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Easy, pretty and a little retro-fabulous, this no-bake banana pudding recipe is the perfect showpiece dessert!
Using only a few simple ingredients, you can create a lovely layered dessert that’s ideal for brunches, Easter dessert, showers and beyond!
I remember seeing desserts like this layered banana pudding at Christmas brunches when I was growing up. Not only pretty to look at, it’s got sweet flavors that the whole family will love.
And it’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings all year round.
What’s in this Banana Pudding Recipe
I like to say that this is a 4 ingredient banana pudding recipe, but there are 5 actual ingredients if we’re being technical:
- Ripe bananas. We’re not going for overripe here. I actually recommend you use bananas that have just barely ripened. They will be firmer and prettier in color.
- Prepared banana pudding. This is where we get technical. To prepare the instant pudding mix, you need milk. There’s that sneaky 5th ingredient.
- Vanilla wafer cookies
- Cool Whip
How to Make this Layered Banana Pudding Dessert
Prepare the Pudding
First, make the banana pudding using instant pudding mix and milk. I have used both whole milk and nonfat milk and they both work.
Pop the pudding into the refrigerator to chill.
Slice the Bananas
Slice the fresh bananas into rounds just before you layer the pudding components.
Layer the Pudding Components
We’re going to create 3 layers of this delicious dessert:
Layer One
First, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of your trifle dish or glass bowl. Then, make a layer of bananas on top of the cookies.
Place one row of sliced bananas around the perimeter of the dish. They should stick to the trifle bowl pretty easily.
Then, spread some of that creamy banana pudding over the bananas.
Layer Two
We’re only using cookies for this layer. Arrange them flat over the top of the pudding and around the perimeter of the trifle dish.
Now, spread more of the creamy pudding over the cookies.
Layer Three
This layer only has bananas. Place the sliced bananas over the pudding and around the perimeter of the bowl.
Top the bananas with the last bit of homemade pudding.
Top it All Off
Now that you have created three delicious layers of pudding, cookies and fresh bananas, top it off with the Cool Whip.
Make this dessert picture perfect by sprinkling crushed vanilla cookies and the remaining sliced bananas over the Cool Whip.
Variations on this 4 Ingredient Banana Pudding Recipe
1. Nonfat Banana Pudding: Use nonfat milk in the banana pudding to reduce the overall fat content in this dessert.
2. Sugar Free Banana Pudding: Opt for a sugar free version of instant pudding mix to reduce the overall sugar content in this no-bake recipe.
3. Graham Cracker Banana Pudding: For an alternative to vanilla wafer cookies, try using graham crackers instead.
4. Homemade Whipped Cream: Give this dessert a personal touch by making whipped cream from scratch instead of using Cool Whip.
5. Less Banana-y Pudding: The banana pudding and fresh bananas give this dessert a double dose of banana flavor. If it’s too much, try using instant vanilla pudding mix instead.
Can this Banana Pudding Recipe be made ahead?
You can feel confident making this layered dessert hours before you’re ready to serve it, or up to the day before.
Wait until you’re ready to serve the pudding to put the sliced bananas on top. Be sure to cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap while you’re storing it.
Another make ahead option is to make the pudding and store it in the refrigerator, either covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, until you’re ready to assemble the trifle.
What if you don’t have a trifle dish?
If you don’t have a trifle dish, use a deep glass bowl or glass casserole dish.
How to Keep Bananas from Turning Brown
Many types of fruit turn brown after they’re sliced as a result of oxidation. This, quite simply, means that once the flesh of the fruit is exposed to oxygen, it turns a brownish color.
Treating the fruit with citrus juice, such as lemon juice, can slow down this chemical process.
If you’re making this dessert for the next day, you shouldn’t have to worry about the bananas turning brown.
But if you plan to store it for more than one day, consider tossing the sliced bananas lightly in lemon juice to delay the browning.
How to Store this Banana Pudding Trifle
Cover this banana pudding dessert tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, consume it within 2-3 days.
When you make this layered banana pudding recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more easy dessert recipes, try these:
- Easy Coffee Jello Recipe with Condensed Milk
- Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings
- Oreo Ice Cream Recipe (3 Ingredients)
For more banana recipes, try these:
- Best Ever Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Healthy Banana Nut Muffins
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Quick & Easy Banana Pudding Recipe (No Bake Dessert)
Equipment
- 1 trifle dish or other deep glass bowl
Ingredients
- 4 1.85 oz. box banana pudding mix
- 8 cups milk
- 3 large bananas or 4 medium-sized bananas
- 1 8 oz. container Cool Whip
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the banana pudding in a large bowl according to package directions. Chill at least 1 hour.
- Slice bananas.
- In a trifle dish or other deep glass bowl, make the layers:
- Layer 1: Place a layer of vanilla wafer cookies on the bottom of the dish. Layer sliced bananas over the cookies and around the perimeter of the dish. Top bananas and cookies with 1/3 of the pudding. Spread evenly.
- Layer 2: Place a layer of cookies over the pudding and around the perimeter of the bowl. Spread 1/3 of the pudding in an even layer over the cookies.
- Layer 3: Arrange sliced bananas over the pudding and around the perimeter of the bowl. Spread the last 1/3 of pudding evenly over the bananas.
- Topping: Place dollops of whipped cream on top. Crush more cookies and sprinkle over the whipped cream. Top with remaining bananas.
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