Description
Cool, creamy banana icebox cake brings nostalgic summer memories with layers of graham crackers and silky banana pudding. Rich dessert promises smooth indulgence without turning on the oven, delighting those who crave simple, refreshing treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (11 oz / 312 g) vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers or similar)
- 3 large bananas, sliced
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold milk
Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Garnish Ingredients:
- Crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a smooth, velvety base that transforms into a luxurious cream within two minutes of vigorous stirring.
- Craft a cloud-like whipped topping by vigorously beating heavy cream, infusing it with delicate vanilla extract and a whisper of powdered sugar until the mixture achieves firm, elegant peaks that hold their shape.
- Delicately incorporate approximately half of the airy whipped cream into the pudding foundation, using gentle folding motions to maintain the ethereal texture and create a sumptuous, silky blend that promises a light and decadent dessert experience.
- Layer the creamy mixture with sliced bananas, alternating between the luscious pudding cream and fresh fruit to build a harmonious, tempting icebox cake that promises cool, refreshing indulgence.
- Allow the assembled dessert to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator, letting the banana slices softly infuse their sweet essence throughout the creamy layers, transforming the simple ingredients into an irresistible, chilled delicacy.
- Before serving, crown the cake with the remaining whipped cream, creating an elegant finishing touch that adds an extra layer of luxurious, velvety richness to the dessert.
Notes
- Swap instant pudding for homemade vanilla custard to enhance the richness and depth of flavor in your dessert.
- Use ripe, spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and a more intense banana profile that complements the creamy texture.
- Experiment with layering alternatives like graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead of traditional vanilla wafers for added crunch and variety.
- Prepare the dessert a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and create a more cohesive, smooth texture that will impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg