Experience the blissful indulgence of this Heavenly Banana Pudding, where layers of creamy vanilla richness, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers come together to create a truly luxurious dessert. This recipe elevates the classic banana pudding with the addition of smooth cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, offering a richer texture and more complex flavor profile that's sure to delight any dessert aficionado.
Why You'll Love This: Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, this banana pudding combines simplicity with decadence. The creamy base is enhanced by the tang of cream cheese, creating a sumptuous mouthfeel that's perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness of bananas and the subtle texture of vanilla wafers. It's a dessert that balances flavor and texture masterfully.
Perfect Occasion: This banana pudding is a versatile dessert ideal for any event—from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations. It's particularly great for potlucks, family dinners, or festive occasions where you want a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make in advance.
Ingredients:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14 ounces, providing a velvety, rich base.
- Cold Whole Milk: 1 ½ cups, to blend with the pudding mix for a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, to infuse the pudding with a classic, sweet aroma.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to creamy perfection for added richness.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: One package, for a quick and reliable pudding base.
- Heavy Cream: 3 cups, whipped into soft peaks for a fluffy, light topping.
- Vanilla Wafers: 11 ounces, used to layer between the pudding and bananas for a satisfying crunch.
- Ripe Bananas: 6, sliced to tuck between layers, adding sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate Chips: A generous handful for mixing into the batter, providing little bursts of chocolate flavor.
Preparation Steps:
- Whisk Together Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Add in the softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: Stir the instant pudding mix into the milk mixture until well combined. Allow it to set slightly.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, followed by slices of banana, and then the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.
- Add Whipped Cream: Top with a layer of freshly whipped heavy cream for a luxurious finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestion: Serve this heavenly banana pudding chilled, ideally with a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top for added texture and a final touch of elegance.
Enjoy! Dive into this creamy, dreamy banana pudding that promises not just a treat for your taste buds but a visual delight, perfect for gracing any dessert table.