Creamy Banana Pudding Fluff Salad Recipe

Luscious Creamy Banana Pudding Fluff Salad Recipe for Sweet Joy

Sweet summer memories bloom with this heavenly banana pudding fluff salad that combines creamy textures and nostalgic flavors.

Clouds of marshmallow and whipped cream dance around ripe banana chunks in a delightful dessert salad.

Layers of comfort swirl through each bite, creating a magical treat everyone adores.

Soft vanilla pudding mingles with crisp vanilla wafers, adding delightful crunch to the dreamy mixture.

Chilled and light, this dessert brings joy to potlucks and family gatherings with its irresistible charm.

Serve this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch smiles spread across faces as friends savor every delectable spoonful.

Tools That Help Mix Banana Pudding Fluff Just Right

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix and milk without lumps.
  • Spatula: Helps fold whipped topping and mix ingredients gently.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Ideal for slicing bananas neatly.
  • Serving spoon: Makes transferring and serving the dessert easy.

How to Make Light and Sweet Banana Pudding Fluff

  • Whip Up Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend pudding mix with chilled milk using a whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, thick consistency.

  • Fold In Delightful Textures

Softly incorporate whipped topping into the pudding base, creating an airy and luscious foundation. Gently mix in sliced bananas, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy vanilla wafers, and optional nutty goodness.

  • Chill and Elevate

Tuck your banana pudding creation into the refrigerator for about an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify. When ready to serve, add a final flourish of fresh banana slices, extra wafer crumbles, and a sprinkle of nuts for a stunning presentation that’ll make taste buds dance.

Flavor and Fruit Swaps for Fluff Salad Fans

  • Refrigerate the pudding salad for at least 2-3 hours for the best texture and flavor melding, allowing marshmallows and wafers to soften slightly.
  • If bananas aren't perfectly ripe, sprinkle a little lemon juice on sliced bananas to prevent browning and add a subtle tangy note.
  • Replace traditional vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers to make the dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Use dairy-free pudding mix, almond milk, and coconut whipped topping to create a completely lactose-free version of this crowd-pleasing dessert.
  • Prepare the pudding salad up to 24 hours in advance, but add fresh banana slices just before serving to maintain their bright color and prevent browning.

Serve Banana Pudding Fluff at BBQs or Brunch

  • Banana Bliss Parfait: Layer the pudding fluff in clear glass cups, creating stunning dessert glasses with alternating layers of pudding, fresh banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers for a visually appealing treat.
  • Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack this fluffy salad in individual mason jars for an easy portable dessert that's perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and outdoor events where you want something cool and creamy.
  • Brunch Crowd Pleaser: Serve in a large decorative bowl as a centerpiece dessert during brunch, allowing guests to scoop their own portions and enjoy the delightful mix of creamy pudding, crunchy wafers, and sweet bananas.
  • Dessert Bar Delight: Create a DIY dessert station with small bowls of extra toppings like chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or toasted coconut, letting guests customize their banana pudding fluff experience.

Keep Fluff Salad Cool and Fluffy in Storage

  • Store this creamy dessert in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 2-3 days.
  • Add banana slices just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
  • While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
  • Prepare pudding base and mix ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, keeping marshmallows and wafers separate until final serving to maintain delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Fluff Salad

For Base Ingredients:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Quick-dissolving mix that creates a creamy foundation and adds rich vanilla flavor.
  • Cold Milk: Activates pudding mix and provides smooth, silky texture for the dessert.
For Texture and Sweetness Enhancers:
  • Whipped Topping: Adds light, airy volume and creates a fluffy, cloud-like consistency.
  • Marshmallows: Brings extra sweetness and soft, pillowy texture to the dessert.
  • Vanilla Wafers: Provides delightful crunch and classic cookie flavor that complements banana.
For Fresh and Garnish Elements:
  • Ripe Bananas: Select yellow bananas with minimal brown spots for maximum sweetness and ideal texture.
  • Chopped Nuts: Optional crunchy element that adds nutty depth and pleasant textural contrast.
Print
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Creamy Banana Pudding Fluff Salad Recipe

Creamy Banana Pudding Fluff Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy banana pudding fluff salad brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its irresistible blend of sweet bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers. Layered textures and nostalgic flavors invite you to savor this classic comfort treat that delights both young and old.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup (100 g) mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup (120 g) vanilla wafer cookies, crushed or whole
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant banana pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) cold milk
  • 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Instructions

  1. Pudding Fusion: Whisk instant pudding mix with chilled milk until velvety and thickened, creating a smooth base for the dessert.
  2. Texture Layering: Incorporate whipped topping with a delicate folding technique, ensuring a light and airy consistency while gently blending in sliced bananas, crunchy marshmallows, crushed vanilla wafers, and optional chopped nuts for a multi-dimensional flavor profile.
  3. Chilling & Presentation: Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and set, then artfully garnish with additional banana medallions, crisp wafer fragments, and a delicate nut sprinkle for an elegant and inviting dessert experience.

Notes

  • Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration.
  • Crush vanilla wafers slightly before adding to maintain a softer crunch and better integration with the pudding.
  • Prepare the pudding base a day ahead and add fresh bananas just before serving to preserve their texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Substitute regular pudding mix with sugar-free version for low-sugar diets, and use gluten-free vanilla wafers to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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