Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream blends the nostalgic flavors of Southern banana pudding with the rich indulgence of chocolate. This frozen treat features a creamy banana-flavored base, swirls of Hershey’s chocolate, and crunchy vanilla wafer pieces. It’s a dessert that evokes warm memories while satisfying sweet cravings.
Available in stores like Walmart and local ice cream shops, it has gained popularity for its unique twist on a classic. The combination of ripe banana taste, chocolatey goodness, and cookie texture makes it a hit. Home cooks also love recreating this treat with simple recipes.
This article dives into Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream, offering a homemade recipe, recent reviews, and tips for perfection. We’ll explore its flavors, texture, and why it’s a must-try dessert. Let’s scoop into this creamy, Southern-inspired treat.
The Appeal of Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream captures the essence of a classic Southern dessert. The creamy banana base mimics the pudding layer, while chocolate swirls add a decadent touch. Vanilla wafer bits provide a satisfying crunch, tying it all together.
This ice cream is versatile, perfect for scoops, sundaes, or milkshakes. Its nostalgic flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser. Reviewers often describe it as a “comfort food dessert” with a modern twist.
The Hershey’s brand adds trust, known for quality chocolate that enhances the recipe. Whether store-bought or homemade, it delivers a balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy. It’s a treat that feels like a hug in every bite.
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
A great Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream recipe starts with quality ingredients. Heavy cream and whole milk create a rich, creamy base, ideally in a 2:1 ratio. Ripe bananas and instant banana pudding mix provide authentic flavor.
Hershey’s chocolate, whether chips or syrup, adds a rich, indulgent swirl. Vanilla wafer cookies, crushed or chopped, bring the classic pudding texture. Granulated sugar and a pinch of salt balance the sweetness.
For no-churn versions, sweetened condensed milk is key for smoothness. Using fresh, ripe bananas ensures a strong, natural flavor. High-quality ingredients make all the difference in taste and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
An ice cream machine, like the Cuisinart ICE-21 or Ninja Creami, ensures a smooth, creamy texture. These churn the mixture in 20–30 minutes, preventing ice crystals. No-churn recipes require only a loaf pan and freezer.
A saucepan, whisk, and mixing bowl are needed for custard-based recipes. A blender or food processor purees bananas for a consistent base. Freezer-safe containers, like pint jars, keep the ice cream fresh.
A spatula helps transfer the churned ice cream, while a spoon is handy for swirling chocolate. For no-churn methods, a hand mixer whips the cream. These tools simplify the process for great results.
Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream: A Simple Recipe
This section provides a homemade Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream recipe for a 1-quart yield. It’s easy to follow and delivers creamy, nostalgic results. Perfect for an ice cream machine or no-churn method.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- ½ cup Hershey’s chocolate chips or syrup
- ¾ cup vanilla wafer cookies, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend mashed bananas, sugar, and pudding mix until smooth.
- Heat cream, milk, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, not boiling.
- Combine banana mixture with the warm cream mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Stir in vanilla extract and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 4–6 hours or overnight.
- Pour the chilled mixture into a pre-frozen ice cream machine bowl.
- Churn for 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency, adding chocolate chips and wafers in the last 5 minutes.
- Swirl in Hershey’s syrup if using, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for 2–4 hours for a firmer texture before serving.
This recipe creates a creamy, chocolatey dessert with a Southern twist. Adjust chocolate or wafers to your preference for a personalized touch.
Recent Reviews of Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Reviews from 2023–2025 highlight the popularity of Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream. A 2023 Influenster review gave it 4.66 stars, praising the “crisp” vanilla wafer pieces and creamy banana flavor. Users called it a “new favorite” for its authentic taste.
A 2024 Ice Cream DIY review described a homemade version as “nostalgic and indulgent,” earning 4.7 stars. The chocolate swirls were noted for adding richness without overpowering. Some users suggested more banana flavor for balance.
A 2025 YouTube review by Foodie Haven praised the store-bought version’s “perfect texture.” Minor critiques included occasional icy textures in homemade batches if not chilled properly. Overall, fans love its Southern charm and creamy consistency.
Tips for Perfect Texture
Chill the ice cream base to 40°F or below before churning to prevent ice crystals. A cold base freezes faster, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. Use a freezer set to 0°F for the machine’s bowl.
