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Creamy Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers: Easy 3-Ingredient Dessert

  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A nostalgic, no-bake Southern-style banana pudding featuring layers of ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and a rich, silky custard made from whipped cream and cream cheese. Simple to make and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 4 large ripe bananas (yellow with brown spots), sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 large box (30–40 cookies) vanilla wafers (e.g., Nilla Wafers)
  • Optional toppings: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Slice bananas and set aside. Cut cream cheese into cubes to soften.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Slowly pour in milk while mixing on low until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add the remaining whipped cream and fold until just combined, being careful not to deflate the air.
  5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, create layers: start with vanilla wafers, spread half the custard, then half the bananas. Repeat layers, ending with wafers. Press down gently on the top layer.
  6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow wafers to soften and flavors to meld.
  7. Serve cold, optionally topped with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or peanuts.

Notes

Slice bananas immediately before assembling to prevent browning. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth custard. Do not stir vigorously when folding whipped cream to maintain a light texture. This pudding tastes better the next day as flavors meld. It does not freeze well due to texture changes in bananas and cream cheese.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/1
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 13
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, no-bake dessert, southern dessert, easy dessert, cream cheese pudding, meal prep dessert, comfort food

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Find it online: https://plateori.com/creamy-banana-pudding-with-vanilla-wafers-easy-3-ingredient-dessert/