Easy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

easy banana pudding in a trifle dish on a blue and white napkin

5 from 8 votes

Easy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

This Easy Banana Pudding with vanilla wafers is a delicious no-bake dessert with layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding in a trifle bowl or 9 x 13 pan. Best served the next day, it's the perfect make ahead dessert for Thanksgiving, Easter, and family gatherings.

Prep Time20

Chilling Time4

Total Time4 20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 445kcal

Author: Cara Lanz

Ingredients

8 ounces softened cream cheese
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 3.4 oz. boxes instant vanilla pudding
2 ¾ cups cold milk
8 ounces Cool Whip, divided
60 vanilla wafers you may need more if using a 9 x 13 pan
5-7 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the condensed milk and mix until there are no lumps.
In a second bowl, mix the pudding mix and milk together until smooth.
Pour the pudding into the cream cheese mixture and mix until completely combined.
Fold in ½ of the Cool Whip.
Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of vanilla wafers.
Add a layer of banana slices on top of the cookies.
Spread a layer of the pudding mixture evenly over the bananas.
Repeat 1-3 times, depending on the size of your dish.
Four layers worked perfectly in my trifle dish with 12-16 Nilla Wafers in each layer.
One to two layers will work well in a 9 x 13 pan.
Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding.
Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
Crush a few Nilla Wafers on top of the Cool Whip immediately before serving. If desired, serve with fresh banana slices.
Store leftover banana pudding wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

Use very soft cream cheese so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
Chill the banana pudding for at least 4 hours before serving, but overnight is best for soft, cakelike cookies.
Completely cover the bananas with pudding to keep them from turning brown.
Add the crushed vanilla wafers right before serving or they'll get soggy.

Nutrition