This dreamy Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding is your go-to no-bake dessert for any occasion. With silky smooth pudding, tangy cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and those iconic vanilla wafers layered with ripe bananas – it’s a Southern comfort dessert at its finest. Light, fluffy, and bursting with nostalgic flavor, this treat is both indulgent and super easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, a backyard BBQ, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this banana pudding hits all the right notes. Serve it in a trifle bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece or layer it into individual jars for a cute grab-and-go dessert. With zero baking required and maximum flavor guaranteed, this is a dessert that everyone will be asking the recipe for.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Pudding Layer:
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1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
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2 cups cold milk
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 (12 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
For the Layers:
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1 box vanilla wafers (Nilla recommended)
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4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Topping:
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Crushed vanilla wafers
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Optional: caramel drizzle or whipped cream
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
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In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until fully combined.
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Fold the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pudding and mix until smooth.
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Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is fluffy and well-blended.
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In a 9×13-inch dish or trifle bowl, layer the vanilla wafers along the bottom.
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Add a layer of banana slices on top of the wafers.
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Spoon and spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
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Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of pudding on top.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
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Just before serving, top with crushed vanilla wafers and a drizzle of caramel or whipped cream if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings
The Legacy of Banana Pudding in the South
Banana pudding is one of those iconic Southern desserts that carries with it a deep sense of nostalgia and comfort. Often appearing at Sunday dinners, church potlucks, barbecues, and holiday tables, it’s a treat that generations have grown up loving. What makes it special isn’t just the flavor, but the emotional memory attached to it — the grandmother who always made it just right, or the summer gatherings where it was the first dish to disappear. Its simple ingredients and humble origins are part of what makes it so timeless.
The Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding version pays homage to that rich Southern tradition while elevating it just a touch with its luxuriously creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. While Chick-fil-A’s original dessert had limited release and availability, fans couldn’t forget its luscious creaminess and layers of banana goodness. That’s where this homemade copycat comes in — it brings all those comforting flavors back, anytime you crave them.
Why This Version of Banana Pudding Stands Out
There are plenty of banana pudding recipes out there, but this one captures the perfect trifecta: simplicity, indulgence, and Southern authenticity. The base is made from instant vanilla pudding combined with condensed milk and softened cream cheese — ingredients that ensure a rich, velvety mouthfeel without the need for stovetop cooking or eggs.
The real kicker is the use of Cool Whip. It makes the pudding airy and light while helping to stabilize the layers so that the dessert holds its shape even after refrigeration. It also allows the flavors to meld together over time, meaning this dish actually tastes better the next day — a dream for any meal prepper or party host.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, contributing to a potluck, or just want something sweet after a weeknight dinner, this recipe fits every situation. Because it’s no-bake, it saves you time and kitchen space — a major win during big cooking days. It’s also incredibly easy to scale up or down. Serve it in a large trifle dish to make a showstopping centerpiece, or layer it in individual mason jars for cute, Instagram-worthy servings.
Even picky eaters and those “not into desserts” types often find themselves going back for seconds. There’s something about the combination of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and the soft crunch of vanilla wafers that is universally satisfying.
A Delicious Make-Ahead Dessert
One of the best things about this banana pudding is how well it holds up over time. You can make it a day ahead, allowing the wafers to slightly soften and absorb some of the pudding, making every bite melt in your mouth. In fact, many people swear the pudding tastes even better on day two.
This makes it the ideal dessert for events when you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute. Just prep, cover, refrigerate, and serve when ready. It holds its texture beautifully for up to 3 days, so leftovers (if there are any!) are never soggy or disappointing.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This recipe is beloved by kids and adults alike. It’s sweet but not overly sugary, smooth with the perfect touch of banana, and has a soft crunch from the wafers that keeps things interesting. There are no strong spices or odd ingredients that might turn off young eaters — just familiar, wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
Plus, if you’re making it for a party, it’s easy to set up a DIY banana pudding bar! Offer extra toppings like caramel drizzle, crushed nuts, whipped cream, or even mini chocolate chips so guests can customize their own portion.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible Ingredients
Another reason this banana pudding is such a hit? It uses ingredients you can find in nearly any grocery store, and most of them are quite affordable. You’re not hunting down rare extracts or expensive dairy products. Everything from the instant pudding to the Cool Whip is reasonably priced, making this recipe ideal for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Additionally, there’s room for some flexibility if you need to make substitutions. Want to use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? Go ahead. Prefer organic or gluten-free wafers? No problem. This recipe is versatile and forgiving, which makes it ideal for cooks of all experience levels.
Tips to Take It to the Next Level
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Use very ripe bananas for the most flavor. Look for ones with a few brown spots — they’re sweeter and more aromatic.
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Don’t skip the cream cheese. It’s what gives this version its signature richness and keeps the pudding from tasting too much like a store-bought version.
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Layer strategically. Starting with the wafers ensures they soak up some of the moisture and become deliciously cake-like by the time you dig in.
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Serve chilled. Always allow the pudding to rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours — overnight is even better.
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Add a signature topping. Crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream can add that final “wow” moment right before serving.
Nutritional Benefits — With a Touch of Indulgence
While this recipe is a treat and meant to be enjoyed as a dessert, it’s worth noting a few of the natural benefits too. Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. The recipe contains dairy, which offers calcium and protein. And because it’s such a rich, satisfying dish, you don’t need a large portion to feel full and content.
If you’re serving it to kids, it’s also a great way to sneak in some fruit while giving them a treat they’ll actually be excited about. For those looking to cut back slightly, you can always swap the pudding for sugar-free versions or use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to reduce the calorie count.
Conclusion
This Chick-fil-A Inspired Banana Pudding is more than just a dessert — it’s a hug in a bowl. With its layers of soft vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and luscious cream filling, it captures everything we love about Southern comfort food while being incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a long-time banana pudding lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. It’s quick, budget-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and universally loved. And best of all, it’s a conversation starter — everyone will ask where you got the recipe. So go ahead, whip it up for your next event or quiet night in, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness one scoop at a time.