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Two mason jars filled with Christmas Banana Pudding, topped with banana slices and vanilla wafers. A hand holds a spoon in one jar. Bananas and more wafers are on a white marble surface nearby.
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Crowd Pleasing Christmas Banana Pudding

This easy Christmas banana pudding is creamy, fluffy and full of nostalgic banana flavor. It is the kind of dessert that disappears fast at holiday parties, potlucks and family gatherings, and it takes just a few minutes of hands on time.
Prep Time10 minutes
Chill Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 - 8 people
Calories: 455kcal
Author: Chop and Cheers

Ingredients

  • 1 box instant banana pudding mix 3.4 oz / about 96 g
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk (360 ml)
  • 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed 8 oz / about 225 g
  • 2 cups vanilla wafers, crushed, plus extra for topping about 90 g
  • 2 medium bananas sliced

Optional Christmas twist:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Crushed gingerbread cookies or Biscoff for topping
  • Festive sprinkles for serving

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth and slightly thickened. If using, whisk in the cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Add the thawed Cool Whip. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold it into the pudding until the mixture looks mostly even and fluffy, with no big streaks of plain Cool Whip.
  • Slice the bananas. Gently fold the banana slices and most of the crushed vanilla wafers into the pudding mixture, reserving a small handful of crumbs for the top.
  • Transfer the pudding to a serving dish or airtight container. Smooth the top. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set.
  • Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap. Top with the reserved vanilla wafer crumbs, any crushed gingerbread cookies or Biscoff you like, a few fresh banana slices and festive sprinkles if using. Serve cold.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots.
  • To help prevent browning, you can lightly toss the sliced bananas in 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice before folding them into the pudding.
  • This Christmas banana pudding is at its best within 24 hours of making it. After that the bananas soften more, but the flavor is still good.