Description
This Best Banana Pudding Ever is a creamy, indulgent dessert featuring layers of classic vanilla wafers, sliced ripe bananas, and a luscious vanilla pudding mixture enriched with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Topped with whipped topping and chilled to perfection, this no-bake pudding is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
- 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
Pudding Mixture
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (5 oz.) box French Vanilla pudding mix
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the base layer: Line the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish with one bag of vanilla wafers, creating an even layer. Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the vanilla wafers to form the fruit layer.
- Make the pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the milk and French Vanilla pudding mix. Using a handheld electric mixer, blend the mixture until it thickens, approximately 2 minutes, ensuring a smooth pudding consistency.
- Create the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining thoroughly but carefully to maintain a light texture.
- Combine mixtures: Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir well until fully blended into a creamy, unified filling.
- Assemble the pudding: Pour the combined pudding and cream cheese mixture evenly over the layered vanilla wafers and bananas in the dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Add topping layer: Sprinkle the remaining vanilla wafers evenly over the top of the pudding layer, providing a delightful crunchy finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled banana pudding for at least 4 hours to allow it to set and the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid browning and mushiness.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
- Use chilled milk for optimal pudding consistency.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap while refrigerating to prevent the topping from drying out.
- The pudding can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavor development.
- For added texture, consider layering extra vanilla wafers between pudding layers if desired.
