BANANA PUDDING LASAGNA

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🍌 BANANA PUDDING LASAGNA 🍌
A Southern no-bake dream layered with creamy decadence, buttery crunch, and nostalgic banana bliss.

🥄 INTRODUCTION

Banana Pudding Lasagna is a no-bake dessert that brings together everything we love about traditional banana pudding—rich vanilla custard, ripe bananas, fluffy cream, and Nilla wafers—but turns it into a sliceable, layered showstopper. Originating from the Southern U.S., banana pudding has long been a comfort food staple at gatherings and Sunday dinners. This lasagna-style version modernizes the classic without losing the soul-satisfying charm.

It’s easy, luscious, and made for lovers of creamy, nostalgic desserts. Whether for a summer potluck or a holiday dinner, this dessert never fails to win hearts.

🍰 INGREDIENTS

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups crushed Nilla Wafers (about 45–50 cookies)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 12 oz (1½ blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or substitute with Cool Whip for shortcut)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1½ cups cold milk
  • 1½ cups Nilla Wafers (whole or lightly crushed)

For the Topping:

  • Whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • Extra banana slices or crushed wafers for garnish (optional)

🔧 INSTRUCTIONS & METHOD

1. Make the Crust:

  • In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Nilla Wafers and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined.
  • Spread this layer over the chilled crust and smooth it evenly.
  • Return to fridge.

3. Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer:

  • Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens (about 2 minutes).
  • Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  • Arrange sliced bananas in a single layer over the cream cheese filling.
  • Spoon the pudding over the banana layer and spread evenly.
  • Top with a layer of Nilla Wafers.

4. Add the Topping:

  • Spread whipped cream or Cool Whip generously over the top.
  • Garnish with extra banana slices and a sprinkling of crushed Nilla Wafers if desired.

5. Chill:

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

📜 HISTORY & FORMATION

Banana pudding has been a beloved Southern tradition since the late 19th century, evolving alongside the rise of packaged pudding and convenience ingredients. Nilla Wafers, introduced in the 1940s, quickly became the go-to cookie in banana pudding recipes. The “lasagna” format—layered like a savory pasta dish—adds elegance and structure, making it perfect for slicing and sharing. It’s the perfect marriage of old-fashioned comfort and new-school creativity.

💛 CONCLUSION

Banana Pudding Lasagna is more than a dessert—it’s a love letter to every sweet Southern memory. Creamy, cold, crunchy, and silky all at once, this dish is made to impress but is shockingly easy to make. No oven required, just layers of love, one spoonful at a time.

💘 FOR THE LOVERS (of dessert):

  • Serve with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra kick.
  • Want more banana flavor? Use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla.
  • Prefer a firmer structure? Add a tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding to the cream cheese mix.
  • Lovers tip: Hide one extra layer of thin banana slices between the crust and cream cheese. It’s a surprise layer that delights!

Want more nostalgic no-bake treats like this? Just say the word. 💬

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