Introduction
Indulging in a delicious dessert can elevate any gathering, and this banana pudding recipe promises to satisfy your sweet tooth with its creamy layers and delightful flavors. It combines rich cream cheese, ripe bananas, and fluffy whipped topping, all nestled between crispy vanilla wafers. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply as a treat at home, this dessert is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, softened (for buttering the baking dish)
– 11 ounces vanilla wafers (reserve 4 to 6 wafers for an optional crushed wafer topping)
– 4 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
– 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed
– 6.8 ounces instant banana cream pudding mix
– 2 cups cold whole milk
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
Yield: 9 servings
This banana pudding recipe is sure to become a favorite, providing a delightful balance of textures and flavors. With easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of family and friends alike. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
Step 2: Layer Vanilla Wafers
Line the bottom and sides of the buttered dish with a single layer of vanilla wafers.
Step 3: Add Banana Layer
Place a single layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese and Vanilla
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Whipped Topping
Add powdered sugar and 1 cup of whipped topping; beat until smooth.
Step 6: Spread Cream Cheese Mixture
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the banana layer.
Step 7: Add Another Layer of Vanilla Wafers
Add another layer of vanilla wafers on top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 8: Place Remaining Bananas
Place the remaining sliced bananas over the wafers.
Step 9: Prepare Pudding Mixture
In a bowl, combine cold milk and 1 cup of whipped topping.
Step 10: Mix Pudding
Sprinkle the pudding mix over the milk mixture and beat until thickened.
Step 11: Spread Pudding Mixture
Spread the pudding mixture over the banana layer.
Step 12: Refrigerate
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 13: Add Final Whipped Topping Layer
Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Step 14: Garnish with Crushed Wafers
Crush the reserved vanilla wafers and sprinkle over the top as garnish.
Step 15: Slice and Serve
Slice into 9 pieces and serve.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
This dessert is best served chilled, making it a refreshing treat.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Cook techniques
Butter a Baking Dish
Softened butter is used to grease the baking dish, ensuring the dessert does not stick and facilitating easier removal once set.
Layering Ingredients
Carefully layer the ingredients in the baking dish, starting with vanilla wafers, followed by sliced bananas, and alternating until all components are assembled.
Mixing Cream Cheese
Beat cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth for a creamy and evenly textured layer, ensuring there are no lumps for the best mouthfeel.
Combining Powdered Sugar
Incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture for sweetness while mixing thoroughly to avoid graininess in the final dessert.
Whipped Topping Integration
Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its airy texture, creating a light and fluffy layer that complements the bananas.
Pudding Mixture Preparation
Mix cold milk with whipped topping and sprinkle pudding mix to create a thickened layer that adds richness and enhances the banana flavor.
Refrigeration
Chill the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up, allowing easier slicing and serving.
Garnishing
Top the dessert with additional whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers for a crunchy texture and visually appealing finish.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a healthier alternative, but it may affect the texture slightly.
What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?
Graham crackers or shortbread cookies can be used as a substitute if vanilla wafers are unavailable.
How long does this dessert last in the fridge?
The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is suitable for make-ahead preparation; just ensure it is covered tightly and refrigerated.
Is there a non-dairy option for whipped topping?
Absolutely, there are various non-dairy whipped toppings available that can be used as a substitute.
Conclusion
This delicious layered banana dessert combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the creaminess of the cream cheese and pudding layers, and the crunch of vanilla wafers, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and satisfying flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Banana Pudding
Layer chocolate pudding with sliced bananas and whipped cream for a decadent twist on the classic banana dessert.
Strawberry Banana Parfait
Alternate layers of sliced strawberries, banana, vanilla yogurt, and granola for a fruity and healthy dessert.
Banana Cream Pie
Use a pie crust filled with banana slices, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream, topped with crushed graham crackers for added texture.
Banana Nut Muffins
Incorporate mashed ripe bananas and chopped walnuts into a muffin batter for a moist and flavorful breakfast option.
Banana Split Cake
Layer banana slices, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream on a cake base to recreate the classic banana split dessert in a cake form.
