Banana Delight is a luscious, no-bake dessert that brings together the sweet softness of ripe bananas and the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers. This creamy layered treat combines a silky cream cheese filling with a rich banana pudding, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for gatherings or simple family indulgence.
Perfectly chilled and topped with fluffy whipped topping and optional wafer crumbs, this dessert offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that satisfy both banana lovers and those who crave a smooth, decadent sweetness. It’s an effortless way to transform everyday ingredients into a festive and elegant dish.
- No baking required, making it quick and easy to prepare.
- Combines creamy, crunchy, and fruity layers for a delightful texture contrast.
- Perfect for parties or a simple family dessert with a fresh banana flavor.
- Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with optional toppings.
Ingredients
- Salted sweet cream butter: Softened butter to generously grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and enhancing flavor.
- Vanilla wafers: Crisp, sweet cookies that create the crunchy layers, with some reserved for optional crushed topping.
- Ripe bananas: Fresh, fully ripe bananas sliced to add natural sweetness and creamy texture throughout the dessert.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, rich base in the filling, adding tangy creaminess.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas and cream cheese beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and helps it blend smoothly without grittiness.
- Whipped topping: Light and fluffy, folded into layers and spreading on top for a creamy finish.
- Instant banana cream pudding mix: Provides a thick, custard-like banana flavor layer that sets firmly when combined with milk.
- Cold whole milk: Mixed with pudding mix to create a smooth, thickened banana pudding layer.
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish
Begin by generously buttering a 9×9-inch baking dish using softened salted sweet cream butter. This step ensures the dessert will easily release from the dish and adds subtle buttery flavor around the edges.
- Layer the vanilla wafers
Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers covering the bottom and sides of the dish. This firm base provides crunch and structure for the layers above and soaks up moisture slightly for perfect texture.
- Add sliced bananas
Place a full layer of evenly sliced ripe bananas on top of the wafer base. These bananas infuse the dessert with fresh sweetness and moisture, balancing the crunchy wafers.
- Make the cream cheese filling
In a mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with pure vanilla extract for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 1 cup of whipped topping, then continue beating for another 1½ to 2 minutes to create a light, creamy filling layer.
- Spread the cream cheese layer
Evenly spread this smooth cream cheese mixture over the banana and wafer layer. This adds a rich, velvety texture that contrasts perfectly with the crisp wafers and fresh fruit.
- Layer additional wafers and bananas
Place another single layer of vanilla wafers on top of the cream cheese, followed by the remaining sliced bananas. This repetition builds the multi-textured character essential to this dessert.
- Prepare banana pudding layer
In a separate bowl, combine cold whole milk and 1 cup of whipped topping. Sprinkle the instant banana cream pudding mix over the surface and whisk until thickened and smooth. This pudding layer adds a luscious banana custard element to the dessert.
- Spread pudding layer and chill
Spread the thickened banana pudding mixture evenly over the last banana and wafer layer. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to meld and set perfectly.
- Finish with whipped topping and garnish
Before serving, spread the remaining thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Sprinkle with crushed reserved vanilla wafers for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve and enjoy
Slice the dessert into 9 generous pieces and serve chilled. Each bite combines creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors for a delightful experience.
- Use fully ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Chilling for at least 2 hours helps the layers set and flavors to meld.
- Reserve some vanilla wafers crushed on top for extra crunch and decorative appeal.
Storage Tips
Store Banana Delight covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture. Avoid freezing, as the delicate cream cheese and pudding layers may separate or become watery.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a light dessert wine. Garnish with fresh banana slices or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor variety. It also complements summer gatherings and holiday meals alike.
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
- Use a gentle folding motion if adding whipped topping to preserve its light, airy texture.
- For extra flair, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for warmth and spice.
FAQs
- Can I make Banana Delight ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dessert and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
Graham crackers or sponge cake slices can substitute for vanilla wafers, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Is this dessert gluten-free?
Traditional vanilla wafers contain gluten, but gluten-free wafer alternatives can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Can I use low-fat or non-dairy substitutes?
Yes, but expect slight differences in creaminess and texture. Use compatible substitutes like non-dairy cream cheese and pudding mixes.
- How ripe should the bananas be?
Fully ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they provide the sweetest, most flavorful taste.
- Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Yes, adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans enhances the texture and adds a delightful crunch.
- Is Banana Delight suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great dessert option for many diets.
Banana Delight Dessert
Equipment
- 1 9x9-inch baking dish buttered
- 1 stand mixer or handheld mixer for mixing cream cheese and whipped topping
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter softened (for buttering the baking dish)
- 11 ounces vanilla wafers reserve 4 to 6 for optional crushed topping
- 4 large ripe bananas peeled and sliced
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 16 ounces whipped topping thawed (divided)
- 6.8 ounces instant banana cream pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk
Instructions
- Butter a 9x9-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of 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.
- Beat cream cheese and vanilla extract with a mixer until smooth, about 1 to 1½ minutes.
- Add 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 banana 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 cold milk, 1 cup whipped topping, and pudding mix. Stir until thickened.
- Spread the pudding layer evenly over the banana and wafer layer.
- Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, spread remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer crumbs.
- Slice into 9 pieces and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Chill dessert for at least 2 hours for best texture.
- Optional: add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
