Craving something sweet, creamy, and completely irresistible? Meet the Banana Pudding Lush! This dessert is everything you love about banana pudding, but with an extra layer of indulgence. Think layers of buttery, crunchy cookies, creamy banana-flavored pudding, and a rich, fluffy topping it’s pure dessert perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table pause, take a bite, and then sigh in contentment. Trust me, this one’s going to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Lush

This dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or simply indulging in a little treat for yourself, this dessert checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile:

Banana Pudding Lush works for any event, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. It’s a classic with a twist that everyone can get excited about!

Budget-Friendly:

With simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, this dessert is both affordable and delicious. A perfect choice for when you want something decadent without overspending.

Quick and Easy:

There’s no baking involved, and the steps are simple. Layer, chill, and serve easy enough for anyone to make, even on a busy day!

Customizable:

Feel free to mix it up by adding extra layers or swapping ingredients. You could throw in some whipped cream, or even try different cookies for the crust!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Banana Pudding Lush is always a hit, whether you’re serving it at a party or sharing it with your family. It’s creamy, sweet, and downright irresistible.

Ingredients in Banana Pudding Lush

This dessert may look fancy, but it’s made with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Vanilla Wafer Cookies: The perfect crunchy base for this dessert. They add a nice, subtle sweetness and create the perfect foundation for those creamy layers.
Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas give this dessert its signature flavor and complement the creamy pudding filling beautifully.
Instant Banana Pudding Mix: This brings that rich, banana-flavored filling to life and makes the process even easier.
Milk: Essential for making the pudding, it helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, rich layer to the dessert that blends perfectly with the pudding.
Whipped Topping: For that fluffy, light finish on top that everyone loves.
Powdered Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to smooth out the cream cheese layer.
Butter: To make the crust buttery and delicious.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s put this dessert together it’s so simple and comes together in no time!

Prepare the Crust:

Start by crushing the vanilla wafer cookies into small pieces. You can do this in a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until they’re well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Set it aside.

Make the Pudding Layer:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and milk. Stir until it thickens up, about 2 minutes. Once the pudding has set, spread it evenly over the crust layer.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and a bit of whipped topping, mixing until everything is well combined. Spread this mixture over the banana pudding layer.

Add the Bananas:

Slice your bananas and arrange them over the cream cheese layer. The bananas add the perfect pop of color and flavor, making this dessert even more delicious.

Add the Whipped Topping:

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the bananas to create a fluffy, light layer on top. You can use a spatula to smooth it out, or leave it a little fluffy for texture.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together. The chilling time helps everything set and makes the dessert even more satisfying.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250-300 (based on serving size and specific ingredients)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)

How to Serve Banana Pudding Lush

Banana Pudding Lush is a perfect treat on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, iced tea, or even a cold glass of milk. It’s sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings without being overly heavy. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture!

Additional Tips

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat version of the whipped topping.
For a fun twist, add some chocolate chips or even drizzle a bit of caramel on top before serving.
Be sure to slice the bananas just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning.

FAQ’s

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes, you can swap the banana pudding mix for vanilla or even chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. It allows the layers to set and the flavors to come together.
Can I freeze Banana Pudding Lush?
This dessert is best served chilled, so freezing it may alter the texture of the cream cheese layer and whipped topping. It’s best enjoyed fresh after chilling in the fridge.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, fresh whipped cream will work beautifully as a substitute for the whipped topping. It will add a bit more richness to the dessert.
What if I don’t have vanilla wafer cookies?
You can use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or any cookie that will provide a crunchy base. Just crush them and mix with butter as you would the wafers.
Can I use frozen bananas in this dessert?
While fresh bananas work best, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them before using them in the layers.
How long will this dessert stay fresh in the fridge?
It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown and the texture may change a bit.
Can I use dairy-free products in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free version and use non-dairy whipped topping. Just make sure the pudding mix is also dairy-free.
Can I add nuts to this dessert?
Absolutely! Crushed walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Can I make this dessert in a smaller dish?
Yes, you can use a smaller dish just adjust the layers accordingly. You may need to reduce the serving size, but it’s still just as delicious!

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Lush is a delightful dessert that brings together everything you love about classic banana pudding and adds a creamy, indulgent twist. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family dinner, a party, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to be a hit. So why wait? Whip up a batch of this creamy, dreamy treat and enjoy every bite of this banana-filled bliss!