A quick and creamy Banana Pudding Fluff made with homemade whipped cream, instant pudding, crushed vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas. Light, fluffy, and ready after a short chill, it’s an easy shortcut dessert.
Banana Pudding Fluff
If you’ve been around my kitchen for any length of time, you already know where I stand: the best banana pudding starts with a homemade custard - silky, rich, and cooked low and slow.
But some days call for something fast, fun, and just a little whimsical. This Banana Pudding Fluff is exactly that.
Inspired by a Delish idea, it takes all the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding and turns them into a light, creamy, cloud‑like dessert you can whip together in minutes.
But some days call for something fast, fun, and just a little whimsical. This Banana Pudding Fluff is exactly that.
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Inspired by a Delish idea, it takes all the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding and turns them into a light, creamy, cloud‑like dessert you can whip together in minutes.
And unlike the marshmallow‑filled “fluff” recipes you often see online, this version keeps things closer to true banana pudding. There are no mini marshmallows here - just real whipped cream folded into instant pudding, crushed vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas.
It’s lighter, cleaner, and far less candy‑sweet, making it a quick shortcut that still tastes like home.
It’s lighter, cleaner, and far less candy‑sweet, making it a quick shortcut that still tastes like home.
Here's what you'll need to make this Banana Pudding Fluff:
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Pudding:
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, plus more for garnish
2 bananas, sliced, plus another for garnish, if desired
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Here's how to make it!
Place heavy cream in a mixer bowl or blender, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
I'm using my Ninja Storm and while I love it, I don't think it's available anymore, likely replaced with the CrushBoss (#affil). I just love Ninja products and I have quite a few of them! There are lots of other countertop blenders available these days that''ll work just fine, or you can certainly hand whip too.
Beat or pulse until thick, fluffy peaks form. Set aside in refrigerator.
In a large bowl, add the milk and pudding.
Whisk. (affil)
Until thickened, about two minutes.
Please cookies into a bag and lightly crumble. You don't want crumbs so keep some texture to most of them.
Add sliced bananas to pudding.
Top with crumbled crackers.
Add whipped cream.
Fold everything together.
Transfer to a storage bowl, smooth out top and make sure no bananas are exposed. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or longer.
Spoon into individual serving dishes and top with crumbled wafers and additional slices of banana, if desired.
While nothing will ever replace my beloved from‑scratch custard banana pudding, this little shortcut version has earned its place in the rotation. It’s easy, it’s nostalgic, and it’s just plain fun to eat.
Spoon it into a vintage bowl, like the Big Top dessert cups pictured, top it with extra wafer crumbles and banana slices if you like, and enjoy a sweet, simple treat that tastes like home - even on the busiest days.
For more of my favorite puddings and custard recipes, check out my collection on Pinterest!
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