This banana pudding has made a name for itself in my family. Every get-together, no matter if it's a summer, winter, spring or fall holiday, a birthday or an anniversary, I'm asked to bring my banana pudding. This is one recipe that I know by heart and can probably make in my sleep. This really is the best banana pudding I've ever eaten, so I'm proud to call it mine.
What makes my banana pudding recipe different is that I make it in trifle form. The creamy pudding trifle looks impressive, but is so simple to make. All you need to make this banana pudding trifle recipe is cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding, milk, a can of sweetened condensed milk, bananas, vanilla wafers and a tub of non-dairy whipped topping (aka Cool Whip). The whole trifle can be prepared and assembled in about 20 minutes (maybe 30 if it's your first time).
This sweet, creamy banana pudding trifle is a mouthful of heaven. The trifle is amazing served at family functions, potlucks or cookouts, and makes a wonderful dessert after dinner. If you make it and then get asked to bring it over and over again, no worries! This dessert recipe could not be any easier, but don't tell anyone.
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 5 ounces (1 large box) instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 - 6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 11 ounces (1 box) vanilla wafers
- 8 ounces (1 tub) Cool Whip
Recipe Notes
- Don't cut your bananas too early or they will start to turn brown.
- Save the crumbs at the bottom of the vanilla wafer box to garnish the top. I also set aside three whole cookies to decorate the top with.
- The three cookies at the top not only look pretty, but they keep the plastic wrap from sticking to the whipped topping.
- I never put whipped topping between the layers, just on top. But you could definitely do that if you prefer. Buy a larger tub of Cool Whip.
- Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese. If you don't, you will get flecks of cream cheese in the pudding.
- Store any leftover banana pudding in an airtight container in the fridge.
Here's how to make it:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla pudding mix, milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Beat well to combine.
- Stir in half of the Cool Whip.
- Layer the bottom of the trifle bowl with vanilla wafers, leaning some against the sides.
- Add a layer of banana. Push some against the sides, if desired.
- Add a layer of banana pudding.
- Repeat layers.
- If you have some vanilla wafers leftover, put them on the top.
- Top with the remaining Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle with the crumbs and add three cookies for decoration, if desired.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by HappyForks. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.
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