Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers and Cream Recipe
This classic Banana Pudding recipe features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, all topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s a simple, no-bake dessert perfect for gatherings and family meals, offering a delightful mix of textures and sweet flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding Mixture
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 serving size)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Additional Ingredients
- 5 ripe bananas
- 1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
- Add Pudding Mix and Milk: Stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Continue beating with the mixer until well combined and the pudding begins to thicken.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Continue whipping just until stiff peaks appear, being careful not to overbeat.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding: Reserve 2½ cups of whipped cream for topping. Gently fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated, maintaining a light texture.
- Layer the Pudding: In a glass trifle bowl or large serving dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top, then cover with a layer of pudding mixture, fully covering the bananas. Repeat layering with remaining wafers, bananas, and pudding until all are used.
- Top and Chill: Spread the reserved whipped cream evenly over the top layer. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, optionally garnish with extra banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent browning and mushiness.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Assemble the pudding close to serving time to keep wafers from becoming too soggy.
- For best texture, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Keywords: banana pudding, no bake dessert, vanilla pudding, layered dessert, creamy banana dessert, vanilla wafers dessert
