Description
This classic Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a creamy, dreamy dessert perfect for any occasion. Layers of smooth vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies come together with a luscious cream cheese and whipped topping mixture for a delightful treat that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 2 (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (divided)
Other Ingredients
- 11 ounces vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 large bananas
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until the pudding thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Reserve 3/4 cup of the whipped topping and set aside. Beat the remaining whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until creamy and smooth.
- Layer the wafers: Line the bottom of a 3-quart 9×13 inch glass dish with a single layer of vanilla wafer cookies.
- Add pudding layer: Pour the thickened vanilla pudding evenly over the layer of vanilla wafers, using a spatula to spread it gently and evenly.
- Add banana slices: Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Arrange the banana slices over the pudding layer.
- Top with cream cheese mixture: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the banana layer. Use a spatula to gently spread until the dollops meet and form an even layer over all the bananas.
- Second wafer layer: Evenly layer the remaining vanilla wafer cookies over the cream cheese layer.
- Decorate with whipped topping: Place the reserved whipped topping into a small zip-top bag and cut a corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the whipped topping decoratively over the top layer of vanilla wafers.
- Chill before serving: Serve immediately for a crisp texture or cover and refrigerate for several hours to allow the cookies to soften for a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
Notes
- This dessert tastes best after chilling for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the wafers soften.
- Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and texture.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping options.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
