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Creamy No-Bake Banana Pudding Trifle

creamy no-bake banana pudding trifle - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of silky vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 medium ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
  • About 60 grams (2 oz) Nilla Wafers
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: pinch of salt
  • Optional: splash of bourbon or rum

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set aside for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overwhipping.
  3. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding: Gently fold about half of the whipped cream into the set pudding using a spatula. Save the remaining whipped cream for layering.
  4. Slice the bananas: Peel and slice bananas into ¼-inch thick rounds. Optionally brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  5. Layer the trifle: In a trifle bowl or serving dish, start with a layer of Nilla wafers (about one-third of the total), then a layer of banana slices, followed by a layer of the pudding-whipped cream mixture. Spoon a layer of plain whipped cream over that, smoothing gently.
  6. Repeat the layers two more times or until ingredients run out, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream. Reserve a few Nilla wafers for garnish.
  7. Chill the trifle: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4, to let flavors meld and wafers soften slightly but retain some crunch.
  8. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish the top with remaining Nilla wafers and optionally banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

Keep mixing bowls chilled before whipping cream for better volume. Fold whipped cream gently to keep mixture airy. Layer wafers evenly and not too thick to avoid sogginess. Assemble trifle a few hours ahead and add fresh wafers just before serving for maximum crunch. Bananas can be brushed with lemon juice to prevent browning or added just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pudding, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, trifle, vanilla pudding, Nilla wafers, easy dessert