If you’ve had the chance to try Chick-fil-A’s Banana Pudding, you know it’s a rare and indulgent treat that can be hard to find outside of Georgia. This copycat recipe brings that same light, creamy, and indulgent pudding to your kitchen in no time. The pudding features fresh banana slices, Nilla wafers that transform into a cake-like texture, and a luxurious marshmallow fluff cream that gives it a velvety finish. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dessert!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1.5 cups ice-cold water
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3.5 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
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2.5 cups heavy cream
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2/3 cup marshmallow fluff
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5-6 large bananas (preferably slightly ripe)
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1 box Nilla Wafers
Directions
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Prepare the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water until smooth. Add the vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously to combine. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours. -
Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the marshmallow fluff and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding in increments to avoid deflating the cream. -
Assemble the Pudding
In a 9×13 baking dish or large bowl, layer the Nilla wafers at the bottom. Top with banana slices, then spread 1/3 of the whipped cream mixture over the bananas. Repeat this layering process twice more, ending with a final layer of whipped cream on top. -
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 more hours (overnight is ideal). Garnish with crushed Nilla wafers on top before serving.
Nutrients
Per serving (1/12 of the recipe):
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Calories: 250 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 38 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Saturated Fat: 7 g
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Sodium: 80 mg
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Potassium: 350 mg
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 24 g
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Vitamin A: 6% DV
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Calcium: 8% DV
The Importance of the Creamy Pudding Base
At the heart of this dessert is the pudding base, which brings together a blend of sweetened condensed milk, ice-cold water, and vanilla pudding mix. The combination of these ingredients creates a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet pudding that serves as the perfect base for the banana pudding. The instant vanilla pudding mix helps the pudding set quickly, making it easy to prepare in a short amount of time.
The key to making this pudding base a success is ensuring that the sweetened condensed milk and water are mixed thoroughly, followed by the addition of the vanilla pudding mix. This creates a thick yet creamy pudding that is sweet without being overwhelming, giving the dessert a luscious texture. After refrigerating the pudding, it becomes firm enough to hold its shape but still remains soft and spoonable, making it ideal for layering with the other ingredients.
The Role of Marshmallow Fluff in the Creamy Whipped Layer
What truly sets this banana pudding apart is the addition of marshmallow fluff, which is incorporated into the whipped cream. Marshmallow fluff adds a unique sweetness and texture that makes the whipped cream layer incredibly light, airy, and smooth. This indulgent layer is crucial to achieving the velvety finish that makes this dessert so irresistible.
As you whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, the marshmallow fluff is gradually added, creating a whipped cream that is thicker and slightly sweeter than traditional whipped cream. The fluff’s unique consistency also helps stabilize the whipped cream, allowing it to hold its shape once folded into the pudding. The result is a creamy, luxurious texture that complements the richness of the pudding base while providing a soft contrast to the firm banana slices and Nilla wafers.
Layering with Nilla Wafers and Bananas
The layering process is essential to the structure and flavor of this dessert. Nilla wafers form the base layer of the pudding, and their texture transforms as they absorb the creamy pudding mixture. These cookies take on a cake-like consistency, adding substance and texture to the pudding without overpowering the other flavors. As they soak in the pudding, the wafers soften and become the perfect vessel for the banana slices and whipped cream.
The bananas are another key ingredient in this banana pudding. Sliced thinly and layered between the pudding and whipped cream, the fresh bananas add a burst of natural sweetness and a fruity freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream and pudding. The bananas should be slightly ripe, as they hold their shape well and provide a firm texture that complements the soft cream and pudding. They also add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallow fluff and the depth of the vanilla pudding base.
The Magic of Refrigeration and Chilling
One of the most important steps in making this banana pudding is allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for several hours. Chilling the dessert helps the flavors meld together and ensures that the pudding sets properly. The longer the pudding sits, the better the flavors develop, and the cream layers firm up to create a cohesive dessert.
While the pudding can be served after a few hours of chilling, allowing it to sit overnight is ideal. The longer it chills, the more the Nilla wafers absorb the pudding and transform into a cake-like texture, creating the perfect balance of softness and structure. The bananas also soften slightly, blending seamlessly into the pudding. By the time you’re ready to serve, the dessert will have developed a velvety, smooth consistency that’s both creamy and satisfying.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Chick-fil-A-inspired banana pudding is not only a delicious dessert but also an incredibly versatile one. Its creamy texture and balance of flavors make it perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a potluck, a summer picnic, or a holiday gathering, this banana pudding is guaranteed to be a hit.
Its easy preparation and make-ahead nature also make it ideal for busy schedules. Once assembled, the pudding requires minimal attention, and the chilling process allows you to prepare it in advance, freeing up time for other tasks. The large batch size ensures there will be plenty to serve to a crowd, making it a practical choice for gatherings and celebrations.
Healthier Modifications and Variations
While this banana pudding is undeniably indulgent, there are a few ways to make it slightly healthier or accommodate different dietary preferences. For example, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping to make the pudding dairy-free. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you could use a sugar substitute in place of the sweetened condensed milk or marshmallow fluff.
To make it even lighter, you could reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute some of the pudding mix with a plant-based pudding alternative. There are also vegan marshmallow fluff options available, which can be used in place of the traditional fluff to make the dessert suitable for vegan diets.
For those who prefer a twist on the traditional recipe, you can experiment by adding other fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, to the layers. These fruits add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy layers of the pudding. You could also switch out the Nilla wafers for other types of cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, for a unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A’s Banana Pudding is a classic dessert that brings together the best of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors in a way that’s both indulgent and comforting. This copycat recipe recreates the magic of the original, allowing you to enjoy this rare and indulgent treat in the comfort of your home. With its rich vanilla pudding base, light marshmallow fluff cream, fresh banana slices, and soft Nilla wafers, this dessert is the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply enjoying it as a sweet treat, this banana pudding will quickly become a favorite. Its easy preparation, creamy consistency, and irresistible flavor make it a must-try for anyone who loves classic desserts with a modern twist.