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Cool, silky textures and rich flavors make pudding-style desserts incredibly comforting and nostalgic. Layers with whipped cream, cookies, or fruit turn simple pudding into something stunning enough for guests. Chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and banana bring plenty of variety for every sweet tooth. Each spoonful feels soothing, creamy, and just indulgent enough.

Southern Banana Pudding

A white bowl of Southern banana pudding topped with two vanilla wafers and banana slices, with a few crumbs scattered around, placed on a white saucer. A banana and a cloth are in the background.
Southern Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Classic layers of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and silky homemade custard create pure Southern comfort. Made completely from scratch for a richer, creamier texture. Simple ingredients come together with big nostalgic flavor. One bite makes boxed mixes easy to forget.
Get the Recipe: Southern Banana Pudding

Cream Cheese Banana Pudding

Plate with a cream cheese banana pudding dessert on a white plate.
Cream Cheese Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A graham cracker crust sets the stage for layers of cream cheese, vanilla custard, and ripe bananas. Rich, smooth textures balance perfectly with fresh fruit. Easy to assemble and ideal for make-ahead desserts. Always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Banana Pudding

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Top view of a dessert with whipped cream on top of caramel-drizzled pumpkin bread pudding in a glass dish.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Soft challah bread soaks up warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Pumpkin adds cozy fall flavor to every bite. Finished with a luscious caramel drizzle for extra indulgence. A comforting dessert that feels perfect for cool-weather nights.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Banana cheesecake topped with whipped cream and vanilla wafer cookies, with bananas and extra cookies in the background on a light surface.
Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy cheesecake meets classic banana pudding flavors in one showstopping dessert. A vanilla wafer crust and bold banana flavor bring Southern charm. No water bath required for an easy, stress-free bake. Finished with fluffy whipped topping for a nostalgic touch.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

Four jars of chocolate pudding with peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Velvety chocolate blends seamlessly with creamy peanut butter for a rich dessert experience. Smooth, indulgent texture makes every spoonful satisfying. Ideal for chocolate lovers craving something extra decadent. Simple yet luxurious enough for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Image shows a head on close up shot of a slice of Apple Pie Bread Pudding topped with whipped cream.
Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft bread soaks up spiced custard filled with tender apple pieces. Warm cinnamon flavors evoke classic apple pie vibes. Comforting and cozy from the first bite to the last. Perfect served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Texas Trash Bread Pudding

Flat lay of bread pudding topped with pecans and mint for garnish.
Texas Trash Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

A soft bread pudding base meets a crunchy, nut-filled Texas trash topping. Sweet, salty, and decadent flavors collide in one dessert. Easy to make yet impressively indulgent. Ideal for sharing at holidays or special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Texas Trash Bread Pudding

Easy Vegan Rice Pudding

Easy Vegan Rice Pudding. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy rice pudding made without dairy still delivers rich flavor. Gently sweetened and perfectly comforting. Simple ingredients create a smooth, satisfying texture. Great served warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Rice Pudding

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

A slice of banana pudding cake topped with sliced bananas and crushed vanilla wafers.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Moist cake absorbs creamy pudding for incredible flavor in every bite. Topped with whipped topping, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. Combines classic banana pudding with easy cake form. Perfect for parties and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Ginger Milk Pudding Recipe (3 Ingredients, 姜汁撞奶)

Silky and soothing ginger milk pudding in a bowl.
Ginger Milk Pudding Recipe (3 Ingredients, 姜汁撞奶). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Warm ginger juice reacts with milk to create a delicate, silky pudding. Naturally set without gelatin or eggs. Lightly sweet with a gentle spicy kick. A traditional Chinese dessert that feels both simple and magical.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Milk Pudding Recipe (3 Ingredients, 姜汁撞奶)

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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