Drain bananas well to avoid excess liquid, which can make the ice cream icy. For no-churn recipes, whip cream to stiff peaks for a light texture. Fold in wafers gently to maintain their crunch.
Store in an airtight container with parchment pressed against the surface to avoid freezer burn. Let the ice cream soften for 5–10 minutes before scooping. These steps ensure a professional-quality dessert.
Variations to Try
Add a swirl of marshmallow fluff for extra sweetness, as seen in a 2023 Influenster review. Fold it in before freezing for a gooey texture. This mimics the store-bought version’s appeal.
For a no-churn recipe, use sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, per a 2024 recipe from Lifestyle Foodies. It’s quick and creamy without a machine. Vegan versions swap dairy for coconut milk and agave.
Try using fresh bananas instead of pudding mix for a natural flavor. Hershey’s dark chocolate chips add a bolder contrast. These variations let you customize the dessert to your taste.
Comparing Recipe Variations
Here’s a table comparing three Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream variations:
| Recipe Type | Key Ingredients | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Custard-Based | Egg yolks, cream, pudding mix | Rich, traditional flavor, creamy texture |
| No-Churn | Sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream | Quick prep, no machine needed |
| Vegan | Coconut milk, agave, Hershey’s chocolate | Dairy-free diets, tropical flavor |
This table highlights options for different preferences. Custard-based recipes offer classic richness, while no-churn is ideal for beginners. Vegan versions cater to plant-based diets with creamy results.
Serving and Storing Ideas
Serve Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream in chilled bowls or waffle cones for a fun presentation. Top with whipped cream, extra Hershey’s syrup, or banana slices for a sundae. Pair with warm chocolate cake for decadence.
Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to a month. Press parchment against the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals. Label with the date for easy tracking.
For parties, create ice cream sandwiches using vanilla wafers. Freeze them for a grab-and-go treat. Milkshakes with this flavor blend smoothly with a splash of milk.
Why Use an Ice Cream Machine
Ice cream machines, like the Cuisinart ICE-30BC, churn mixtures for a smooth, airy texture. They prevent large ice crystals, unlike hand-mixing, ensuring professional results. Churning takes 20–30 minutes for most models.
Compressor machines, like the Whynter ICM-201SB, skip pre-freezing, saving time. Manual options, like the Donvier, add a nostalgic touch. Both deliver creamy Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream.
No-churn methods work well for this recipe, especially for beginners. Machines offer consistency and speed, ideal for frequent dessert makers. The investment enhances homemade dessert quality.
Enhancing Your Ice Cream
Add crushed toffee bits for extra crunch, folded in during the last minutes of churning. This complements the chocolate and wafer texture. A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the Southern vibe.
Infuse the base with a hint of cinnamon for warmth, as suggested in a 2024 recipe from Enriched Recipes. This adds depth without overpowering the banana. Use sparingly for balance.
Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast. Pair with shortbread cookies for a classic dessert. These touches elevate the ice cream to a gourmet level.
Summary
Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream is a nostalgic dessert that blends creamy banana ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate swirls and crunchy vanilla wafers. A simple recipe using heavy cream, pudding mix, and chocolate delivers rich results in 20–30 minutes with an ice cream machine. Reviews from 2023–2025, averaging 4.6–4.7 stars, praise its creamy texture and authentic Southern taste, with minor notes on balancing banana flavor. No-churn and vegan options offer flexibility, while tips like chilling the base ensure perfection. Whether store-bought or homemade, this treat is a crowd-pleasing delight for any occasion.
FAQ
What ingredients are key for Hershey’s Banana Pudding Ice Cream?
Heavy cream, whole milk, ripe bananas, Hershey’s chocolate, and vanilla wafers are essential. Instant banana pudding mix adds authentic flavor. Use high-quality chocolate for the best taste.
How long does it take to make this ice cream?
Churning takes 20–25 minutes in a machine, with 4–6 hours of chilling beforehand. No-churn versions freeze in 6 hours. Post-churning freezing (2–4 hours) firms it up.
Can I make a vegan version of this ice cream?
Yes, use coconut milk and agave instead of dairy and sugar. Hershey’s dark chocolate works well for swirls. The texture stays creamy when properly mixed.
Why is my ice cream icy?
Icy textures result from insufficient chilling or excess liquid from bananas. Chill the base to 40°F and drain bananas well. Use a 0°F freezer for the machine’s bowl.