Hey y'all! If you're craving that sweet, creamy goodness of the famous Chick-Fil-A banana pudding, you're in for a treat. This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe is rich, velvety, and layered with real bananas and vanilla wafers—just like you remember. It's the perfect dessert for family gatherings, summer BBQs, or whenever you need a nostalgic pick-me-up. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- Super creamy, dreamy texture with real banana flavor in every bite.
- Easy to make ahead for potlucks, parties, or weeknight treats.
- No-bake and fuss-free—just chill and serve!
- Crowd-pleaser for all ages, from kids to grandparents.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find.
Ingredients for Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until well combined and beginning to thicken.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes on high speed).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully blended and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- In a 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl, layer one-third of the vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Place a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
- Spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas and gently spread.
- Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with pudding on top.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra banana slices and crushed wafers.
Notes for Perfect Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- Use perfectly ripe bananas—yellow with a few brown spots—for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling overnight deepens the flavor and makes the wafers soft and cake-like. Learn more about banana pudding techniques here.
- Instant pudding ensures a smooth, lump-free base (don't use cook-and-serve pudding for this easy version).
Variations on Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- Chocolate Banana Pudding: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate and add a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add a layer of creamy peanut butter between the pudding and banana layers for a Southern-inspired treat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers for a celiac-friendly dessert.
Required Equipment for Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and/or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl
- Plastic wrap
Storage Instructions for Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
Store leftover pudding tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture stays creamy, but bananas may brown slightly over time. For best results, enjoy within 48 hours.
Suggested Pairings for Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- Top with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy alongside other classic Southern desserts like pecan pie or peach cobbler.
- Pair with a glass of cold sweet tea or fresh lemonade for a true Southern experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
- Fold the whipped cream in gently to keep the pudding light and airy.
- Arrange bananas right before layering to minimize browning (toss with a little lemon juice for extra protection).
- For a picture-perfect presentation, use a clear trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers (see trifle tips here).
FAQ: Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you prefer, make a classic stovetop vanilla pudding and let it cool before assembling for a homemade touch.
How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
Toss banana slices lightly in lemon juice before layering and assemble just before serving for the freshest look.
Can I freeze banana pudding?
It's not recommended, as freezing changes the creamy texture and can make bananas mushy. Enjoy fresh from the fridge!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Ingredients
- 1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
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2Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
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3In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
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4Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
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5In a 9x13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, then spread a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with pudding on top.
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6Top with the remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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