Description
Banana Pudding Lush is a delightful no-bake Southern American dessert that features layers of creamy banana pudding, smooth cream cheese mixture, and crunchy vanilla wafer crust. This easy-to-make dessert is chilled to perfection, topped with ripe bananas and crushed vanilla wafers, making it a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (reserve some for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
Banana Pudding Layer
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant banana cream pudding mix
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
Garnish
- Crushed vanilla wafers (reserved from crust)
- Extra banana slices
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers with the melted butter, mixing thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping, then spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust layer.
- Prepare the banana pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant banana pudding mix vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding is thickened. Carefully spread this pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Assemble the top layers: Arrange a layer of sliced bananas over the pudding. Then, spread the remaining whipped topping evenly on top. Sprinkle the reserved crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped topping and garnish with additional banana slices if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly. Serve chilled as a refreshing and creamy treat.
Notes
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss the slices lightly in lemon juice before layering.
- You can substitute with homemade whipped cream or traditional banana pudding if preferred.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- For best results, serve within 2 days to maintain freshness of the bananas.
