If you love both classic Southern banana pudding and the elegant, decadent layers of Italian tiramisu, you’re about to fall head over heels for Banana Pudding Tiramisu. This delightful mash-up dessert layers fluffy coffee-soaked ladyfingers, luscious banana slices, and the silkiest cream cheese-pudding filling. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy enough for a special occasion, but is secretly so easy to assemble you’ll find yourself making it on weeknights just because. Prepare to dazzle your taste buds (and impress every guest at your table) with this unforgettable twist on a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Banana Pudding Tiramisu comes from a handful of simple ingredients—each chosen for the unique flavor and velvety texture they bring to the dish. Don’t skip or swap these essentials; every one plays its part in building those heavenly layers.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, this gives the filling its signature airiness and decadence.
- Cream cheese (softened): The backbone of that rich, tangy, no-bake filling, making every bite irresistibly creamy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up just the right amount without overpowering the banana and coffee notes.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Handles the thick, pudding-like texture without fuss—be sure to grab instant, not cook-and-serve.
- Cold milk: Brings the pudding mixture together and keeps it silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
- Ripe bananas (sliced): Make sure your bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and that signature banana flavor.
- Ladyfinger cookies: The classic tiramisu base; these soak up coffee and cradle all those creamy layers.
- Brewed coffee (cooled): Gives just enough grown-up flavor to balance the sweetness, with no baking required.
- Crushed vanilla wafers (optional for topping): A final crunch for texture and a hit of that nostalgic banana pudding vibe.
How to Make Banana Pudding Tiramisu
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start things off by beating the heavy cream in a large bowl until you get those glorious stiff peaks. This step is key! Whipped cream will lighten the filling and give your Banana Pudding Tiramisu that signature lift. Set this bowl aside—you’ll need it in just a minute.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until everything’s completely smooth. This duo creates an undeniably rich base with just the right level of tanginess to cut through the sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Pudding Mixture
Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract right into your cream cheese bowl. Beat everything together until the pudding mixture thickens and turns silky—this process only takes a couple of minutes. You want it sturdy enough to hold up those luscious layers!
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into your pudding-cream cheese mixture. Take care not to overmix; you want a light, fluffy filling that practically floats. This is the real secret to the dreamy texture that sets Banana Pudding Tiramisu apart.
Step 5: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee and nestle them in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Don’t let them soak too long—just a swift dip will do. This step makes the dessert beautifully moist and flavorful, with subtle coffee notes.
Step 6: Add the Filling and Bananas
Spread half your creamy filling over the ladyfingers, then gently cover it with a generous layer of sliced bananas. The fruit brings brightness and a fresh sweetness that’s so essential to the Banana Pudding Tiramisu experience.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of your filling, and more sliced bananas. These dreamy, cloud-like layers will look as impressive as they taste.
Step 8: Chill and Finish
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist the temptation). This rest time allows all those flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften to perfection. Just before serving, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top for that extra bit of Southern charm and crunch!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Tiramisu
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing touches, a scattering of crushed vanilla wafers is a must, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Fresh banana slices, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of caramel can all elevate your Banana Pudding Tiramisu to show-stopping status.
Side Dishes
This dessert is truly the star of any table, but if you’re serving a crowd, keep things light and fresh alongside it. A crisp green salad or a platter of seasonal berries balances the rich, creamy layers and lets your Banana Pudding Tiramisu shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more playful, party-ready vibe, try serving individual portions in mason jars or cocktail glasses. Not only is it adorable, but it makes for easy, mess-free serving. You can even go mini with shot glasses for a fun tasting flight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Pudding Tiramisu is just as tasty (if not better!) a day or two after it’s made. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The bananas may darken slightly, but the flavor will be as dreamy as ever.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal due to the banana slices and creamy filling, you can freeze portions in an airtight container if needed. Expect a slightly different texture once thawed, but the dessert will still satisfy those cravings.
Reheating
This is a no-bake, chilled dessert, so reheating isn’t necessary! Simply let any frozen pieces thaw in the fridge overnight, then enjoy cold right from the dish.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Pudding Tiramisu without coffee?
Absolutely! Substitute the coffee with cold milk or banana liqueur for a kid-friendly or extra-bananalicious version. The dessert will be just as lovely, though slightly less reminiscent of classic tiramisu.
What’s the best way to keep bananas from browning?
Try using bananas that are ripe but not too soft, and cover the dish tightly after assembling. The creamy filling helps shield the fruit, minimizing browning, especially if you enjoy it within two days.
Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant?
Definitely! If you love making your own pudding from scratch, go for it—just be sure it’s completely cool and thick before assembling, so your Banana Pudding Tiramisu layers don’t turn runny.
What if I can’t find ladyfinger cookies?
You can swap in vanilla wafers or even sponge cake slices if you’re in a pinch. The texture will be a touch softer, but the result is still delicious and on-theme with banana pudding traditions.
Can Banana Pudding Tiramisu be made ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made a day in advance. Letting the flavors meld overnight in the fridge creates perfect layers and a dreamy, scoopable texture that will wow your guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the playful, creamy layers of Banana Pudding Tiramisu—a dessert that feels both nostalgic and a bit fancy at the same time. If you love banana desserts, this no-bake wonder is destined to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to grab a spoonful!
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Banana Pudding Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic banana pudding and traditional tiramisu with this easy-to-make, no-bake Banana Pudding Tiramisu. Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers create a luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ¾ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Layers:
- 4 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 box (7 oz) ladyfinger cookies (about 24)
- 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add Pudding Mix: Add the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until thickened and smooth.
- Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Layer the Dessert: Dip ladyfingers into cooled coffee and layer them in a baking dish. Spread pudding mixture over ladyfingers, add banana slices, repeat layers, and refrigerate.
- Final Touch: Before serving, sprinkle crushed wafers on top.
Notes
- You can substitute coffee with milk or banana liqueur.
- For extra flavor, add cinnamon to the wafer topping.
- Chill overnight for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
