Banana Pudding Trifle
Sweet, creamy, and easy to stack.
Let’s talk about banana pudding trifle 🍌
This dessert recipe is like a hug in food form. It has the perfect mix of fresh banana slices, pudding, whipped cream, and soft Nilla wafers that get just the right amount of soggy (you know what I mean).
I’ve made this a lot for potlucks, barbecues, and just when I’m feeling lazy on a Sunday. It’s always a hit. And it’s very easy to make and doesn’t need to be baked!
Prep time: 20 minutes; chill time: 2 to 4 hours (for best texture); serves 10 to 12.No cooking time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cold whole milk
- 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 oz)
- 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 box of Nilla wafers
- Four ripe bananas, cut into slices
- 8 ounces of whipped topping, like Cool Whip
Equipment Needed
- Trifle dish or bowl made of glass
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Two mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Spoons and cups for measuring
- Knife and cutting board
Preparation Instructions
- For 2 minutes, whisk the cold milk and vanilla pudding mix together in a big bowl until they thicken. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.
- Use a hand mixer to beat heavy cream and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently mix the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until it is completely mixed in and creamy.
- In a trifle bowl, put a layer of Nilla wafers, then banana slices, and then pudding mix. Do this over and over until the bowl is full, with pudding and a layer of whipped topping on top.
- Add more whipped topping and crushed Nilla wafers on top. Put a lid on it and chill it for at least two hours before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut the bananas right before you stack them so they don’t turn brown.
- Put the bowl in the fridge before whipping cream. It helps the cream whip faster!
- For the creamiest results, use whole milk.
- Be careful when layering; spread the pudding slowly so you don’t crush the bananas.
- For a nice crunch, crush some Nilla wafers to use as a topping.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can prepare this as much as 24 hours ahead of time. Just wrap it up tightly and put it in the fridge. Wait until just before serving to put the garnish on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm milk—pudding won’t set if it’s cold!
- Stop mixing whipped cream once it starts to get stiff.
- Cutting bananas too soon will make them turn brown quickly.
- Not enough time in the fridge—let it sit for a few hours to set up right.
Variations & Substitutions
- If you want a stronger banana flavor, use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla.
- You can use graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead.
- Instead of Cool Whip, use whipped cream you made yourself.
- For a fun twist, put a layer of Nutella or caramel sauce between the layers.
Storage
Put leftovers in the fridge with a tight lid on them. Lasts for three days. The bananas might turn a little brown, but they will still taste great. Don’t freeze; pudding and bananas don’t thaw well.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled meats (hey, dessert for the BBQ!)
- Lattes or coffee iced
- Sweet tea or lemonade
- A simple salad is a good choice for a weekend lunch.
Timeline
- The day before: make the whole trifle, cover it, and put it in the fridge.
- Day Of: Take it out right before serving—no extra work needed!
- Next Day Leftovers: Put some in small bowls and add more whipped cream for a little treat.
Nutrition
- Calories: 325
- 5g of protein
- 42g of carbs
- Fat: 16g
- 1g of fiber
- 26 grams of sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I do this the night before?
- Yes! Just wrap it up tightly and put it in the fridge. The next day, it’s even better.
- Is it okay to use whipped topping from the store?
- Yes, for sure. Cool Whip is great and saves time.
- Do I have to use a bowl for trifle?
- Nope! A big glass bowl or even small mason jars will work.
- Can I make this without dairy?
- Use almond milk and coconut whipped cream instead. Just make sure that your pudding mix works with the other ingredients.
Why This Trifle Works
This trifle is more than just a sweet treat; it brings people together. It’s always the first thing to go at a party.
- No oven, no stress—this is a no-bake recipe!
- You can make it ahead of time and serve it cold.
- Tastes like something from the past, looks fancy
- Layers = built-in “wow” factor
- Keeps well in the fridge
Modified starches make instant pudding thicker when you add milk. Whipped cream makes the pudding light and airy, and Nilla wafers slowly soften from the pudding’s moisture, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Bananas add natural sweetness and go well with the cream and vanilla.
You will want to make this banana pudding trifle again and again. It looks great, is easy to make, and tastes amazing. Try it out, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out or if you have any questions. Happy layering! 🍌💛