Description
A foolproof, no-bake dessert featuring layers of Nilla Wafers, creamy vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and ripe bananas. This make-ahead icebox cake chills in the fridge to create a soft, cake-like texture without using an oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box Nilla Wafers (about 30–40 cookies)
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 4 cups cold whole milk
- 4–5 medium ripe bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream
- 1 tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds. If desired, toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk vigorously for 2 minutes until thick and smooth. Set aside.
- In a second large bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the pudding to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until fluffy and uniform.
- Create Layer 1: Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish with Nilla Wafers. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the wafers, then layer half of the sliced bananas on top.
- Create Layer 2: Add a second layer of Nilla Wafers. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the wafers, then layer the remaining bananas on top.
- Top with whipped topping or leave as is. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if using.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until the wafers are soft and cake-like.
- Slice into squares and garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving cold.
Notes
Use cold ingredients, especially the milk and heavy cream, for best results. Do not skip the chilling time; the wafers need at least 6 hours to soften properly. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafers. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and coconut whipped cream. Do not freeze this dessert as the texture will suffer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake dessert, banana pudding, icebox cake, Labor Day recipe, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, crowd-pleaser, Nilla Wafers