Ingredients
Banana Pudding Mixture
- 1 5 oz box Instant Banana Pudding
- 2 cups Whole Milk (cold)
Sweetened Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 8 oz package Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Assembly
- 1 11 oz box Vanilla Wafers
- 4 large Bananas (divided and sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a large bowl, combine the instant banana pudding mix with two cups of cold whole milk. Use a hand mixer to beat on high for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set this aside to allow it to fully set.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk: In a separate large bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Whip the Cream: Using a clean bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy whipped cream. Set aside.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the thickened banana pudding into the sweetened cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Then carefully fold in the whipped cream to retain its fluffy texture, mixing delicately to keep the mixture light.
- Assemble the Pudding Layers: In a large casserole dish or serving bowl, start by placing half of the vanilla wafers and their crumbs evenly at the bottom. Layer on three slices of banana, then spread half of the banana pudding mixture on top.
- Finish Layering: Add the remaining vanilla wafers over the pudding layer and cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld and pudding to set perfectly.
- Add Fresh Bananas Before Serving: Just before serving, slice the remaining banana and arrange it on top of the pudding for a fresh and appealing finish.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from turning mushy quickly.
- For best results, chill the pudding overnight to deepen flavors and improve texture.
- You can substitute whipped cream with whipped topping if desired.
- This dessert is best served chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly.
- Vanilla wafers can be crushed slightly for better texture layering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American