Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Jump to:

• Why this banana pudding layered dessert recipe works
• Recipe Ingredients
• Ingredient Substitutions
• How to make Banana Pudding Layered Dessert
• Recipe Notes and Tips
• How to serve Banana Pudding Layered Dessert
• How long does Banana Pudding Layered Dessert last?
• Can one Freeze Banana Pudding Layered Dessert?
• More layered dessert recipes
• Banana Pudding Dessert

Why this banana pudding layered dessert recipe works

• The layering effect in this dessert creates a well balanced texture and flavor profile.
• The vanilla wafer cookies absorb the moisture from the pudding and bananas which creates a cake like texture but not soggy as the fat in the cookies slows and controls the rate at which the liquid is absorbed.
• Adding the slices of bananas gives the dessert the fresh banana flavor for a more authentic taste versus using artificial flavoring. The fresh banana flavoring comes from isoamyl acetate, which is the molecule that is primarily responsible for the banana's true, natural flavor.
• The pudding contains modified starches that gelatinize when liquid is added. This provides stability in the dessert and help to moisten the cookies to that cake like texture.
• Adding crushed wafer cookies on top makes for a pretty presentation and a little extra crunch.

Recipe Ingredients

Vanilla wafer cookies - The base of the recipe that creates structure and an added crunch.

Instant banana pudding mix - Gives the dessert stability and creaminess.

Milk - Along with the pudding, creates that smooth creaminess.

Bananas - The star of the show. They lend lots of flavor for this classic dessert.

Whipped topping - Lightens up the pudding and ties the whole dessert together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Vanilla wafer cookies - You can substitute any type of cookies that you like. The vanilla wafers are the traditional method but you could use shortbread cookies, graham cracker, vanilla Oreos, etc.

Instant banana pudding mix - If you rather make your own pudding from scratch that would be delicious. You could also do a vanilla pudding to avoid the artificial banana flavoring.

Milk - I used 2% milk in the recipe. You could use 1% or skim to make it less fattening or whole milk to make it more creamy.

Whipped topping - To make the dessert less artificial in flavor, you could whip up your own whipped cream by using heavy cream and a little bit of powdered sugar. This would take it up to the next level.

How to make Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Make the pudding

Place the package of pudding and milk in a medium size bowl and whisk together. Let set for about five minutes.

Assemble the dessert

In a 8x8 inch pan, place a single layer of the wafer cookies.

Place half of the banana sliced on top of the wafer cookies.

Place half of the prepared pudding on top of the bananas.

Place another layer of bananas on top of the wafer cookies.

Place the remaining pudding on top of the bananas.

Spread whipped topping on top of the pudding.

Crush up some of the wafer cookies and sprinkle on top of the whipped topping.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• The cookies, pudding, and whipped topping can all be made from scratch if you prefer the homemade taste. Using the items from the store help to make this a quick and easy recipe.
• You can crush the cookies for the top using a food processor or just place in a zipper bag and crush with a rolling pin.
• Make this dessert a few hours before hand so that the cookies soften and all the flavors have a chance to blend together.
• For a prettier presentation you can make in a trifle dish.
• Top with your family's favorite toppings, example: caramel drizzle, maraschino cherries, etc.
• You can make this how ever many layers you like, you just might need to alter the amount of ingredients you use.

How to serve Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Spoon into a dish, ensuring you have some of all the layers.

Top with your favorite toppings.

How long does Banana Pudding Layered Dessert last?

Typically the dessert will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But if your family is anything like mine it will get eaten before that.

Can one Freeze Banana Pudding Layered Dessert?

I would not recommend this. This will change the texture making it less than desirable.

More layered dessert recipes

For more layered dessert recipes. check out my pistachio layered dessert and my chocolate caramel layered dessert.

Pistachio Layered Dessert

Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert