Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese (No Bake Recipe)

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This Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. With layers of creamy pudding, sweet banana slices, and a delightful crunch from vanilla wafers, it's a dessert that's loved by all generations.

The best part? You don't even need to turn on your oven to make it! And if you're a fan of no-bake desserts, be sure to try my Easy No Bake Cherry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust.

No Bake Banana Cream Pudding is a delightful and simple dessert perfect for picnics, special events, or when craving a delicious treat. It's one of my favorite desserts to share that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy making and savoring this timeless favorite!

An overhead view of a 9x13 glass dish with Banana Pudding topped with crushed nilla wafers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Delicious Dessert - No Bake Banana Pudding is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. It's a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults.
Only SIX Simple Ingredients - This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. You probably have some of them in your pantry and fridge already.
No fuss - If you like the layered look of traditional banana pudding, you can cut this dessert into pieces. However, don't feel intimidated by serving perfect squares. This dessert can be scooped into bowls and topped with whipped cream for an equally yummy-looking treat.

Why Is The Cream Cheese Important In This Recipe?

While making a banana pudding dessert without cream cheese is possible, incorporating it can enhance this no-bake dessert's overall taste and texture. Cream cheese contributes a rich, creamy texture to the dessert. This helps create a smooth and luscious base for the pudding.

For our recipe, adding cream cheese is the best way to stabilize the pudding layer, providing structure and preventing it from becoming too runny. This is crucial in a no-bake recipe with no baking process to help set the dessert.

A piece of Banana Pudding on a plate topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a Nilla wafer cookie.

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Hand Mixer
9" x 13" Glass Dish or Pan
Plastic Wrap

Ingredients

Nilla Wafer Cookies - You will use the majority of the box for the dessert layers and a few will be left to be used as garnish.
Cream Cheese
Instant Banana Pudding Mix
Whole Milk
Cool Whip
Fresh Banana Slices - Use fresh bananas with a firm texture without any brown on the peels for best results.

*Please scroll down to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient amounts.

The ingredients needed to make the Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese include milk, cool whip, nilla wafers, cream cheese, bananas, and banana instant pudding mix.

Substitutions

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix - While banana pudding mix is used in the recipe, you can swap it out with vanilla if you prefer a milder banana flavor.
2% Milk - For best results and creaminess, we recommend whole milk, but you can use other options like 2%.
Homemade Whipped Cream - You can replace the whipped topping with heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
Shortbread Cookies or Graham Crackers - In keeping with traditional banana pudding, we used Nilla Wafers. However, shortbread cookies or graham crackers make great substitutions if a switch is needed.

Three bowls filled with Banana Pudding topped with sliced bananas, whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafer cookies.

Instructions

Step 1. Place softened cream cheese in a large bowl and mix with a hand mixer until smooth (about 30 seconds).

Step 2. Add the instant pudding mix and cold milk to the cream cheese and start mixing on low speed. Increase the mixer speed and blend to combine. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 3. While the pudding is setting up, cut the bananas into slices that are about ¼-inch thick. Set aside.

Step 4. Fold in ½ of the Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture until completely incorporated.

The first steps to making the banana pudding with cream cheese dessert include blending the cream cheese until smooth, adding the milk and pudding to the cream cheese, slicing the bananas and folidng the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture.

Step 5. Place a single layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9"x 13" glass casserole dish (or baking pan).

Step 6. Add ½ of the pudding mixture, spreading it evenly over the wafers.

Step 7. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the pudding.

Step 8. Repeat by adding another layer of cookies, the remaining pudding, and sliced bananas.

Step 9. Top with remaining Cool Whip to cover fresh bananas.

Step 10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until cold. Garnish with crushed cookies, more banana slices, and whipped cream.

The next steps to making the banana pudding with cream cheese include placing Nilla wafers in a single layer in a 9"x13" dish, adding a layer of pudding on top, adding a layer or sliced bananas on top and then repeating and finally topping with Cool Whip.

Storage and Freezing

This Easy Banana Pudding may be made one day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing is not recommended for this dessert.

Pro Tip

If you are unable to find the large box of instant pudding, you may use two of the smaller 3 ounce size boxes.

To prevent your bananas from browning too quickly, brush them with a little lemon juice or orange juice before layering them in the dessert. This helps maintain their fresh appearance and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can make No Bake Banana Pudding ahead of time. However, it's best to assemble it a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a beautiful, airy texture. Use your favorite recipe and whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Can I make this dessert in a glass bowl?

Sure! I used a 9" x 13" casserole dish for ease. But this is a perfect dessert to layer in a glass trifle bowl to show off all the layers.

How is this dessert different from a no bake cheesecake?

Both desserts contain cream cheese, but their usage differs. In Banana Pudding, cream cheese is incorporated into the pudding mixture to add richness and creaminess. In a No Bake Cheesecake, cream cheese is the star ingredient, forming the main body of the dessert.

Can I add other fruits or toppings?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Some like adding strawberries, crushed pineapple, or caramel drizzle for extra flavor and variety. Customize it to your liking!