Description

A no-bake, budget-friendly dessert made by layering vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and instant vanilla pudding with whipped cream or Cool Whip. It requires minimal effort and tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (40-50 cookies) vanilla wafers (e.g., Nilla Wafers)
4–5 medium ripe bananas (spotted brown)
2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
1 cup heavy cream (whipped with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla) OR 1 container Cool Whip (thawed)
Optional garnish: Crushed vanilla wafers, mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Peel and slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk vigorously for 2 minutes to remove lumps.
Let the pudding mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
If using fresh cream, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. If using Cool Whip, fluff it with a spoon.
Place a single layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom of a 9×13 glass dish or trifle bowl.
Spread half of the sliced bananas over the wafers.
Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the bananas and spread to cover completely.
Add a second layer of vanilla wafers.
Add the remaining bananas.
Spread the rest of the pudding on top.
Spread the whipped cream or Cool Whip over the top layer.
Garnish with crushed wafers or chocolate chips if desired.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow wafers to soften.

Notes

Use ripe, spotted brown bananas for the best flavor and texture. Do not skip the chilling time, as the wafers need at least 4 hours to soften and absorb the pudding. If making ahead, toss bananas in a little lemon juice to prevent excessive browning. This recipe can be doubled for larger crowds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice or scoop
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 220
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: banana pudding, trifle, no-bake dessert, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, vanilla wafers, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser