Choose the Perfect Bananas for Your Pudding
Choosing the right fruit for your dessert can make a world of difference, so it’s essential to pick bananas that are perfectly ripe.
For the best banana pudding, look for real bananas with a few brown spots, indicating they’re ripe and sweet. These bananas will make a delicious banana pudding with an easy recipe.
To achieve the perfect dessert, don’t use bananas that are too ripe or too green. Too ripe, and they’ll turn into mush, too green, and they’ll lack flavor.
The classic recipe calls for fresh slices of bananas and some banana puree, so choose bananas that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch.

The Role of Each Ingredient in Our Banana Pudding Recipe
In your dessert creation, it’s important to understand how each component plays a part in the end result. Our easy banana pudding recipe has three main ingredients, each serving a critical role.
- Bananas: We not only mix this delicious fruit into the pudding itself but top it off with sweet and salty banana chips for a yummy crunch.
- Coconut Milk: Though you can use condensed milk instead, the traditional Vietnamese che chuoi dish is perfected through full-fat canned coconut milk.
- Tapioca Pearls: Tapioca is good for so much more than boba tea!
For a more traditional American-style banana pudding, you can go this route instead.
- Bananas: These form the chunky, flavorful layer of banana pudding, providing natural sweetness. If you’re vegan, use ripe bananas for a creamy banana pudding texture.
- Box Pudding Mix: This is the foundation of the pudding mixture. It’s key in any 3-ingredient banana pudding recipe card.
- Whipped Cream: Adds creaminess and a light, fluffy texture to the pudding. For vegan banana pudding, use a dairy-free alternative.
Understanding the role of each ingredient allows you to make substitutions if needed and ensures your creamy banana pudding turns out perfect every time.
Tips for Perfecting Your 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding
You’ll find that refining your dessert-making skills from last week to the next is a breeze once you’ve got a few handy tips up your sleeve.
Perfecting your 3-ingredient banana pudding starts with the best results in mind. Begin with a solid layer of vanilla wafer cookies to provide a delightful crunch.
Pour your creamy pudding over the cookies, ensuring you’ve achieved a silky texture.
This easy banana pudding recipe isn’t only a quick dessert but also a delicious one. When you bake banana pudding, it’s important to monitor the cooking time carefully to avoid overbaking.
As a final touch, adorn your masterpiece with additional banana slices. These little tweaks can turn a simple pudding into the star of your dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Pudding
Now that you’ve perfected your 3-ingredient banana pudding, let’s dive into some creative serving suggestions for banana pudding.
- Individual Cups: Serving your banana pudding in individual cups is a fantastic idea for special occasions or family gatherings. This makes serving easier and adds a personal touch.
- Top the pudding with extra vanilla wafers or fresh fruits for added texture and flavor.
- You can also add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the pudding for a classic touch.
These little tweaks can turn your banana pudding into one of the favorite desserts at the party. Trust me, it’ll be a big hit. So, don’t be shy to experiment and make the most out of your ingredient banana pudding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Banana Pudding
Let’s address the pitfalls you need to steer clear of when whipping up this sweet treat. The common mistakes to avoid when making banana pudding can turn your dream dessert into a culinary nightmare.
First, don’t rush the baking part. Bake dessert on medium heat to ensure your sweetened condensed milk doesn’t scorch.
Next, in your eagerness to layer wafers, don’t forget to save a box of vanilla wafers for the top extra vanilla wafers.
Mixing your cool whip in a small bowl on low speed prior to adding it to your ingredient banana pudding can ensure a smoother texture.
Lastly, store your finished dessert in an airtight container to keep those wafers crisp.

