Description
This decadent Banana Pudding recipe combines creamy layers of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and instant vanilla pudding with fresh banana slices and crunchy Nilla wafers. It requires no cooking and is quick to assemble, making it perfect for a delicious and comforting dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends.
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 (larger 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
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. This will create a creamy base for the pudding layers.
- Mix in pudding ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate whipped topping: Gently stir in half of the thawed whipped topping to the pudding mixture to add lightness and creaminess.
- Layer the pudding: In a trifle dish, large bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish, start with one-third of the Nilla wafers, creating a single layer at the bottom.
- Add banana slices: Place a single layer of sliced bananas over the Nilla wafers, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour pudding mixture: Pour one-third of the prepared pudding mixture on top of the bananas, spreading it evenly to cover all the fruit.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering with the remaining Nilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture until all components are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer for a beautiful and creamy finish.
- Chill the pudding: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. This allows the pudding to thicken and the Nilla wafers to soften, perfecting the texture.
- Serve and enjoy: After chilling, serve the banana pudding chilled for a delightful, sweet dessert.
Notes
- This Banana Pudding is a no-cook dessert, meaning no baking or stovetop cooking is required.
- Using instant pudding mix speeds up preparation and ensures a smooth texture.
- Allowing the pudding to chill sufficiently is key to softening the Nilla wafers and enhancing the flavor.
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness.
- You can substitute light whipped topping for a lower calorie option if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 54 g
- Sodium: 408 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
