Description
This luscious Banana Pudding recipe combines creamy layers of vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and softened cream cheese with fresh bananas and crunchy Nilla wafers. It’s an easy no-bake dessert perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully after chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix (large box)
- 3 cups milk (2% or higher)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed (divided use)
Layers
- 11 ounce box Nilla wafers (divided use)
- 5-7 bananas, peeled and sliced (divided use)
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy to create a creamy base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and the pudding begins to thicken.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently stir in half of the thawed whipped topping to maintain a light and fluffy texture within the pudding filling.
- Build Layers: In a trifle dish, large bowl or 9×13-inch baking dish, start by layering one-third of the Nilla wafers on the bottom. Follow with a single layer of sliced bananas, then pour one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas to cover them completely.
- Repeat Layering: Repeat the layering process two more times, each time layering wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture in the same order to achieve three layers total.
- Top and Chill: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly on the surface of the final pudding layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the pudding to thicken and the wafers to soften, resulting in a creamy, cohesive dessert.
Notes
- This Banana Pudding is a no-cook dessert, making it quick and easy to prepare.
- Use fresh bananas for the best flavor and texture; ripe but firm bananas work best.
- Allowing the pudding to chill for at least 1-2 hours improves the texture as the wafers absorb moisture and soften.
- You can prepare this dessert a day ahead and keep it refrigerated for convenience.
- For an extra touch, garnish the top with a few crushed Nilla wafers or banana slices before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 54 g
- Sodium: 408 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
