No Churn Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Since the summer months are here, I decided I really wanted to go all out and share some new ice cream recipes! First up was the Cookie Monster Ice Cream (because it's SO fun), but I also have several other flavors - including the classic Banana Pudding flavor. 

For those of you who love traditional banana pudding (see my recipe here), you'll love that same combination of flavors (fresh bananas and vanilla wafer cookies) in a frozen treat perfect for the summer heat.

Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Banana pudding is a traditional Southern dessert found on every table for potlucks, family gatherings, and picnics! We rarely meet at my Mama's house for a holiday where she doesn't have a pan (or two) of my Aunt Jessie's Banana Pudding ready to go. It's one of our favorite desserts!

This homemade banana pudding ice cream has all the same flavors - in a super easy recipe that doesn't require any special equipment (like an ice cream machine) or any fancy techniques (like cooking pudding). 

Blue Bell has nothing on this homemade banana ice cream with a creamy banana flavored ice cream base and crunchy vanilla wafer crumbs. 

Love banana pudding? You'll probably also go crazy for this Banana Pudding Cheesecake!

Tools

• Electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer)
• Bread pan (or loaf pan)
• Parchment Paper
• Ice Cream Scoop

Ingredients for Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Easy banana pudding ice cream is made with simple ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store!

• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Vanilla Extract (or Vanilla Bean Paste)
• Instant Banana Pudding Mix (or Banana Cream Pudding Mix)
• Cool Whip
• Diced Bananas
• Nilla Wafers

Substitutions

Pudding Mix. Suppose you'd like a milder banana flavor in your ice cream (or you don't care for the artificial banana flavor in banana cream pudding mix). In that case, you can substitute instant vanilla pudding mix or instant cheesecake pudding mix for the banana pudding mix. Then you'll have more real banana flavor.

How to Make Banana Pudding Ice Cream

No churn banana ice cream comes together so easily (in about 20 minutes), then all you have to do is freeze it and enjoy! The freezing is the part that takes patience though - it takes at least 5-6 hours (preferably overnight) for it to be perfectly frozen.

The ice cream base is a banana ice cream recipe that turns into southern banana pudding ice cream with the addition of vanilla wafers and fresh sliced bananas.

1. Start by whipping the heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
2. Add the condensed milk, vanilla extract, and instant pudding mix to the whipped cream. Mix on high until well combined and stiff. 
3. Line your bread pan with parchment paper and pour in half of your condensed milk mixture.
4. Top with half of your cool whip. Cut it in with a sharp knife to create a marbleized look and mix slightly. You can also do this with thin silicone spatulas.
5. Add in half of your bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
6. Repeat step 4 with the remaining batter and cool whip.
7. Top your ice cream with the remaining chunks of banana and Nilla wafers.
8. Place in the freezer overnight, make sure it is covered with plastic wrap in an airtight container, or in a sealed ice cream container to prevent ice crystals.
9. Serve and enjoy! This frozen treat is to die for - it's the best banana ice cream recipe!

​Pro Tips

• Use Ripe Bananas. You don't want to use overripe bananas that are overly brown. For the best ice cream, you want the bananas to be ripe and spotty (not green), but not completely brown.
• Spread Even Layers. Try to spread even layers to get some of the different flavors and textures in every bite!
• Be Patient. This ice cream really needs to freeze at least 5-6 hours to be firm and scoopable with the best creamy texture. Don't be tempted to dig in early - make the night before if at all possible.
• Versatile. This Banana Pudding Ice Cream recipe is versatile - you can add more or less bananas, more or less cookies, different types of cookies, etc. This no churn ice cream recipe is ideal for making it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy ice cream in a cone or cup - whichever suits your fancy. I have a delicious recipe for homemade waffle cones here!

Toppings

• ​Vanilla Wafers
• Sliced Bananas
• Caramel Sauce
• Chocolate Sauce
• Nuts