Banana Pudding Lush is a delightful dessert that brings together the flavors of creamy banana pudding and crunchy vanilla wafers. This layered dessert is perfect for gatherings and family events. With its rich combination of cream cheese, whipped topping, and bananas, it is sure to please both kids and adults alike!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. Firstly, it is easy to make and requires no baking, making it a time-saving option for busy days. Secondly, it is a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, giving everyone something to love. Finally, you can prepare it a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly for an impressive dessert that is ready when you are!
How to Make Banana Pudding Lush
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla wafers, crushed (about 2½ cups crumbs)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant banana pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced (for garnish)
- Crushed vanilla wafers (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish to form an even crust. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top.
- Spoon and spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Spread the pudding evenly over the whipped topping layer.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed vanilla wafers over the banana pudding for added texture and flavor.
- Top the dessert with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it gently with a spatula.
- Arrange fresh banana slices around the edges and sprinkle additional crushed wafers in the center for garnish.
- Cover and chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Lush
Serve Banana Pudding Lush chilled. Cut it into squares and place on dessert plates. You can add extra banana slices or crushed vanilla wafers on top for a beautiful presentation. This dessert is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners!
How to Store Banana Pudding Lush
To store Banana Pudding Lush, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in a sealed container to keep it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Tips to Make Banana Pudding Lush
- Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- For an extra banana flavor, you can mash one of the bananas and mix it into the pudding layer.
- If you want to get creative, try adding a layer of chocolate pudding between the banana pudding layers.
Variation
You can swap out the banana pudding for other flavors, like vanilla or chocolate, if you prefer. Also, you could add layers of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make Banana Pudding Lush ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while, so you can make it a day in advance.
2. Can I freeze Banana Pudding Lush?
It is not recommended to freeze this dessert, as the texture of the whipped topping and pudding may change once thawed.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
Enjoy making your Banana Pudding Lush, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your home!
Banana Pudding Lush
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box vanilla wafers, crushed (about 2½ cups crumbs)
- ½ cup melted butter
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Allow to sit at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided (8 oz)
- 2 boxes instant banana pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 3 cups cold milk
Garnish
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced For garnish.
- Crushed to taste vanilla wafers For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish to form an even crust. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top.
- Spoon and spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cream cheese mixture.
Assembly
- In a separate bowl, whisk the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Spread the pudding evenly over the whipped topping layer.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed vanilla wafers over the banana pudding for added texture and flavor.
- Top the dessert with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it gently with a spatula.
- Arrange fresh banana slices around the edges and sprinkle additional crushed wafers in the center for garnish.
- Cover and chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.
