If you’ve ever found yourself longing for that creamy, nostalgic banana pudding served at Chick-Fil-A, you’re in for the best homemade treat with this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe. Velvety pudding, fluffy whipped cream, perfectly ripe bananas, and layers of buttery vanilla wafers all come together for a decadent and crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s simple enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon but special enough for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. Let’s recreate this signature comfort dessert in your own kitchen, with all the dreamy layers and that unmistakable rich vanilla-banana flavor!

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe is just how simple the ingredients are—each one brings its own essential magic. From the creaminess of the pudding and whipped cream to the fresh bananas and classic vanilla wafers, every element creates that crave-worthy flavor and texture. Here’s what you need and a few handy tips for each:

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (5.1 oz): The backbone of our creamy pudding, instant mix keeps prep time fast and texture ultra-smooth.
Cold Whole Milk (2 cups): Cold milk helps the pudding set up perfectly and provides richness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Brings that signature thick sweetness and a silkier pudding consistency.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1 ½ cups): Whips up into fluffy peaks for folding in, making the pudding impossibly airy and luscious.
Ripe Bananas (4 large, sliced): Slice them just before layering to keep the flavor fresh and vibrant.
Vanilla Wafers (11 oz box): Adds texture and soaks up the flavors as it sits—don’t skimp here!
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor for a true homemade touch.
Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream just right without making it grainy.

How to Make Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Make The Pudding Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk for about 2 minutes until you see it thicken and become silky smooth. The magic happens pretty quickly, so don’t worry if it looks thin at first—it will set up as you mix.

Step 2: Stir In The Sweetness

Add the sweetened condensed milk and pure vanilla extract to the thickened pudding, then mix until everything is beautifully combined. The condensed milk not only sweetens but also amps up the custardy texture, making this pudding similar to the dreamy version at Chick-Fil-A.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer on high until stiff peaks form, which usually takes a couple of minutes. You want the cream to be fluffy and able to hold its shape for those show-stopping layers.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it up. Use a spatula and take your time—over-mixing can deflate all that gorgeous air you just whipped in! The result should be a pillowy, smooth pudding bursting with vanilla richness.

Step 5: Layer It Up

In a 9×13-inch dish, start your assembly by covering the bottom with a layer of vanilla wafers. Next, add a layer of fresh, sliced bananas. Then, generously spread over a layer of the pudding mixture. Repeat these layers, finishing with the pudding to ensure a creamy top layer. This technique builds those irresistible pockets of soft cookies, banana slices, and pudding.

Step 6: Top and Chill

Spoon the remaining whipped cream over the top and smooth it out with a spatula. For best flavor and texture, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. This allows the vanilla wafers to soften and all those flavors to meld in the way only a true Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe can deliver!

How to Serve Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

For a classic finishing touch, garnish your banana pudding with extra vanilla wafers scattered on top, a few additional banana slices, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Some folks love a sprinkle of crunchy chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for added flair. The sky’s the limit—make each scoop irresistibly inviting!

Side Dishes

Keep things light and refreshing on the side. A fresh fruit platter, crisp shortbread cookies, or even sweet iced tea will round out the dessert course. This pudding is rich and creamy, so you’ll want to pair it with sides that contrast and cleanse the palate without overpowering the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe shines in all sorts of creative presentations! Layer it in individual mason jars for picnics, pipe into parfait glasses for an elegant dinner party, or serve in a big trifle bowl for dramatic, family-style scooping. Kids love it in plastic cups with a cookie on top as a grab-and-go treat for birthday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover banana pudding tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, though the bananas may darken a bit over time. The texture may become even creamier as the wafers soften and everything melds together—some say the pudding is even better on day two!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe, as the fresh bananas can become mushy and the pudding can separate. If you’d like to experiment, you could freeze just the pudding mixture (without bananas or wafers) in an airtight container for up to 1 month and assemble it fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat it, and in fact, warming could change the texture and flavor. If your pudding has been frozen and thawed (pudding mixture only), stir well before assembling with bananas and wafers and chill thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Is the Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free, as the vanilla wafers typically contain wheat. You can easily swap in gluten-free wafers or cookies if you need to make a gluten-free version.

What’s the best way to keep the bananas from turning brown?

If you’re worried about banana slices darkening, toss them lightly in a bit of lemon juice before layering them into the pudding. The acidic juice slows down browning but won’t affect the flavor noticeably.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe a few hours ahead (or even the night before) allows the flavors to blend perfectly, giving you an extra creamy, cohesive dessert. Just wait to garnish with extra bananas until right before serving for that picture-perfect look.

Can I use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla?

Sure! If you want to double down on banana flavor, swap vanilla pudding for banana-flavored instant pudding. The recipe will taste even more banana-forward—just know you’ll be straying from the classic Chick-Fil-A style, which uses vanilla pudding as its creamy base.

How can I make this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe lighter?

If you’d like a lighter dessert, use low-fat or fat-free milk, swap out the heavy cream for light whipped topping, and opt for reduced-fat wafers. The texture may be a little less rich but still totally delicious and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a homemade treat that’s every bit as comforting and creamy as the real thing, this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. With easy layers and simple ingredients, you’re just steps away from dessert bliss—so go ahead, gather your family, share a spoon, and make this classic your own tonight!

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy and delicious Copycat Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding that’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding Mixture:

1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold whole milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Additional:

4 large ripe bananas, sliced
1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers

Instructions

Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk until thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth.
Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.
Finish: Top with the remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the pudding to chill for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
You can garnish with additional banana slices or crushed wafers for a decorative touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Layering
Cuisine: American