03/19/2026
I use sugar free pudding.
Easter is right around the corner and I am already thinking about one of my all time favorite family desserts… Banana Pudding.
There is just something about it that feels like a holiday gathering. A big dish sitting on the table, vanilla wafers getting soft, bananas layered through creamy pudding, and everyone sneaking “just one more spoonful.”
If you have a favorite dish your family always makes for holidays, post it in the comments. Even better if you share the recipe so the PawPaw Ridge family can try it too.
Ridge Homestead Banana Pudding
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
6 cups homemade whipped cream
1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
5 bananas, sliced
Homemade Whipped Cream (a must)
1 pint heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of Himalayan salt
Directions
Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the condensed milk, whole milk, and pudding mix. Beat on high for about 2 minutes until smooth and blended.
Add half of the whipped cream and mix just until combined.
To assemble, use a 3 quart bowl or a 13 x 9 dish. Start with a layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom. Place a slice of banana on each wafer, then spoon a layer of pudding over the top.
Repeat the layers depending on the depth of your dish.
Spread the remaining whipped cream across the top. Tap the surface lightly with a spatula to form little peaks.
Crush about 10 vanilla wafers in a zip bag with a rolling pin and sprinkle the crumbs across the whipped cream. You can also decorate the edge with whole wafers.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
What is the one dish that shows up at every family gathering where you live?