Banana Pudding Lush

Around here, banana pudding never lasts long. This Banana Pudding Lush takes everything we love about the classic Southern dessert and turns it into an easy layered treat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The vanilla wafer crust, creamy cheesecake layer, banana pudding, and fresh bananas come together in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This

This easy Banana Pudding Lush is loaded with layers of creamy banana pudding, sweet bananas, fluffy whipped topping, and a buttery vanilla wafer crust, making it the perfect no-bake dessert for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

Lush desserts are some of my favorite no-bake treats because a few simple ingredients, including boxes of instant pudding and Cool Whip, come together to create an irresistibly creamy dessert everyone loves.

• Easy make-ahead no bake dessert for parties and holidays.
• Layers of creamy cheesecake filling and banana pudding.
• Fresh bananas add natural sweetness and flavor.
• Vanilla wafer crust gives it classic banana pudding flavor.
• Perfect for potlucks, church suppers, and family gatherings.
• Can be made a full day ahead.

Some of our other favorite dessert recipes to make are Limoncello Tiramisu, Berry Poke Cake, Old Fashioned Sour Cream Pound Cake, Lemon Icebox Cake, and Strawberry Shortcake Recipe From Scratch.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy Banana Pudding Lush recipe.

• Vanilla Wafers create the buttery crust and add classic banana pudding flavor throughout the dessert.
• Butter binds the cookie crumbs together and creates a sturdy crust.
• Cream Cheese adds richness and gives the lush its signature creamy cheesecake layer.
• Powdered Sugar sweetens the cream cheese layer without making it grainy.
• Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor.
• Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix provides the rich banana flavor and silky texture.
• Milk helps the pudding set properly.
• Bananas (optional) add fresh banana flavor and texture.
• Whipped Topping keeps the dessert light and fluffy while helping create distinct layers.

How to Make Banana Pudding Lush

Step 1: Combine the crushed vanilla wafers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the whipped topping until fully combined. Spread evenly over the chilled crust all the way to the edges. Freeze while preparing the next layer.

Step 3: Whisk together the banana cream pudding mix and cold milk for about 3 minutes. Let the pudding thicken for about 2 minutes. Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer all the way to the edges.

Step 4: Slice the bananas just before using and arrange them in an even layer over the banana pudding. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the bananas, covering the entire dessert. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours; overnight is best.

Step 5: When ready to serve, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers (or whole) over the top and add additional banana slices if desired.

Tips

• Vanilla Wafer Crust – I usually use at least 85-90 vanilla wafers. So I buy the family-size box of vanilla wafers.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
• Chill the dessert for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better for clean slices and the best flavor.
• Use ripe bananas that are still firm. Overripe bananas can become mushy in the layers.
• For extra banana flavor, add a layer of sliced bananas between the cream cheese and pudding layers.
• Wait to add crushed vanilla wafers on top until just before serving so they stay crisp.
• Sliced bananas turn brown quickly, so don’t slice them ahead of time. Slice right before layering or garnishing.
• Slice the bananas on the bias to give you more coverage when layering.
• If you’re serving this at a party or potluck, keep it refrigerated until ready to serve for the best texture.
• Store covered tightly in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Variations

• Use a graham cracker or honey graham cracker crust if you prefer.
• Vanilla Pudding Lush – Use vanilla instant pudding instead of banana cream pudding for a milder flavor.
• Banana Cream Pie Lush – Use vanilla pudding instead of banana pudding and increase the fresh banana slices.
• Chocolate Banana Lush – Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the cream cheese and banana pudding layers.
• Caramel Banana Lush – Drizzle a light layer of caramel sauce between the layers and over the top before serving.

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