Dreamy Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

Dreamy Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic

Layers of pure comfort dance through this dreamy banana pudding lasagna, creating a dessert that whispers sweet nostalgia.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these creamy, indulgent treats that blend classic flavors with modern twists.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey of smooth custard, ripe bananas, and delicate cookie crumbs.

Velvety textures meld together, promising a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Crumbled vanilla wafers provide a delightful crunch against the silky pudding layers.

Chilled and perfectly balanced, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular finale for any meal.

You’ll fall in love with every decadent bite of this irresistible southern classic.

Kitchen Tools For Banana Pudding Lasagna

  • Mixing Bowls: Essential for preparing pudding, cream cheese mixture, and layering ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating cream cheese mixture until smooth.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Key for assembling and chilling the banana pudding lasagna.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing bananas neatly.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to slice bananas evenly.
  • Rubber Spatula: Helpful for folding pudding and scraping mixtures cleanly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Banana Pudding Lasagna Creamy

  • Whip Up the Creamy Base

Create a velvety mixture by blending pudding mix with cold milk until it starts to thicken. In another bowl, whisk cream cheese with sweet powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until silky smooth. Gently fold the pudding into the cream cheese blend, creating a luscious filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Build Your Delicious Layers

Grab a rectangular dish and start your flavor adventure. Spread a generous foundation of crispy vanilla wafers across the bottom. Nestle fresh banana slices over the wafers, creating a natural sweet barrier. Pour half of your dreamy pudding mixture, making sure it covers every inch. Repeat the wafer and banana magic, then top with a cloud of fluffy whipped cream.

  • Chill and Transform

Tuck your creation into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This magical resting time allows flavors to mingle and layers to set perfectly. When ready to serve, sprinkle some crushed wafers on top or drizzle with golden caramel for an extra wow factor. Your banana pudding lasagna is now ready to steal the show at any gathering.

Tips For Sweet Banana Pudding Lasagna Layers

  • Creamy Layering Hack: For ultra-smooth pudding layers, use an offset spatula to spread the mixture evenly, eliminating air pockets and creating picture-perfect sections.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly in the refrigerator.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookie alternatives like almond or rice-based cookies to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Tropical Twist Variation: Experiment by adding toasted coconut flakes between layers or using fresh mango chunks alongside bananas for a vibrant flavor profile that elevates the classic dessert.
  • Lightened-Up Option: Replace full-fat cream cheese with low-fat versions and use sugar-free pudding mix to create a more diet-conscious dessert that still delivers incredible taste and creamy consistency.

Serve Banana Pudding Lasagna Chilled

  • Cozy Dessert Companion: Perfect for sharing this sweet treat with friends and family during gatherings or potlucks.
  • Sweet Breakfast Twist: Surprise your weekend brunch crowd by serving small portions as a delightful morning indulgence alongside coffee.
  • Celebration Showstopper: Create an impressive dessert for special occasions like birthdays or holiday parties by adding extra decorative garnishes such as chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles.
  • Kids' Favorite Treat: Cut into smaller squares and watch children's eyes light up with excitement when presented with this playful, creamy dessert that combines their love for bananas and cookies.

Store Banana Pudding Lasagna Without Mess

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Seal the banana pudding lasagna in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated consistently below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Quick Slice Trick: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water before cutting to create clean, precise servings without disturbing delicate pudding layers.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to 24 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become perfectly creamy. The longer it chills, the more delicious it becomes.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, understanding texture might slightly change after freezing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes Into Banana Pudding Lasagna

For Base and Crunch Layer:
  • Vanilla Wafers: Crisp, golden cookies that provide a delightful crunch and nostalgic sweetness, choose fresh and crunchy wafers for the best texture.
  • Graham Crackers: Adds an alternative buttery base with a subtle honey-like flavor, great for those wanting a different cracker option.
For Creamy Filling Layer:
  • Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant mix that creates a silky smooth base, select a high-quality brand for rich flavor.
  • Cold Milk: Helps activate and thicken the pudding, use whole milk for extra creaminess.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides tangy richness and helps stabilize the filling, opt for full-fat version for best texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps smooth out the cream cheese mixture, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness, choose pure extract for best flavor.
For Topping and Garnish:
  • Ripe Bananas: Sweet, soft fruit that adds natural sweetness and creamy texture, select yellow bananas with minimal brown spots.
  • Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy covering that adds elegance, choose stabilized version for longer-lasting appearance.
  • Caramel Sauce: Optional drizzle that enhances overall richness and presentation, select smooth, high-quality sauce.
Print
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Dreamy Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

Dreamy Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Southern charm meets dessert innovation in this banana pudding lasagna that layers creamy textures and nostalgic flavors. Banana lovers will savor each sweet, cool bite of this crowd-pleasing Southern classic you can’t resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bananas, sliced
  • 1 box vanilla wafer cookies (11 oz/311 g)
  • 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz/96 g)
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz/226 g)
  • 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip) (8 oz/226 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Crushed vanilla wafers
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Extra banana slices

Instructions

  1. Pudding Preparation: Whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk, letting it thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture for optimal consistency.
  2. Cream Cheese Fusion: Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a velvety, smooth mixture that forms the base of the dessert’s luxurious filling.
  3. Layering Foundation: Establish the base of the dessert by strategically placing vanilla wafers across the bottom of a rectangular baking dish, creating a crisp, uniform foundation.
  4. Banana Placement: Artfully arrange sliced bananas over the wafer layer, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize fruit distribution throughout the dessert.
  5. First Filling Layer: Spread half of the pudding-cream cheese blend over the banana layer, creating a sumptuous and uniform coating that melds the flavors together.
  6. Secondary Layering: Repeat the stratification process by adding another set of vanilla wafers, followed by an additional layer of banana slices and the remaining pudding mixture.
  7. Topping Finale: Generously cover the entire dessert with a smooth layer of whipped topping, ensuring complete coverage and an elegant, finished appearance.
  8. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of four hours, allowing the flavors to meld, layers to set, and creating a perfectly chilled treat.
  9. Presentation Enhancement: Just before serving, elevate the dessert’s visual appeal by sprinkling crushed vanilla wafers, garnishing with fresh banana slices, or drizzling a decadent caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

  • Prevent Banana Browning: Toss sliced bananas in lemon juice to maintain their fresh, golden color and prevent quick oxidation.
  • Achieve Creamy Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety filling.
  • Optimal Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor melding and firmer texture.
  • Texture Preservation Tip: Layer wafers just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent soggy bottom layers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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