This easy no-bake gluten-free banana pudding is layered with fresh bananas, whipped cream and gluten-free vanilla wafers. Just like Magnolia’s classic perfect for summer gatherings and celiac-friendly!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

It is an easy dessert that does not require baking and it contains various layers of fresh bananas, whipped cream, REAL cream and vanilla wafers. I love taking it to BBQs during the summer here.

Banana pudding is a Southern dessert staple, and it’s not hard to understand why. The delicious flavors include rich and creamy vanilla pudding coupled with perfectly sliced bananas complemented by fluffy whipped cream.

In this case, I did take short cuts using boxed pudding because my focus was simplicity in preparation rather than end results.

This led me to combine a portion of the vanilla pudding mix with sweetened condensed milk which made everything even more delicious. This addition worked wonders since it’s famously added into most banana puddings so I am glad I trusted myself on that one.

For people suffering from celiac disease or any other sensitive gut issues, almost all brands of pudding mixes are naturally gluten free so tweaks can easily be done. In my case, the replacement for regular vanilla wafers was Kinnikinnick’s gluten free counterparts and we were all pleased to discover the results matched out taste expectation!

The presentation always impresses everyone. What they don’t know is that banana pudding trifle is incredibly simple to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic and simple dessert
Easy to make-ahead
Serves a crowd
Simple ingredients

This dessert has got all of the delicious banana flavor you find in banana cream pie, without the hassle.

This amazing dessert has no baking required, making it suitable for family gatherings, summer BBQs and other special events. It is undoubtedly one of the top desserts during summertime, and I am positive everyone will consider this the best banana pudding recipe out there!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this gluten-free banana pudding.

Heavy cream: For this specific recipe heavy cream must be used. Avoid half and half, whole milk, or Cool Whip. A fresh whipped cream is made fluffy by using heavy cream, so it needs to be present in this dessert.
Gluten free vanilla wafers: For this gluten free dessert everyone gluten free wafer cookies can be utilized. My favorite are Kinnikinnik vanilla wafers!
Water: The vanilla instant pudding will need ice cold water to achieve the right consistency. Do not use lukewarm or warm water!
Bananas: The best bananas for my pudding are ones that are just slightly under ripe (yellow, possibly with a tiny bit of green). If overripe, they turn too mushy brown which does not taste good at all.
Sweetened condensed milk: Any brand of sweetened condensed milk will work for this recipe. It is a vital ingredient that incorporates a delightfully sweet and creamy texture to this gluten-free banana pudding.
Vanilla pudding mix: Make sure to purchase instant vanilla pudding mix and not the cook and serve variety. One of my favorites is Jell-O since it is gluten free.

How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Pudding

Make the Pudding

Pour sweetened condensed milk along with cold water into an ample mixing bowl. Blend on medium-high speed using an electric hand mixer for roughly a minute until everything is incorporated.

Blend the vanilla pudding mix for an additional two minutes.

Important: cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 – 4 hours. The pudding needs time to set, otherwise it will be watery instead of firm.

Prepare Whipped Cream

In the bowl of a stand mixer to prepare whipped cream, combine heavy cream with other necessary ingredients in order to make stiff peaks. (Note that this can also be done in separate large bowls on electric hand mixers)

Gently combine your fresh whipped cream prepared apart from mixture with spoon such that no traces of mixture are visible bringing forward even distribution.

Assemble the Banana Pudding:

1. This type of pudding can either be placed in glass containers or separated into single portion cups so everyone gets their own cup. Personally, I prefer to use a glass trifle dish to showcase all those beautiful layers!

2. Start by placing one third of gluten free vanilla wafer cookies and then stacking sliced bananas followed by another slice of pudding resulting into three layers repeating topping off everything with cntos crumbs too sliding behind gluten waffles giving the blender get worthy appearance

3. Seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or for up to 8 hours. I do not suggest making this more than 8 hours in advance as the bananas will begin to brown. (Tips on preventing browning are in the notes!) Savor your homemade banana pudding!

Storage Instructions

This gluten-free banana pudding is best consumed within eight hours of preparing due to see the bananas browning and spoilage issues, though leftover pudding can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.

FAQs

DOES BANANA PUDDING CONTAIN GLUTEN?

Most banana pudding mixes tend to be naturally gluten-free. The only issue arises from a layer often added consisting of vanilla wafers, which aren’t typically gluten-free. If you prefer making banana pudding without gluten, you can either omit the cookies or purchase vanilla wafers from Kinnikinnick and other gluten-free brands.

IS THERE GLUTEN-FREE PUDDING MIX?

Yes, most dessert pudding mix is made with gluten-free ingredients and safe for Celiac disease patients or individuals with Gluten intolerance. As always read the label ingredient list carefully. You might also enjoy this recipe for chocolate pudding that’s gluten-free!

IS MAGNOLIA’S BANANA PUDDING GLUTEN-FREE?

No, Magnolia’s banana pudding is not gluten-free. It contains vanilla wafers made with wheat flour, which is not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. However, you can recreate a similar dessert at home by using gluten-free vanilla wafers.