Description

This Easy Banana Pudding recipe is a creamy, layered dessert featuring a smooth mixture of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and instant vanilla pudding, combined with fresh banana slices and classic vanilla wafers. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion, requiring just a few hours of chilling to create a luscious and rich pudding with a delightful cake-like texture from softened wafers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Pudding Mixture

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided

For Assembly

1 box vanilla wafers (about 60 cookies) or butter cookies
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Crushed vanilla wafers, for topping
Additional banana slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Pudding Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Make the Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken. Gradually fold this pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Then fold in half of the Cool Whip to achieve a light, airy texture.
Assemble the Layers: In a trifle dish, clear bowl, or 9×13-inch pan, place a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices over the cookies, followed by a generous layer of the pudding mixture spread evenly on top.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture until all ingredients are used, ensuring to finish with a pudding layer on top.
Top It Off: Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften into a cake-like texture.
Serve: Before serving, garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and additional banana slices for an appealing presentation.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushiness in the pudding.
For an extra flavor dimension, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture.
Allowing the pudding to chill overnight enhances flavor and texture.
If preferred, substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresh touch.
To keep banana slices from browning, lightly brush them with lemon juice before layering.