Description

This indulgent and creamy banana pudding recipe combines classic flavors and textures with layers of vanilla wafers, sliced ripe bananas, and a smooth French vanilla pudding mixture enhanced with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Topped with whipped cream and extra wafers, this no-bake dessert is easy to assemble and perfect for any occasion, chilling to develop rich, irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layers

2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
6 to 8 bananas, sliced

Pudding Mixture

2 cups milk
1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
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

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Instructions

Prepare the base: Line the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish evenly with one box of vanilla wafers. Arrange the sliced bananas over the wafer layer for a fruity, sweet foundation.
Make the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and French vanilla pudding mix using a handheld electric mixer. Mix for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
Combine cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy, without lumps.
Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping (or sweetened whipped cream) into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy texture without deflating the mixture.
Mix puddings together: Add the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture and stir until fully blended, creating rich, luscious filling.
Layer the dessert: Pour the combined creamy pudding mixture evenly over the wafers and bananas in the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
Top with wafers: Sprinkle the remaining vanilla wafers evenly over the top for added texture and crunch.
Chill: Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set before serving.

Notes

For best results, slice bananas just before layering to prevent browning.
You can substitute light cream cheese and low-fat milk to reduce calories.
If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add a tablespoon of sugar to the pudding mix.
Use a glass or ceramic dish instead of metal for better chilling and presentation.
Letting the pudding set overnight enhances the flavors even more.