Description

Banana Pudding Lush is a decadent, no-bake dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavors of banana pudding with a luscious, layered presentation. With layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and a buttery crust, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

1 box vanilla wafer cookies

1/2 cup melted butter

2 cups milk

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

3–4 ripe bananas, sliced

1/2 cup caramel or butterscotch sauce (optional, for drizzling on top)

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: Crush the vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Once crushed, combine the crumbs with the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Set aside.
Make the pudding layer: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken. Set aside.
Cream cheese mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping (reserve the other half for later) until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Assemble the layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust in an even layer. Next, layer the banana slices over the cream cheese mixture. Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Chill: Refrigerate the Banana Pudding Lush for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
Optional garnish: Before serving, you can drizzle the top with caramel or butterscotch sauce for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

Notes

To prevent the bananas from browning, use slightly under-ripe bananas or sprinkle with a little lemon juice before layering.
This dessert tastes better when made ahead and allowed to sit for several hours or overnight.
Use instant pudding mix for the right texture, as it sets quickly and makes the pudding layer smooth.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies.
You can substitute whipped topping with freshly whipped heavy cream for a richer texture.
This dessert can be frozen for up to a month but is best served fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg