Description
A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, creamy homemade pudding, and fresh bananas, perfect for summer and requiring no oven time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml), cold
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups vanilla wafers (about 90 wafers)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced thin
- Optional toppings: fresh banana slices, crushed vanilla wafers, toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Whip the cream: In a large chilled bowl, pour 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Add ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 cup whole milk until it starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in softened cream cheese until smooth. Carefully fold about half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it up.
- Assemble the layers: Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture at the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on top, covering the surface without overcrowding.
- Add banana slices evenly over the wafers.
- Repeat layers: Spread more pudding mixture over the bananas, add another layer of wafers, then bananas, and finish with the remaining pudding mixture on top. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Top with whipped cream: Dollop and spread the remaining whipped cream over the final pudding layer. Optionally sprinkle crushed wafers or toasted coconut.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid soggy layers. Chill overnight for best texture. Whip cream cold for fluffier peaks. Fold whipped cream gently to keep light texture. Can substitute gluten-free cookies and dairy-free alternatives for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/12th of the
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: banana pudding, no-bake dessert, icebox cake, summer dessert, vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, easy dessert