Description
A dreamy layered Southern dessert featuring a vanilla wafer crust, creamy cheese layer, fresh bananas, pudding, and whipped topping. No-bake and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping, thawed
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 cups whipped topping, thawed (for topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)
- Optional: extra banana slices and whole wafers for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in 2 cups whipped topping. Spread over the cooled crust.
- Layer sliced bananas evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
- Whisk both pudding mixes with cold milk until thickened yet pourable (about 3 minutes). Pour over banana layer.
- Spread remaining 2 cups whipped topping on top. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, garnish with extra banana slices and whole vanilla wafers if desired.
Notes
- For a no-bake crust, chill the crust instead of baking.
- Use medium-ripe bananas for best texture and flavor.
- Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Can be made a day in advance; add banana garnish just before serving.
- Do not freeze; texture and bananas degrade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
