The first bite feels creamy, sweet, and full of that homemade banana goodness.
This Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding is smooth, rich, and layered with vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices.
I made it after trying it at the restaurant, and now it’s a favorite at home.
It’s light, nostalgic, and tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
If you love simple desserts that make everyone smile, this one’s for you.
Let’s whip it up and bring that classic Chick-fil-A comfort to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Just Like Chick-fil-A: The marshmallow fluff makes all the difference in recreating that signature creamy texture.
- No-Bake Wonder: No oven required, making it perfect for warm days or busy schedules.
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults both reach for seconds of this classic Southern dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as flavors meld together.
- Simple Ingredients: Common pantry items come together to create something special.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: About 4 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes about 8-10 servings, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Need more for a bigger crowd? Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch dish.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. No cooking or baking skills needed, just simple mixing and layering.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Trifle dish or 9×9-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for slicing bananas
Ingredients for Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding
This Southern classic comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients that create layers of sweet, creamy perfection. The marshmallow fluff is the secret ingredient that gives this pudding its signature Chick-fil-A taste and cloud-like texture.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dessert:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Adds rich sweetness and helps create the creamy base.
- Cold Water (1 and 1/2 cups): Thins the pudding mixture to the perfect consistency.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz box): The foundation of the creamy pudding layer.
- Heavy Cream (2 cups): Whips up light and airy to fold into the pudding.
- Marshmallow Fluff (1 cup): The secret ingredient that makes this taste like Chick-fil-A.
- Bananas (4-5 medium, ripe but firm): Adds natural sweetness and classic banana pudding flavor.
- Nilla Wafers (1 box, 11 oz): The traditional cookie that softens into cake-like layers.
Variations for Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding
- Add Cream Cheese: Beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese into the pudding mixture for extra richness.
- Use Fresh Whipped Cream: Skip the marshmallow fluff and top with homemade whipped cream for a lighter version.
- Try Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate sauce between layers for a twist.
- Make Mini Cups: Layer the pudding in individual mason jars or cups for party servings.
- Add Peanut Butter: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Pudding Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes to set.
2. Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This takes about 3-4 minutes. The cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters.
3. Fold in Marshmallow Fluff
Gently fold the marshmallow fluff into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Use smooth, sweeping motions to keep the mixture light and airy.
4. Combine Everything
Take the pudding base from the refrigerator and gently fold in the whipped cream and marshmallow mixture. Mix until everything is combined and creamy.
5. Slice the Bananas
Slice the bananas into rounds about a quarter-inch thick. Try to slice them right before assembling to prevent browning.
6. Layer the Pudding
Start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of your dish. Add a layer of sliced bananas, then spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over top. Repeat the layers, ending with pudding on top. Crush a few wafers and sprinkle them on top for decoration.
7. Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. The wafers will soften and the flavors will blend together beautifully.
Serving and Decoration
Serve this banana pudding chilled in individual bowls or scoop it straight from the dish. For a pretty presentation, top each serving with a whole vanilla wafer, a banana slice, and a dollop of extra whipped cream. You can also garnish with a light dusting of crushed wafers or a drizzle of caramel sauce for special occasions.
How to Serve Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding
This dessert is perfect for:
- Family Dinners: A comforting end to Sunday suppers or weeknight meals.
- Potlucks and Picnics: Travels well and feeds a crowd without fuss.
- Summer BBQs: A cool, refreshing treat for hot weather gatherings.
- Holiday Celebrations: A Southern staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dessert tables.
- Birthday Parties: Kids and adults both love this nostalgic treat.
Storing Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bananas may start to brown slightly after day two, but the pudding still tastes delicious.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The texture of the bananas and pudding changes when frozen, becoming watery and mushy when thawed.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the pudding mixture a day ahead and store it separately. Assemble the layers with fresh bananas a few hours before serving for the best appearance.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Ripe But Firm Bananas: Overripe bananas turn mushy and brown too quickly. Choose bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The pudding needs time for the wafers to soften and the flavors to come together.
- Fold Gently: When combining the whipped cream, use gentle folding motions to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Prevent Banana Browning: Brush banana slices lightly with lemon juice if you need to prep them ahead.
- Layer Evenly: Spread each layer all the way to the edges to create beautiful, even layers when you scoop.
- Crush Some Wafers: Adding crushed wafers between layers gives you more cookie flavor in every bite.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 6g |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on 10 servings.
PrintChick Fil A Banana Pudding
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: About 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 4–5 medium bananas, ripe but firm
- 1 box (11 oz) Nilla Wafers
Instructions
- Make Pudding Base: In a large bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk and cold water until smooth. Add instant pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Marshmallow: Gently fold marshmallow fluff into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold the whipped cream mixture into the chilled pudding base until smooth and creamy.
- Prep Bananas: Slice bananas into quarter-inch rounds.
- Layer Pudding: In a trifle dish or 9×9-inch pan, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, then spread pudding mixture on top. Repeat layers, ending with pudding. Crush a few wafers and sprinkle on top.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and enjoy cold.
Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding FAQs
Yes, but make sure it’s stabilized whipped cream or it may separate. Heavy cream you whip yourself works best for this recipe.
Make sure you whisk the pudding mix for the full 2 minutes and let it set in the fridge. Also, be sure your heavy cream reaches stiff peaks before folding.
You can, but the marshmallow fluff is what gives this pudding the signature Chick-fil-A taste and texture. Without it, you’ll have traditional banana pudding.
Slice bananas right before assembling and serve within 2-3 days. A light brushing of lemon juice helps if you need to prep ahead.
Yes, but make sure it’s completely cooled before folding in the whipped cream mixture.
A trifle bowl shows off the beautiful layers, but a 9×9-inch baking dish or even a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly.
