When it comes to Southern desserts, few can rival the comforting, nostalgic charm of banana pudding.

But what happens when you take this classic and give it a bold, vibrant twist? Enter Red Velvet Banana Pudding, a dessert that marries the rich, cocoa-infused decadence of red velvet cake with the creamy, dreamy layers of traditional banana pudding.

This indulgent treat is the perfect fusion of Southern tradition and modern flair, making it a must-try for dessert lovers everywhere.

This article Contains Receipe Card at the end, you can download it for free.

A Southern Classic with a Modern Twist

Banana pudding is a staple in Southern households, often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and church suppers. Its layers of vanilla custard, ripe bananas, and soft vanilla wafers create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.

Red velvet, on the other hand, is a Southern icon in its own right, known for its striking red hue, subtle cocoa flavor, and velvety texture.

Combining these two beloved desserts might sound unconventional, but the result is a show-stopping treat that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.

The red velvet banana pudding takes the familiar components of banana pudding and infuses them with the signature flavors of red velvet cake—think a hint of cocoa, a touch of tanginess, and that vibrant red color that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Southern desserts or just looking to try something new, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Banana Pudding

This dessert isn’t just about looks—it’s a flavor-packed experience that hits all the right notes. Here’s why you need to try it:

Rich and Creamy: The pudding layers are made with a velvety custard that’s infused with cocoa and a hint of buttermilk, giving it that unmistakable red velvet flavor.
Perfect Balance: The sweetness of the bananas and whipped cream is balanced by the slight tanginess of the red velvet components, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Textural Delight: From the soft, cake-like red velvet crumbs to the creamy custard and fresh banana slices, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The vibrant red layers make this dessert a centerpiece-worthy treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday feasts.

How to Make Red Velvet Banana Pudding

Ready to bring this Southern-inspired dessert to life? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own red velvet banana pudding. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Crumble:

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk

For the Pudding:

- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 📱 Join Our WhatsApp Food Channel!
  
  Get daily recipes, cooking tips, and exclusive food deals — straight to your phone. Don’t miss out!
  👉 Join Now
  
  1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 2 cups heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent banana browning)

For Garnish:

- Whipped cream
- Red velvet cake crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers
- Fresh banana slices (optional)

Instructions

Make the Red Velvet Crumble:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely, then crumble into small pieces.

Prepare the Pudding:

- In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, water, and instant pudding mix until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder and red food coloring, stirring until fully incorporated. The mixture should have a rich red hue.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently until the pudding is light and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Assemble the Dessert:

- Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the ingredients as follows: a layer of red velvet crumble, a layer of pudding, and a layer of banana slices. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve:

- Before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers, and a few fresh banana slices for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.

Tips for Success

Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but firm for the best texture and sweetness.
Customize the Layers: If you prefer a more traditional banana pudding vibe, mix in some vanilla wafers alongside the red velvet crumble.
Make It Ahead: This dessert tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance for your next gathering.
Adjust the Color: If you want a more vibrant red hue, add a bit more food coloring, but be careful not to overdo it.

Also Check: brookies Recipe Cookie Brownies

A Dessert for Every Occasion

Red velvet banana pudding is versatile enough to shine at any event. Serve it in a large trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece at a family reunion or holiday party.

For a more intimate gathering, portion it into mason jars or dessert cups for a charming, individual presentation. Its bold colors and rich flavors make it a perfect fit for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even a Southern-themed barbecue.

The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation

What makes red velvet banana pudding so special is its ability to honor Southern culinary traditions while adding a modern, playful twist.

It’s a dessert that feels familiar yet exciting, comforting yet bold. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic banana pudding or a red velvet enthusiast, this dessert is sure to win you over with its irresistible charm.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, channel your inner Southern baker, and whip up a batch of red velvet banana pudding. Trust us—this is one dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Red Velvet Banana Pudding

Red Velvet Banana Pudding is a vibrant, Southern-inspired dessert that combines the creamy layers of classic banana pudding with the rich, cocoa-infused flavors of red velvet cake, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 12

Total Time 52

Servings: 7

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Crumble

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon buttermilk

For the Pudding:

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups cold water
1 3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon red food coloring
2 cups heavy cream whipped to soft peaks
4-5 ripe bananas sliced
1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent banana browning

For Garnish

Whipped cream
Red velvet cake crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers
Fresh banana slices optional

Method

Make the Red Velvet Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely, then crumble into small pieces.

Prepare the Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, water, and instant pudding mix until smooth.
Add cocoa powder and red food coloring, stirring until fully incorporated. The mixture should have a rich red hue.
Fold in the whipped cream gently until the pudding is light and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Assemble the Dessert

Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the ingredients as follows: a layer of red velvet crumble, a layer of pudding, and a layer of banana slices. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of pudding.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers, and a few fresh banana slices for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve chilled and enjoy

Notes

Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but firm for the best texture and sweetness.
Customize the Layers: If you prefer a more traditional banana pudding vibe, mix in some vanilla wafers alongside the red velvet crumble.
Make It Ahead: This dessert tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance for your next gathering.
Adjust the Color: If you want a more vibrant red hue, add a bit more food coloring, but be careful not to overdo it.