Description

A no-bake, creamy banana pudding icebox cake with luscious layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and softened vanilla wafers. Perfect for quick preparation and chilling overnight for a nostalgic, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

3.4 oz (96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3–4 medium ripe bananas, sliced
About 60 vanilla wafers
Optional: sweetened shredded coconut or toasted pecans

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk for about 2 minutes until thickened and smooth. Set aside.
In a large chilled bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the pudding to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully combined.
Peel and slice bananas into thin rounds about ¼ inch thick. Optionally toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pudding mixture. Layer vanilla wafers, then banana slices, followed by more pudding. Repeat layers ending with pudding on top. Optionally sprinkle shredded coconut or toasted pecans on top.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness. For best texture, chill overnight. If pudding is too runny before chilling, it will firm up in the fridge. Whip cream to soft peaks to avoid graininess. Optionally toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers or gluten-free cookies if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12th of the recipe
Calories: 220
Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 1.5
Protein: 3

Keywords: banana pudding, icebox cake, no-bake dessert, creamy dessert, vanilla wafers, easy dessert, summer dessert