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Creamy Banana Pudding Delight Recipe

4.9 from 88 reviews

This classic Banana Pudding recipe combines creamy layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers for a luscious, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. The smooth cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk mixture provides richness while the whipped cream adds lightness, making it an irresistible treat when chilled.

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

For Assembly

  • 5 ripe bananas
  • 1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and smooth, ensuring that the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
  2. Add Pudding Mix and Milk: To the cream cheese mixture, add the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Continue beating with the hand mixer until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture starts to thicken.
  3. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream using a hand mixer until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks are achieved, but be careful not to overbeat.
  4. Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding: Reserve 2½ cups of the whipped cream for the topping. Gently fold the remaining whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula to keep it light and airy without deflating the whipped cream.
  5. Layer the Ingredients: In a large glass trifle bowl or similar dish, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture, making sure the bananas are fully covered. Repeat these layers until all ingredients have been used, finishing with a layer of pudding mixture.
  6. Top and Chill: Spread the reserved whipped cream evenly over the top layer of pudding. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the pudding with additional banana slices or crumbled vanilla wafers for an attractive presentation and added texture if desired.

Notes

  • For best results, use ripe bananas that are slightly soft but not overly mushy.
  • The dessert improves in flavor after chilling overnight, so prepare in advance if possible.
  • You can substitute low-fat milk or use a sugar substitute if you want to reduce calories or sugar.
  • Make sure to fold the whipped cream gently into the pudding to keep it light and fluffy.
  • For a decorative touch, add some toasted coconut or chocolate shavings on top.

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla pudding, cream cheese dessert, no-bake dessert, layered pudding dessert, vanilla wafer dessert, southern dessert