How to Store and Keep Your Banana Pudding Fresh
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your dessert. Here’s how to store and keep your banana pudding fresh:
- Cool at room temperature: Let the southern-style banana pudding cool at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation which can make the dessert soggy.
- Wrap it up: Cover the pudding with plastic wrap to keep the sliced bananas from browning.
- Refrigerate: Store your vegan pudding in the fridge, especially if it’s made with almond milk or coconut milk. These ingredients can spoil quickly if left out.
- Use within 2-3 days: Banana pudding, whether it’s your classic ingredient banana pudding or a vegan one made with a stand mixer, tastes best when eaten within a few days of making.
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dessert!
Nutritional Information for 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding
You’re probably curious about the nutritional content of this simple dessert. The ingredient banana pudding, unlike banana bread, is lighter on your waistline.
It’s a custard-like treat, with the nutritional information largely dependent on the type of milk and brand of pudding mix you use.
If you’re watching your grams of fat intake, opt for fat-free milk like skim milk or soy milk. These milk substitutes significantly cut down the fat content without compromising the flavor.
For instance, a serving made with whole milk contains about 3.2 grams of fat, while one made with skim milk contains just 0.2 grams.
If you prefer using a trusted brand like Jell-O brand, remember, it’s sweetened with corn starch. So, it’s not just about the fat content, but also the sugar levels you should monitor.

Variations of the 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding Recipe
In your culinary adventures, you’ll find there’s a world of variations to this classic treat, each with its own unique twist.
When experimenting with the 3-ingredient banana pudding for the first time, don’t be afraid to mix in different flavors and textures. Here are a couple of twists you might try:
- Adding a dash of lemon juice or vanilla extract to the banana pudding. This will give a subtle flavor that’ll surprise your taste buds.
- Lemon Juice: This adds a touch of tanginess that contrasts with the sweet banana.
- Vanilla Extract: This gives a warm, comforting flavor that pairs well with the banana.
Incorporating maple syrup, graham crackers, or crushed cookies into the mix.
- Maple Syrup: This enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, autumnal note.
- Graham Crackers/Crushed Cookies: These add a delightful crunch and pair perfectly with the creamy banana pudding, as a cookie layer of wafers on top or bottom… or both!
- Chocolate Chips: Chocolate, real banana, and heavy cream made for a full and delicious flavor profile.
Food for Thought
In closing, this 3-ingredient banana pudding is a breeze to make, delightful to eat, and packed with natural sweetness.
The carefully chosen bananas, combined with the other two simple ingredients of tapioca pearls and coconut milk, create a creamy, luscious dessert.
Mistakes are easy to avoid with our tips, ensuring you a perfect pudding every time.
So, grab those ripe bananas and start mixing! Remember, variations are always welcome for adding your personal touch.
Easy 3 Ingredient Banana Pudding | Che Chuoi

No pudding mix, no problem. This not-so-secret Vietnamese recipe makes coconut milk, bananas, and tapioca equal delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bananas
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
- 1 cup dried banana chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the bananas. Cut them in half horizontally, then in half vertically. Each banana makes four long pieces. Set aside.
Cooking
- Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a big pot.
- Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water. Use one hand to pour in the tapioca and a wooden spoon to swirl the water around, to keep the tapioca from clumping together as it cooks.
- Put a lid on the pot and turn the heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. When the tapioca pearls are nearly translucent with a tiny white dot in the center, they're done. Don’t overcook, or the tapioca will completely melt.
- Strain the tapioca under cold running water. Set aside and let drain.
- Rinse out the big pot, then add 2 cups of water and the drained tapioca pearls. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add sugar and 1/2 tsp salt. Turn the heat to medium. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the coconut milk, careful not to let it boil. Stir to gently mix. Then add the sliced bananas.
- Simmer for a few more minutes to warm the bananas. Turn off the stove.
Serving
- Toss the melted butter, dried banana chips, and 1/2 tsp salt in a container or bag until mixed.
- Spoon the finished banana tapioca into bowls, top with salted banana chips, and eat!
- It’s wonderful hot from the pot. And even better when chilled. Enjoy ^_^
- Store leftovers for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Notes
- Don't mistake canned full-fat coconut milk for the stuff in the carton. You need the canned kind here.
- The salted banana chips are our delightful twist on the traditional ground salted peanut topping. The salted banana chips could also be run through a food processor briefly for a crumbled topping.
- Other delicious toppings could be crumbled Nilla wafers, shaved coconut, or cubes of French toast.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this banana pudding.
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