Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a beloved tradition in Southern kitchens, bringing comfort, nostalgia, and a creamy, sweet bite of happiness. Whether served at family gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
One key ingredient that makes this pudding truly special? Nabisco Nilla Wafers. These crispy, lightly sweetened cookies add the perfect texture and flavor contrast to the rich custard and ripe bananas. Nabisco’s original banana pudding recipe has been cherished for generations, and today, we’re sharing the best way to make this classic dish at home.
If you’ve never made banana pudding from scratch, don’t worry! We’ll guide you through the simple steps to create a creamy, homemade Nabisco banana pudding recipe that will impress everyone at the table. We’ll also share expert tips, variations, and answers to common questions to help you master this recipe.
Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-4 hours (optional)
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
What Makes This Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe Special?
- Uses homemade custard for the richest flavor.
- Features Nabisco Nilla Wafers for the perfect texture.
- Includes step-by-step layering instructions for a beautiful presentation.
- Offers variations like no-bake, healthier, or gourmet versions.
3. Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe Ingredients List
For the Custard:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Layering:
- 1 box (11 oz) Nabisco Nilla Wafers
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Meringue (Optional):
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or coconut milk.
- Egg-Free Version: Swap egg custard for instant vanilla pudding.
- Whipped Cream Instead of Meringue: For a lighter topping.
Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Making the Custard

- In a double boiler, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add egg yolks and milk, stirring continuously.
- Cook over boiling water, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
2: Layering the Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe

- Spread a small amount of custard at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of Nabisco Nilla Wafers.
- Arrange sliced bananas evenly over the wafers.
- Pour custard over the layers.
- Repeat the process, ending with a custard layer on top.
3: Making the Meringue Topping (Optional)
- Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the pudding, sealing it to the edges.
4: Baking and Serving Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe

- Baking Option: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- No-Bake Option: Refrigerate pudding for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with extra Nilla Wafers and fresh banana slices.
Expert Tips
- Use firm, ripe bananas to prevent mushiness.
- Layer strategically to prevent wafers from getting too soggy.
- Chill overnight for best flavor blending.
- Prevent bananas from browning by brushing them with lemon juice.
Variations
- Old-Fashioned Southern Nabisco Banana : Uses a baked meringue topping.
- No-Bake Nabisco Banana : Swap custard for instant vanilla pudding.
- Healthy Nabisco Banana : Reduce sugar, use almond milk, and skip the meringue.
- Gourmet Nabisco Banana : Add Amarena cherries for a sophisticated flavor.
FAQS
Yes! Prepare up to 24 hours in advance, but add wafers closer to serving to keep them crisp.
Not recommended, as bananas can turn mushy and wafers lose texture.
If it’s too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons milk, then stir it into the custard while cooking.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- For Parties: Make in a large trifle dish.
- For Individual Servings: Layer in mason jars.
- Best Toppings: Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or extra crushed wafers.
Related Recipes & Internal Links
Looking for more desserts? Check these out:
Print
Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nabisco Banana Pudding Recipe is a Southern classic, featuring layers of ripe bananas, creamy homemade custard, and crispy Nabisco Nilla Wafers. Topped with fluffy meringue or whipped cream, this comforting, nostalgic dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Custard:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Layering:
- 1 box (11 oz) Nabisco Nilla Wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Meringue Topping (Optional):
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk.
- Egg-Free: Swap homemade custard for instant vanilla pudding.
- Lighter Version: Use whipped cream instead of meringue.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Custard
- In a double boiler, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add egg yolks and milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook over boiling water, stirring continuously, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 2: Layer the Banana Pudding
- Spread a thin layer of custard at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer Nabisco Nilla Wafers evenly over the custard.
- Arrange sliced bananas on top.
- Pour custard over the layers and repeat, finishing with custard on top.
Step 3: Make the Meringue (Optional)
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- For baked meringue: Spread meringue over the pudding, sealing edges.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- For a no-bake version: Refrigerate pudding for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with extra Nilla Wafers & banana slices before serving.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe bananas to prevent mushiness.
- Prevent bananas from browning by brushing them with lemon juice.
- Layer strategically so wafers stay crisp longer.
- For best flavor: Chill overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Nabisco banana pudding
Conclusion
Banana pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—creamy, sweet, and packed with nostalgic flavors. Whether you make it from scratch or take shortcuts, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Give this Nabisco banana pudding recipe a try, and let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite way to make Nabisco banana pudding recipe?