Banana Pudding Layered Dessert – A Southern Classic with a Creamy Twist 🍌🍮
Banana Pudding Layered Dessert is a timeless Southern favorite — a beautiful blend of creamy pudding, silky cream cheese, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla Wafers. This dessert is comforting, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious. Easy to make and perfect for potlucks, holidays, family dinners, or any celebration, this layered delight brings classic flavors together in every spoonful.
With layers of rich vanilla pudding, a luscious cream cheese mixture, fluffy whipped cream, ripe bananas, and crisp wafer texture, it’s no wonder this dessert has stood the test of time. Let’s walk through how to build it step by step!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Pudding Layer
- 1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 ¾ cups cold whole milk
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Layering
- 1 box Nilla Wafers (about 11 oz)
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- Optional: crushed Nilla Wafers and extra banana slices for garnish
Step‑by‑Step Instructions 🥄
1. Prepare the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk for about 2 minutes — until it begins to thicken. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to fully set. This ensures a smooth, stable pudding layer that won’t run.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and fully combined.
Now, gently fold the prepared vanilla pudding into this cream cheese mixture until evenly blended. This creates a rich, velvety layer that’s slightly tangy and perfectly sweet.
3. Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium‑high speed, whip the cream until stiff peaks form — glossy and light.
Be careful not to over‑whip, or the cream will become grainy. The whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast to the dense pudding and cheesecake layers.
4. Layer the Dessert
Now comes the fun part — assembling your layered creation! In a large clear glass dish or trifle bowl, start with a layer of Nilla Wafers. Arrange sliced bananas on top, followed by a generous portion of the pudding‑cream cheese mixture.
Continue these layers — wafers, bananas, pudding — until you reach the top of your dish. Finish with a thick, fluffy layer of whipped cream.
For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle crushed Nilla Wafers and extra banana slices on top as a garnish.
Tips for Perfect Layers 🍽️
- Use ripe but firm bananas — too soft and they’ll become mushy.
- Seal wafers in plastic wrap if making ahead, to preserve crunch.
- Layer right before serving for best texture; if making early, add final whipped cream just before serving.
- For deeper flavor, let the dessert chill 1–2 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions 🤤
Banana pudding pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh berries or berry compote
- Caramel drizzle
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Espresso or sweet dessert wine
Storage Instructions 🧊
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Banana pudding is best eaten the same day it’s made, as wafers can soften over time. If planning ahead, assemble layers up to a few hours before serving and add whipped cream at the last minute.
Banana Pudding FAQs ❓
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes! Homemade vanilla pudding works beautifully — just make sure it’s thick and fully chilled before layering.
Why does banana pudding get soggy?
This happens when banana slices oxidize or wafers absorb moisture. To reduce this, layer bananas between pudding or use firmer slices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — prepare all layers early, but add whipped cream and garnish right before serving for the best texture.
Can I use low‑fat milk?
You can, but whole milk gives a richer, creamier pudding layer.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe serves approximately 10–12 people, depending on portion size.
Final Thoughts 🍌🍮
Banana Pudding Layered Dessert is comfort food at its finest — creamy, nostalgic, and crowd‑pleasing. With layers of soft pudding, rich cream cheese, fluffy whipped cream, and crisp Nilla Wafers, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.
Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this Southern classic is both timeless and irresistible.