Description
A creamy and delightful layered banana pudding dessert featuring vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a luscious pudding and cream cheese mixture, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Topping
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
Pudding Mixture
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, or equal amount of sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Line the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish with one box of vanilla wafers. Then, arrange the sliced bananas evenly on top of the wafers to create the first layer of the dessert.
- Make the pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the milk and French Vanilla pudding mix. Using a handheld electric mixer, blend the mixture thoroughly until it thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until the texture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Combine mixtures: Add the cream cheese mixture to the prepared pudding mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly blended.
- Layer the pudding: Pour the combined pudding and cream cheese mixture over the banana and vanilla wafer layer in the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add topping layer: Sprinkle or layer the remaining vanilla wafers evenly on top of the pudding mixture to add a crunchy texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy layers.
- Chill the dessert overnight for even better flavor and texture.
- You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added texture, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or toasted pecans on top before serving.
