Description
A simple, budget-friendly, no-bake dessert made with vanilla wafers, instant pudding, whipped topping, and bananas. It requires no oven and is perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boxes (about 70 cookies) vanilla wafers
- 2 large boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large tubs (8 oz each) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 4–5 medium ripe bananas, sliced
- Milk (amount specified on pudding box, typically 2 cups per box)
- Optional: Extra vanilla wafers for garnish
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
- Peel and slice bananas into 1/4 inch rounds. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with milk for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Place half of the vanilla wafers in a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the first layer.
- Spread half of the whipped topping over the cookies.
- Arrange half of the banana slices over the whipped topping.
- Repeat layers with remaining vanilla wafers, whipped topping, and bananas.
- Sprinkle remaining dry instant pudding mix evenly over the top layer of whipped topping.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve cold.
Notes
Bananas should be ripe but not mushy. Slice them right before assembling to prevent browning. The cake must chill for at least 4 hours to allow cookies to soften. Do not freeze as texture will suffer. Can be made gluten-free by using GF wafers and checking pudding mix labels.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake, banana pudding, icebox cake, easy dessert, budget-friendly, family dessert, summer dessert, kid-friendly