Banana Pudding Trifle

Mix it, Layer it, & Eat it!

How fun is this classic dessert? Not only is it eye-catching, but it’s a breeze to put together. Get the little ones involved, they’ll enjoy building this as much as they will eating it! I’m a sucker for any no bake recipe. Especially cookies like my Chocolate No Bake Cookie, Nutella No Bake Cookie, and Butterscotch No Bake Cookie.

A nilla wafer fan’s favorite dessert!! Creamy and rich, perfect for a party, and can also be served in a personal-size trifle dish. My youngest had the pleasure of having this banana pudding recipe for her 1st birthday. And yes, it was just as cute and messy as you’re imagining.

I love this dish, it is such a luscious banana pudding dessert. An easy recipe and one of our favorite desserts that the kids love helping with. Set up an assembly line, and their favorite trifle dish, and make it fun! My friend over at Ice Cream From Scratch has a wonderful Banana Split that would pair wonderfully with this!

Gathering your ingredients

Cream cheese (softened) – Full fat and softened to room temperature cream cheese.

Sweetened condensed milk – Cream of coconut is an easy replacement for sweetened condensed milk. Gives a hit of a tropical flavor. That is not the same as coconut cream however, cream of coconut is sweeter.

Instant vanilla pudding mix or instant banana pudding mix – A family-size box of instant pudding. You could customize this recipe’s flavor depending on which instant pudding flavor you choose.

Milk (cold) – Any milk or milk alternative should work well. For best results, try whole milk.

Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract will offer the best flavor. I’ve been favoring vanilla bean paste recently. Up the banana flavor and replace the vanilla with banana extract!

Cool Whip topping – Be sure to thaw the cool whip topping completely before making your dish. Making homemade whipped cream is also an option if you’re feeling ambitious. Use heavy whipping cream and whip cream until stiff peaks form.

Ripe Bananas (sliced) – Sliced bananas into 1/4-1/2 inch coins. You don’t want the bananas too ripe, bananas just starting to get brown spots will offer the best banana flavor and still hold their shape.

Nilla wafers or Vanilla wafer cookies – Roughly half of a large-sized box of vanilla wafers. For a tighter texture, use the mini vanilla wafers, or fill the gaps of the large wafers with the mini vanilla wafers. It’s my opinion that there isn’t an amount of wafers that is too much.

Cherries – Optional as a garnish.

*see recipe card for detailed measurements

Kitchen supplies you’ll need for this Banana Pudding Trifle recipe

• Trifle dish or one of a similar size
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer with a beater attachment
• Rubber spatula
• Plastic wrap

How to make a Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

In a large mixing bowl add the softened, room temperature cream cheese.

Using a hand mixer, beat until there are no lumps remaining then add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and the instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until combined and no lumps remain. 

Fold in 8 oz of whipped cream topping. 

Chill the pudding mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to thicken up just a little.

Layering & Assembling your Banana Pudding Trifle

In your trifle dish, layer the box of vanilla wafers on the bottom and up against the side. Add 1/2 of the banana pudding mixture and spread evenly across, then add a layer of fresh banana slices on top of the pudding, and then layer 1/2 of the whipped topping over the layer of fresh bananas.

Repeat that step another time with the remaining cookies, whipped cream, bananas, and banana pudding to finish off the next layer.

Once your trifle has been constructed chill for at least 1 hour, best if overnight. 

To serve, scoop with a large spoon into your trifle dish and garnish with a cherry… or two!

**Optional garnish – Another great way to garnish this delicious dessert is with any remaining banana slices or remaining wafers. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top! If you are left with bananas on top, spritz them with a bit of lemon juice so they don’t brown too quickly.

Storage Suggestions For Banana Pudding Trifle

Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze a banana pudding trifle? I would not recommend freezing this recipe.

Banana Pudding Recipe Variations

I like using banana pudding for that extra banana flavor, but you can always swap it out for vanilla pudding.

You can replace the nilla wafer cookies with any of these:

• Angel food or pound cake cubes
• Graham crackers
• Golden Oreos

Expert Tips for an Easy Banana Pudding Trifle

• If you do not own a trifle dish, any 9 x 13 baking pan, casserole dish, or even a large bowl would work perfectly.
• Mini vanilla wafers will work perfectly for a smaller trifle bowl or mason jars.
• For smaller personal-sized dishes or layered mason jars, layer as described. Keep refrigerated and wrapped with plastic wrap until ready to eat.
• Best to let the banana trifle set in the fridge as long as possible before serving. Best if overnight and a max of 48 hours. This will allow the wafers to become soft and cake-like.

Recipe FAQs

Tools I use

Trifle dish

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Mixing bowls

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Hand mixer

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Other tasty treats you’ll love

• No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake with Cool Whip
• Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips
• Easy Nutella No-Bake Cookies
• Oreo Cheesecake No Bake
• Bisquick Banana Muffins With Chocolate Chips