why make this recipe
Banana Delight Dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and pleases both kids and adults. This layered dessert combines the sweetness of bananas, the creaminess of pudding, and the crunch of vanilla wafers. It not only looks beautiful but tastes delicious, making it a favorite for family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
how to make Banana Delight Dessert
Ingredients
- 28 g salted sweet cream butter (softened, for buttering the baking dish)
- 312 g vanilla wafers (reserve 4 to 6 for optional crushed topping)
- 4 large ripe bananas (peeled and sliced)
- 454 g cream cheese (room temperature for smooth mixing)
- 5 ml pure vanilla extract (for flavor in the cream cheese layer)
- 90 g powdered sugar (for sweetness in the cream cheese layer)
- 454 g whipped topping (thawed and divided for layers and topping)
- 193 g instant banana cream pudding mix (ensure it’s instant for quick setting)
- 473 ml cold whole milk (ensure it’s cold for proper pudding setting)
Directions
- Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish with the softened butter using your hands or a pastry brush.
- Line the bottom and sides of the baking dish with a single layer of vanilla wafers.
- Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas over the vanilla wafers.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract with a mixer until smooth, about 1 to 1½ minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and 1 cup of whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth, about 1½ to 2 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the bananas and wafer layer.
- Add another single layer of vanilla wafers over the cream cheese layer, then top with the remaining sliced bananas.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold milk, 1 cup whipped topping, and pudding mix. Stir until thickened.
- Spread the pudding layer evenly over the bananas and wafer layer.
- Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer crumbs.
- Slice into 9 pieces and serve chilled.
how to serve Banana Delight Dessert
Serve Banana Delight Dessert chilled for the best flavor and texture. It is best enjoyed fresh after being made but can be kept in the fridge for later. Slice it into squares and place them on dessert plates. You can also add a fresh banana slice on top for an extra touch.
how to store Banana Delight Dessert
To store Banana Delight Dessert, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the dessert to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you know it’s going to be around for a while, consider adding the whipped topping and wafer crumbs just before serving to keep them as fresh as possible.
tips to make Banana Delight Dessert
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother consistency.
- Use ripe bananas for better sweetness and flavor.
- If you like a little crunch, add chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top when serving.
- You can also use crushed graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a different texture.
variation
For a chocolate twist, you can mix in chocolate pudding instead of banana pudding. This will create a chocolate-banana flavor profile that chocolate lovers will enjoy. You can also layer in some chocolate chips between the layers.
FAQs
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may change the texture and creaminess of the dessert slightly.
- How long can I keep this dessert in the fridge? Banana Delight Dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
- What can I substitute for whipped topping? If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping. Just make sure it is stabilized if you plan to serve it over a longer period.
Banana Delight Dessert
Ingredients
Method
- Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish with the softened butter using your hands or a pastry brush.
- Line the bottom and sides of the baking dish with a single layer of vanilla wafers.
- Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas over the vanilla wafers.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract with a mixer until smooth, about 1 to 1½ minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and 1 cup of whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth, about 1½ to 2 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the bananas and wafer layer.
- Add another single layer of vanilla wafers over the cream cheese layer, then top with the remaining sliced bananas.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold milk, 1 cup whipped topping, and pudding mix. Stir until thickened.
- Spread the pudding layer evenly over the bananas and wafer layer.
- Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer crumbs.
- Slice into 9 pieces and serve chilled.