Intro
And there are desserts which tell of comfort, desserts which sing of it. This one doesn’t just sing. It rings with an ardent high pitch as soon as you taste it. Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe is one of those foods that walks into the room with boldness and a bit of style.
It is fluffy, tender, sweet, and dusted with love, and has the old-school home-cooked coziness we all miss now and then. The initial swallow tastes pudding smooth, slices of fresh banana, soft vanilla wafers, and a whipped top that is like a hug.
It is plain, traditional, and hardly resisted. And there is, there really is something iconic in the manner in which a dessert is served, inspired by a woman who knows her way around soul food and soul music as well.
This pudding is not a complex one. It’s not fussy. It is only good in the sense of things that make you shut your eyes and enjoy each mouthful. So let’s dive in.
What is Patti Labelle Banana Pudding?
Patti Labelle Banana Pudding is her version of a classic banana pudding that generations had grown up with in the South. It is rich, creamy, and topped with vanilla wafers, bananas, and a creamy custard-like bottom. However, Patti’s version is a little more special as it brings it down to earth and makes it soulful.
Why It’s Unique
- The balance of flavors
- Not overly sweet
- Not heavy
- Creamy with nostalgia
- Soft bananas blend into pudding
- Cookies becoming soft-silky
- Whipped topping as a cozy blanket
Other recipes of banana pudding make use of meringue. The whipped topping makes Patti take light and easy to get. Imagine it to be a refreshing sweet treat, the kind that should be enjoyed at a family event, a Sunday evening dinner, or a picnic on a summer day.
Equipment List
You do not have to have a stovetop custard or any complicated cooking tools. Just easy baking basics:
- Mixing bowls
- A whisk or hand mixer
- A rubber spatula
- 1×13 dish (glass or ceramic is the best)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Banana slicing board and knife
- Plastic wrap
That’s it. Simple, smooth, and low effort.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Filling
- 1 package (5 oz) instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 7 oz.
- 1 container (8 oz) thawed whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Layers
- 4 to 5 bananas, ripe but firm
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Optional (But Delicious)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Garnish with additional crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
Magnesium. In a big mixing bowl, combine the instant pudding mix with cold milk. Allow to cool down to a thick 3 minutes. Add the condensed milk, sweetened, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Fold half of the whipped topping till thick and fluffy.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
Peel your bananas and cut them into equal rounds. Not too thin, not too thick. Slices of about 1/4 inch are great because they retain their shape.
Step 3: Build the Layers
- Thin coat of pudding at the bottom
- Layer of vanilla wafers
- Layer of sliced bananas
- Spread more pudding
- Repeat wafers → bananas → pudding until the top
Step 4: Finish With Topping
Sprinkle the rest of the whipped topping. Blot it with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill
Wrap with a plastic cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better.
Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle crushed wafers or extra banana slices on top. Scoop and enjoy.
Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe and the Flavor Experience
Creamy. Silky. Sweet. Fruity. Soft. Each bite is a warm hug in a sense of nostalgia.
The pudding is not heavy, being rich in itself. The condensed milk oozes out the sweetness and smoothness. The topping is whipped to provide the entire item with a cool and fluffy touch. And the bananas? They are the stars.
It is a confection that has adults smiling like children, makes families gather around the table, and tastes even better the second day.

The Reason Behind the Popularity
- Quick and easy
- No stovetop cooking
- Silky, not dense
- Pretty layers
- Crowd-friendly
- Traditional yet elevated
- Reassuring and nostalgic
Variations You Can Try
- Add Cream Cheese — thick, cheesecake-like pudding
- Use Banana Cream Pudding — deeper banana flavor
- Add Caramel — caramel-banana dream
- Use Chessmen Cookies — buttery and beautiful
- Add Toasted Coconut — tropical twist
- Add Crushed Pecans — extra crunch and depth
Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe Troubleshooting
Bananas turned brown
Rub slices with lemon juice (lightly).
Pudding too thin
Use cold milk and allow thickening before folding the topping.
Wafers too crispy
Chill longer — overnight is ideal.
Top looks messy
Smooth with an offset spatula.
How to Serve This Dessert
Serve it:
- In bowls
- In individual jars
- In cups for parties
- On warm waffles
- With wafers on the side
Serve chilled.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Do not freeze — bananas get watery
- Add a fresh banana on top when serving if made ahead
Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe for Parties and Family Gatherings
This dessert feeds many people and slices easily. Great for:
- Potlucks
- BBQ nights
- Birthdays
- Baby showers
- Holiday gatherings
Also great for gifting — prepare a tray, cover, and give as a homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe
- Simple
- Fast
- Tastes heavenly
- Soulful and comforting
- Easy to customize
- Reliable success every time
It’s the kind of dessert people praise, and that’s the best compliment for any home cook.
Final Thoughts
When you are in the mood of having a traditional type of dessert that remains full of life, then this pudding is calling your name. It is easy enough to make on a weekday, yet it is nice enough to celebrate. It is creamy, sweet, soft, and comforting like a banana pudding should be.
Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe has the style of its own and simultaneously it is like the one that a grandmother of a person made out of affection on a Sunday afternoon. It makes me warm, happy, and adds a nostalgic touch.
Prepare it once, and it will be a part of your dessert repertoire. Prepare it twice, and they will start calling it names.
And perhaps the magic of it. It’s not just a dessert. It’s a memory in the making.
More Delicious Recipes:

Patti Labelle Banana Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- A whisk or hand mixer
- A rubber spatula
- 1×13 dish (glass or ceramic is the best)
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Banana slicing board and knife
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
For the Pudding Filling
- 1 package 5 oz instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 7 oz.
- 1 container 8 oz thawed whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Layers
- 4 to 5 bananas ripe but firm
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Optional (But Delicious)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Garnish with additional crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
- Magnesium. In a big mixing bowl, combine the instant pudding mix with cold milk. Allow to cool down to a thick 3 minutes. Add the condensed milk, sweetened, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Fold half of the whipped topping till thick and fluffy.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
- Peel your bananas and cut them into equal rounds. Not too thin, not too thick. Slices of about 1/4 inch are great because they retain their shape.
Step 3: Build the Layers
- Thin coat of pudding at the bottom
- Layer of vanilla wafers
- Layer of sliced bananas
- Spread more pudding
- Repeat wafers → bananas → pudding until the top
Step 4: Finish With Topping
- Sprinkle the rest of the whipped topping. Blot it with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill
- Wrap with a plastic cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better.
Step 6: Serve
- Sprinkle crushed wafers or extra banana slices on top. Scoop and enjoy.

Hi, I’m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere













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