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Delicious Banana Pudding

Delicious Banana Pudding is a creamy, chilled dessert layered with banana slices, smooth pudding, fluffy cream cheese, and vanilla wafers. A no-bake winner that delivers flavor and texture in every bite, it’s destined to become a favorite at every gathering.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • Pinch of kosher salt

For the Cheesecake Layers:

  • 2 blocks 8 oz each cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pudding Layer:

  • 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 3/4 cups whole milk

For Assembly:

  • 5 ripe bananas sliced
  • 48 vanilla wafers plus extra crushed wafers for garnish
  • Whipped topping or Cool Whip for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 11x7-inch dish to form a crust. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until fluffy and smooth.
  • Add heavy cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, then beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
  • Pour half of the creamy filling over the crust. Smooth into an even layer.
  • Top with a layer of banana slices, followed by a layer of whole vanilla wafers.
  • Spread the remaining filling over the wafers, smoothing the top.
  • Add another layer of sliced bananas and wafers.
  • Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Before serving, top with whipped topping, extra banana slices, and crushed vanilla wafers.
  • Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft.
  • Let the pudding set fully before folding it into the cheesecake layer.
  • Chill longer for cleaner slices.
  • You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for extra flavor.