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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Secret Ingredient Banana Pudding

    Published: Mar 9, 2018 · Modified: Jun 5, 2021 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Secret ingredient banana pudding is such a great dish for a potluck or if you’re craving some classic southern food.

    Secret Ingredient Banana Pudding

    My mom always made banana pudding growing up when we had extra bananas. I was shocked when my husband told me he had only had banana pudding once in his life! I was on a mission to make my hubby a special treat and so I decided to make this special secret ingredient banana pudding.

    Secret Ingredient Banana Pudding

    If you’re ready to take your banana pudding to the next level, then let’s get started!

    Easy, no bake recipe

    Something I love about this banana pudding recipe is that it’s not only yummy but it is so easy. This is a no bake recipe and totally easy to make. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, holidays, or just because. I love that it’s not a really heavy dessert. It’s an especially nice and refreshing dessert after a heavy meal.

    What type of dish do I need for this recipe?

    For this banana pudding you’ll need either a trifle dish or a large casserole dish (about 4 quarts).

    Secret Ingredient Banana Pudding

    Can I make this banana pudding recipe ahead of time?

    This recipe is great recipe to make ahead of time. Whether you want to make it the night before or a few hours before, you totally can. If you are worried about the bananas browning brush a tiny amount of lemon juice on them. Note that too much can change the taste so be careful.

    So, what’s the secret ingredient in this banana pudding?

    Well, it wouldn’t be a secret any more if I told you! Just kidding, the secret ingredient in this recipe isn’t shocking or anything crazy at all. The secret to this amazing banana pudding is a little nutmeg and cinnamon. It seems simple enough but they really do make a huge difference, trust me on this! You have to try it.

    What ingredients do I need to make this recipe?

    Start making your grocery list or checking your pantry because for this recipe, you will need:

    • Bananas: Yellow bananas with only a few or no spots work best in banana pudding.
    • Whipped topping: Such as Cool Whip.
    • Cream cheese: Let it soften to room temperature so it is easier to mix in.
    • Vanilla wafers: They soften in the pudding and become more cake-like as the pudding sets.
    • Nutmeg: As I mentioned one of the secret ingredients.
    • Cinnamon: Don’t knock it until you try it. Cinnamon and bananas go really well together.
    • French vanilla pudding: Be sure you use instant pudding mix.
    • Milk: Full fat is great for this recipe but you can use what you have on hand.

    How long is this banana pudding good for?

    You can keep this banana pudding in your fridge for up to two days. After two days the bananas start to become too brown and mushy.

    Secret Ingredient Banana Pudding

    Secret Ingredient Banana Pudding

    Audrey
    Secret ingredient banana pudding is such a great dish for a potluck or if you're craving some classic comfort food.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 3-4 bananas sliced into thin pieces
    • 1 container whipped cream or cool whip (8 ounces)
    • 1 package cream cheese softened (8 ounces)
    • ½ box vanilla wafers
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 box French vanilla instant pudding
    • 1 cup milk

    Instructions
     

    • Begin by mixing the milk and instant pudding together with a handheld mixer.
    • Once the pudding is well mixed then add the softened cream cheese, whipped cream (or cool whip), nutmeg, and cinnamon.
    • Line a large dish (I have used a large 4 quart Pyrex pan and a trifle dish for this recipe before, either work) with a layer of vanilla wafers and then a layer of bananas.
    • Add the pudding mixture on top and then top with more sliced bananas.
    • Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.
    Keyword banana pudding
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    I hope you enjoyed this recipe. If you need even more recipes, be sure to check out our Take a Recipe and Leave a Recipe group on Facebook.

    If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy:

    • Lorna Doone Banana Pudding
    • Super Easy Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread
    • Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread
    • Peach Pie Coffee Cake

    If you liked this banana pudding recipe, please share it!

    SECRET INGREDIENT BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ally

      January 30, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      Yum ? this looks so good! Can’t wait to make this recipe. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    2. Dawn

      February 04, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      This looks good! I think I veganize this, so I can try it.

      Reply
    3. Alexandra

      February 17, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious dessert!

      Reply
    4. Sabrina

      February 17, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      I adore banana cream pie but it takes forever. I love this creamy banana flavour and it’s so much faster. A total win!

      Reply
    5. Catherine

      February 17, 2021 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious!!

      Reply
    6. Michal

      February 17, 2021 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love this kind of recipes, looks so good

      Reply
    7. Marcellina

      February 18, 2021 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      A great banana pudding! I love the idea of a little spice to lift the flavour!

      Reply
    8. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings

      February 18, 2021 at 8:36 am

      This looks great! One of my favorite summer desserts.

      Reply
    9. Addison

      February 18, 2021 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness this is amazing!! Such a great dessert!

      Reply
    10. Amanda Marie

      February 18, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good, I love adding the spices.

      Reply
    11. AmyG

      April 02, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      I love your writing style and sense of humor. Definitely going to give this recipe a go! Looks delicious.

      Reply

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    About Me

    Image with picture of owner of Two Pink Peonies with text that says Hi I'm Audrey

    I’m a mom and blogger, I understand how hard it can be to figure out what to cook all the time! My mission is to help you create delicious recipes, especially copycat recipes at home. I also have fun printables and crafts to help entertain your kids.

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