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No-Bake Banana Pudding

No-Bake Banana Pudding

No-Bake Banana Pudding is a classic cold summer dessert made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, soft vanilla wafers, and fluffy whipped cream. Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd, it gets even better as it chills.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 14 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 box vanilla wafers

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • spatula
  • 9x13 dish or trifle bowl

Method
 

  1. Whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk in a saucepan and cook until thickened.
  2. Temper egg yolks with hot mixture, then return to pan and cook briefly.
  3. Stir in butter and vanilla, then chill pudding until set.
  4. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, then fold in whipped cream.
  5. Fold half of whipped mixture into chilled pudding.
  6. Layer vanilla wafers in the bottom of a dish.
  7. Add pudding, sliced bananas, and repeat layers.
  8. Top with remaining whipped cream and garnish.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent mushy texture. Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for best results. Stabilize whipped cream with cream cheese or powdered sugar if making ahead. Always start with a wafer base for structure.