Description

A creamy, cold, and ridiculously easy no-bake dessert made with simple pantry staples. This icebox cake layers vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and instant banana pudding with whipped topping, requiring just 4 hours to chill.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (14.4 oz) vanilla wafers (for base layers)
4–5 medium ripe bananas (sliced)
2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant banana pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (thawed)
1 package vanilla wafers (for top layer)
1–2 bananas (sliced for garnish)
Optional: Crushed vanilla wafers for sprinkling

Instructions

Whisk the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until thickened and smooth. Set aside.
Thaw the whipped topping according to package directions until fluffy and spreadable.
Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a spatula until light, creamy, and uniform.
Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
Spread half of the pudding-whipped topping mixture over the wafers.
Slice bananas and arrange them evenly over the cream layer.
Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
Top with the final layer of vanilla wafers, pressing gently to adhere.
Garnish with sliced bananas and optional crushed wafers.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until cookies are soft.
Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Use ripe bananas with yellow skin and brown spots for best flavor. Do not use skim milk as it makes the pudding runny. The dessert tastes better after chilling overnight. Do not freeze as the texture of the whipped topping and bananas will suffer. If bananas brown, toss slices with a little lemon juice before layering.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 220
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 180
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: banana pudding, icebox cake, no bake dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, vanilla wafers, make ahead dessert