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Banana Pudding Dessert with Creamy Southern Layers

A creamy layered banana pudding dessert made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, Nilla wafers, and fresh bananas.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Pudding Filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 14- ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 5- ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix the larger box
  • 3 cups milk 2% or higher
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 8- ounce tub whipped topping such as Cool Whip, thawed and divided
Layers
  • 11- ounce box Nilla wafers divided
  • 5 to 7 bananas peeled and sliced, divided

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Large serving dish
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plastic wrap or lid
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until smooth, light, and fluffy.
  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix for a few minutes, until the pudding mixture comes together and becomes smooth.
  4. Gently fold in part of the thawed whipped topping until the filling is creamy and evenly combined.
  5. In a large serving dish, add a layer of Nilla wafers.
  6. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
  7. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
  8. Repeat the layers with more wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture until the dish is filled.
  9. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top.
  10. Add extra crushed or whole Nilla wafers on top for garnish, if desired.
  11. Cover and refrigerate before serving so the layers can chill and the wafers can soften.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Slice bananas shortly before layering.
Add wafer garnish close to serving if you want it crisp.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.