Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounce tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
Layering
- 12 ounce box Nilla wafers
- 5-7 bananas, peeled and sliced into coins
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy to create a creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently stir in half of the thawed Cool Whip whipped topping into the pudding mixture, folding it in to maintain lightness.
- First Layer: Line the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with one layer of Nilla wafers. Then arrange half of the sliced bananas evenly over the wafers.
- Spread Pudding: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas, creating the second layer in the dish.
- Second Layer: Add another layer of Nilla wafers on top of the pudding, followed by the remaining banana slices.
- Top Layer: Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the last banana layer, finishing with a smooth top.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the top with additional Nilla wafers and banana slices for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Store the layered banana pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bananas may darken the longer it is stored but will remain safe to eat.
- For best results, make the pudding a day ahead to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream if preferred.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid overly mushy texture in the layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Layering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 149 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
