Easy No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe For Dessert

If you love to bake, but don’t actually like to use the oven, then this No Bake Banana Pudding is for you. Creamy with the perfect flavor, this recipe will wow your family and guests. 

If you know, you know—banana pudding is a whole experience in the Black community. It’s not just dessert, it’s the sweet ending to Sunday dinners, the dish that makes people hover around the kitchen, and the first thing to disappear at the cookout.

I tried to get fancy once and serve it in cute little glasses at a dinner party, and my kids (and my guests) were not having it—they want BIG servings, layers of cookies, and no limits. Lesson learned! This no-bake banana pudding is smooth, creamy, rich, and packed with layers of flavor, and the best part? No oven needed.

Ingredients

Bananas – the star of the show, perfectly ripe but not too mushy
Ice-cold water – helps create that creamy pudding texture
Sweetened condensed milk – makes it extra rich and sweet
Godiva white chocolate vanilla bean pudding – because we fancy and this flavor is next-level
Heavy cream – whipped until fluffy for that perfect light texture
Chessman cookies – buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and way better than basic vanilla wafers

How to Make It

Start by whisking together the water (without the ice) and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.

Add in the pudding mix, whisking until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for four hours so it thickens up.

While the pudding sets, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Once the pudding is ready, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding until there are no streaks—this is what makes it so light and airy!

Now, let’s layer! In a dish (or a big serving bowl, because let’s be real, nobody wants a tiny serving), start with a layer of Chessman cookies, then add sliced bananas, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat until you reach the top.

Cover and let it chill for at least 12 hours or overnight—this lets all the flavors blend together, making it chef’s kiss perfect.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla pudding instead of Godiva?
You can, but trust me, the white chocolate vanilla bean pudding takes this to another level.

What if I don’t have Chessman cookies?
Vanilla wafers work too, but Chessman cookies make it extra buttery and delicious.

How long does banana pudding last in the fridge?
About 3 days, but let’s be real—it’ll be gone way before that.

How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
You can toss them in a little lemon juice, but honestly, once they’re layered in, they hold up pretty well.

Why This is the Best Dessert for a Dinner Party

Banana pudding brings people together. It’s nostalgic, creamy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. When I tried serving it in individual fancy glasses at a dinner party, my kids looked at me like I had lost my mind—banana pudding is meant to be scooped generously, shared, and enjoyed with no shame. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert because it’s low effort, high reward, and always a hit at the table. Whether it’s a cookout, a holiday, or just a random Tuesday night, this banana pudding never misses!

What are some other fun banana recipes to try?