Description
No-Bake Banana Pudding Lush is a cool, creamy Southern dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holidays, and warm summer days. This irresistible layered treat combines a buttery vanilla wafer crust, rich cream cheese filling, silky vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped topping for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
🍪 For the Crust
- 2½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
🍮 For the Pudding Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
🍌 For the Layers
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers
☁️ For the Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices
✨ Optional Garnishes
- White chocolate curls
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped toasted pecans
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix together:
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Melted butter
- Sugar
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
until smooth.
Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding
Whisk together:
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cold milk
for about 2 minutes until thick.
Let stand for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Arrange vanilla wafers over the cream cheese layer.
Top with sliced bananas.
Spread the vanilla pudding evenly over the bananas.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Smooth with an offset spatula.
Step 6: Decorate
Sprinkle generously with:
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices
Add caramel drizzle or chopped pecans if desired.
Step 7: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 8: Serve
Cut into squares or scoop into dessert bowls and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture.
- Chill overnight for clean slices and maximum flavor.
- Add banana slices on top just before serving to prevent browning.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates the creamiest filling.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 6 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 6g