11 Layered Banana Pudding Recipes for Potlucks

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about layered banana pudding—those soft bananas, creamy pudding, and crisp wafers all stacked in perfect harmony. I still remember my childhood potlucks at Grandma’s house in rural Georgia, where her towering trifle dish of banana pudding was the undisputed star. Every family gathering ended with seconds (or thirds) of that sweet, custardy delight, passed around under the glow of string lights while stories flowed. It was comfort food that brought us together, and it’s a tradition I’ve carried into my own kitchen.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my home test kitchen, tweaking the classic for modern potlucks. With busy schedules and diverse crowds, I’ve layered in bold flavors like salted caramel and tropical coconut, all while keeping things no-bake and make-ahead friendly. Banana pudding’s magic lies in its portability—chilled in a clear trifle bowl, it travels beautifully and wows at barbecues, church suppers, or office parties. These 11 variations prove it’s endlessly versatile, blending Southern roots with fun twists that keep everyone coming back for more.

Classic Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding

This timeless potluck hero starts with simple ingredients: 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix, 4 cups milk, 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 1 (8-oz) tub whipped topping (thawed), 4-5 ripe bananas (sliced), and 1 box Nilla wafers. Whip pudding with milk for 2 minutes, fold in condensed milk and half the whipped topping. Layer wafers, bananas, and pudding in a large trifle dish; repeat and top with remaining whipped topping and wafers.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in 20 minutes, chills overnight for peak flavor, and serves 12-16 generously—perfect for no-fuss potlucks with its make-ahead ease and universal appeal.

Chocolate Banana Pudding Trifle

Ingredients include 2 boxes chocolate pudding mix, 4 cups milk, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 5 bananas, 1 box chocolate wafers, and chocolate syrup. Prepare pudding with milk, mix in condensed milk and half the topping. Alternate layers of chocolate wafers, bananas, pudding, and a drizzle of syrup; finish with whipped topping and extra wafers.

The chocolate twist adds indulgence without complexity, making it ideal for potlucks where variety shines—rich yet light, it feeds a crowd and stays fresh for hours.

Peanut Butter Banana Layered Bliss

Gather 2 boxes vanilla pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 5 bananas, 1 box vanilla wafers, and 1 cup creamy peanut butter (mixed into pudding). Layer wafers, bananas, peanut butter-pudding mix; top with whipped topping and crushed peanuts.

This nutty upgrade brings protein-packed satisfaction, appealing to kids and adults alike at potlucks—easy assembly, travel-stable, and a flavor bomb that elevates the ordinary.

Salted Caramel Banana Stack

Key ingredients: 2 boxes vanilla pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 5 bananas, vanilla wafers, 1 jar salted caramel sauce, and sea salt flakes. Fold caramel into pudding mix; layer wafers, bananas, caramel-pudding, repeating and topping with caramel drizzle and salt.

Sophisticated yet simple, it balances sweet-salty notes for gourmet potluck vibes—chills beautifully, serves 15, and wows with minimal effort.

Strawberry Banana Pudding Parfait

Use 2 boxes vanilla pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 3 bananas, 2 cups sliced strawberries, vanilla wafers, and strawberry jam. Layer wafers, fruits, jam-swirled pudding; crown with whipped topping and berries.

Fresh berries add vibrant color and antioxidants, making it a refreshing potluck hit—light, pretty for display, and preps in under 30 minutes for summer gatherings.

Tropical Coconut Banana Pudding

Ingredients: 2 boxes coconut pudding mix, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 4 bananas, vanilla wafers, 1 cup toasted coconut flakes, and pineapple tidbits. Mix pudding with coconut milk alternative if desired; layer with fruits, coconut, and wafers.

Evokes beachy escapism with hydrating tropical fruits—vegan-adaptable, holds up in heat, and delights 12+ at outdoor potlucks.

Cheesecake Banana Pudding Delight

Combine 2 boxes cheesecake pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 5 bananas, graham crackers, and cream cheese (8 oz, softened and beaten into pudding). Layer grahams, bananas, cheesecake pudding; top with whipped topping and graham crumbs.

Decadent like mini cheesecakes but potluck-scale—creamy, sturdy for transport, and a tangy crowd-favorite that preps ahead effortlessly.

Oreo Cookies and Cream Banana Layers

You’ll need 2 boxes vanilla pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 5 bananas, 1 package Oreos (crushed), and extra cookies for topping. Fold crushed Oreos into half the pudding; layer whole Oreos, bananas, pudding mixes.

Kid-approved fun with cookie crunch—budget-friendly, assembles fast, and stays intact for potlucks serving 14-16.

Toffee Crunch Banana Pudding

Ingredients: 2 boxes vanilla pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 5 bananas, vanilla wafers, 2 crushed Heath bars, and toffee bits. Layer wafers, bananas, pudding, sprinkle toffee; repeat and top generously.

Irresistible crunch elevates texture—make-ahead magic that travels well and sparks “recipe please!” requests at every potluck.

Lemon Zest Banana Pudding Twist

Mix 2 boxes lemon pudding, 4 cups milk, 1 can condensed milk, 1 tub whipped topping, 4 bananas, shortbread cookies, lemon zest, and juice from 2 lemons (added to pudding). Layer cookies, bananas, zesty pudding; garnish with zest.

Bright citrus cuts richness for a lighter potluck option—refreshing, visually stunning, and ready in 25 minutes for spring events.

Vegan Layered Banana Pudding

Vegan-friendly: 2 boxes vegan vanilla pudding mix, 4 cups plant milk, 1 can coconut condensed milk, coconut whipped topping, 5 bananas, vegan wafers, and almond butter swirl. Prepare pudding, layer with bananas and wafers; chill.

Inclusive and dairy-free perfection—nutritious, allergy-safe for diverse potlucks, holds shape beautifully for 12 servings.

These 11 layered banana pudding recipes are your secret weapon for stealing the potluck show—easy, scalable, and bursting with flavor. Grab a trifle dish, rally your family for assembly fun, and watch them disappear. Which one will you try first? Share your pics and twists in the comments!