Description
Creamy layers of banana pudding lasagna promise a Southern dessert dream with velvety cream cheese, vanilla wafers, and ripe bananas. Delightful textures and sweet comfort invite you to savor each indulgent spoonful of this classic comfort treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 (11 ounces/311 grams) box vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 (3.4 ounces/96 grams) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Caramel drizzle
- Extra banana slices
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy filling by whisking vanilla pudding mix with cold milk, allowing it to set and thicken for several minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
- Gently incorporate the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture, folding carefully to create a uniform, luscious filling.
- Select a rectangular baking dish and create the foundational layer by evenly distributing vanilla wafers across the bottom surface.
- Carefully arrange sliced bananas atop the wafer base, ensuring complete coverage and optimal fruit distribution.
- Generously spread half of the pudding-cream cheese blend over the banana layer, creating a rich and even coating.
- Construct a second tier by repeating the layering process: place another set of vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices and the remaining pudding mixture.
- Crown the dessert with a smooth, even layer of whipped topping, completely covering the pudding layers.
- Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of four hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to solidify.
- Before serving, enhance the presentation by sprinkling crushed vanilla wafers, adding fresh banana slices, or drizzling caramel sauce for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Softening: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Banana Browning Prevention: Toss sliced bananas with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent quick discoloration.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg