August 26, 2024

Creamy Banana Pudding Dessert

This creamy banana pudding dessert features a wafer crust layered with a mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream, topped with fresh banana slices and followed by a layer of homemade vanilla pudding. A final layer of homemade whipped cream completes this delectable treat. This creamy banana pudding dessert is so simple to prepare that you’ll want to add it to your rotation for every occasion.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This classic dessert offers a comforting, indulgent experience with its layers of flavors. Envision a smooth, homemade vanilla pudding, interspersed with slices of ripe bananas, all crowned with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Let’s delve into each component:

The layers:

The Crust:

This layer consists of vanilla wafers, crushed up and butter added to give it structure. It simply lines the bottom of the pan and is the foundation for all of the other yummy layers.

Homemade Vanilla Pudding:

This layer is the heart of this dessert, A rich and creamy vanilla pudding made from scratch (not from a box), it’s a labor of love but very simple to prepare using my instructions below. The warm, custard-like pudding is thickened with eggs, sugar, and cornstarch, creating a smooth texture that envelops your taste buds. The best part is there isn’t any slaving over the stove as it’s all done in the microwave.

Whipped cream blended with Cream Cheese:

The third layer consists of a combination of cream cheese and homemade whipped cream that results in a delightful topping that combines the creaminess of cream cheese with the lightness of whipped cream. It’s perfect for adding a rich, tangy flavor to this dessert. Note: In this recipe you’ll make your own whipped cream (instructions below) versus the store-bought whipped topping. It’s just so much better and really simple to make.

The Banana layer:

And the banana layer, which is sliced bananas on top of the vanilla pudding. This is what give this dessert that light banana flavor without an overpowering banana flavor. It’s perfect.

The Finish:

Finally, to put this this dessert over the top, a final layer of whipped cream is placed on top and then sprinkled with crushed vanilla wafers. If you want, add some more bananas. It’s your canvas, make it your own.

This recipe is all from scratch:

From the whipped cream to the vanilla pudding this recipe is all homemade, but if you need it in a hurry, you can use prepared whipped topping such as Cool Whip and boxed vanilla pudding. I highly recommend making it yourself as it is so simple and tastes so much better.

If you make this dessert, please leave a comment. I’d love to know what you think.

Full recipe details below.

Creamy Banana Pudding Dessert

The Culinary Dabbler

This creamy banana pudding dessert features a wafer crust layered with a mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream, topped with fresh banana slices and followed by a layer of homemade vanilla pudding. A final layer of homemade whipped cream completes this delectable treat. So simple to prepare, you'll want to include this creamy banana pudding dessert in your rotation for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

1 8×8 square pan

Ingredients

Whipped Cream (makes 2 cups)

1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tbsp confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Crust layer:

1 cup vanilla wafers (crushed)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp butter (melted)

Cream cheese/Whipped Cream Layer

1 cup homemade whipped cream
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 bananas (sliced)

Vanilla Pudding Layer

2 cups milk
4 egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp butter (sliced)

Instructions

Homemade Whipped Cream:

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, with a whisk attached, whip the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium to stiff form. In other words, the peaks won't be stiff straight but will bend over a little bit. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
Place in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
This recipe will make about 2 cups of whipped cream. 1 cup is mixed with the cream cheese and the other cup is used on the top layer of the dessert.

Crust Layer:

Combine the crushed vanilla wafers with 2 tablespoons of sugar and melted butter.
Press into the bottom of an 8×8 square pan. Set aside

Cream Cheese/Whipped Cream Layer:

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, whip the cream cheese until creamy about 30 seconds.
Add the confectioners' sugar and 1 cup of the whipped cream. Mix until smooth.
Using a spoon, dollop the mixture over the crust and carefully smooth over the crust.
Arrange sliced banana over the cream cheese mixture.

Vanilla Pudding:

Add the milk, egg yolks, 2/3 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds.
Place in the microwave and cook on high for 5-7 minutes. Whisking well after each minute.
After 4 minutes, whisk every 30 seconds. until it begins to thicken.
Once it starts to thicken, whisk vigorously to smooth it out. Once it's thickened it's done.
Stir in the vanilla and the butter and whisk until the butter is fully incorporated.
Place plastic wrap directly on the pudding. This will prevent a skin forming on the pudding. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely. If you're in a hurry, place the bowl in an ice bath to cool quickly.
Once the pudding has cooled, spread it over the cream cheese/banana layer.
Arrange the vanilla wafers on top of the vanilla pudding.
Place in the refrigerator to completely set.
Once set, spread the remaining whipped cream over the wafers. When you're ready to serve it up, garnish with more crushed vanilla wafer and some extra bananas.