Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

Alright, fellow dessert lovers, let me tell you about this banana pudding masterpiece that I could legitimately eat by the bucketload. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a love for simple, no-bake creations, this layered delight is about to become your new best friend. 🐒🍌

When I have a craving for a dessert that is both delectable and simple to prepare, I turn to my Banana Pudding Lasagna. The layers of creamy vanilla pudding blend perfectly with the ripe bananas and whipped topping.

The wings of vanilla wafers in this dessert make for the right amount of texture and sweetness to delight my taste buds. And even better, it can be made ahead of time and served cold!

Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

• Bananas: Provide potassium and natural sweetness; rich in fiber for digestion.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy texture; adds vanilla flavor and sweetness.
• Milk: Source of calcium and protein; enhances pudding’s creamy texture.
• Whipped Topping: Adds light, fluffy texture; sweetens and complements the pudding.
• Vanilla Wafers: Crunchy layers; provide carbohydrates and sweetness to the dessert.
• Cream Cheese: Provides richness and tang; adds creamy, smooth consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer; dissolves easily for a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor; adds aromatic, sweet vanilla notes.

Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box (5.1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups milk
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
• 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Use a whisk to mix the two until the mixture is smooth and thick. Allow the pudding to set until it firms up slightly before proceeding.

2. In a different bowl, beat the cream cheese that has been softened with an electric mixer until it is creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until you reach a smooth consistency.

3. Delicately combine half the whipped topping with the cream cheese mixture until smooth and consistent. Use a spatula to reach parts not well mixed.

4. In the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers.

5. Spread half of the mixture of cream cheese and the other filling evenly over the vanilla wafers.

6. Put half of the bananas that have been sliced on top of the cream cheese mixture.

7. Distribute half of the made pudding evenly over the bananas.

8. Make another layer of vanilla wafers, then the rest of the cream cheese mixture, the rest of the bananas, and the rest of the pudding. The last layer is the pudding.

9. Spread the leftover whipped topping evenly over the top layer of the pudding in the dish.

10. To finish it off all pretty-like, make some more crumbled vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top. Then cover it and put it in the fridge for 2-3 hours so it gets all nice and set before you serve it.

Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowls (at least two)
2. Whisk
3. Electric mixer
4. Spatula
5. 9×13-inch baking dish
6. Knife
7. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?A: You can definitely use homemade whipped cream in place of whipped topping for a fresher taste. You just want to make sure to whip it to stiff peaks so that it holds up in the layers.
• Q: How long should Banana Pudding Lasagna be chilled before serving?A: Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding and cream layers to set.
• Q: Can I make the pudding layer with non-dairy milk?A: You may substitute non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk for the pudding. But because these milks are so watery, I’d suggest using a non-dairy milk that is a little thicker (like the coconut milk you’d find in a carton in the refrigerated section) and definitely cutting back on the pudding milk so it doesn’t end up being, you know, soup.
• Q: How should I store leftover Banana Pudding Lasagna?A: Keep leftover food in a container that doesn’t let air in and in the fridge for no more than 3 days. The bananas might stay a little brown and be slightly reduced in volume, compared to the ones served to accompany a banana pancake. But they’ll still taste fantastic.
• Q: Can I add other fruits to this recipe?Sure! You could always slice up some strawberries or add some blueberries for a fresh twist. Just layer those between the bananas for some more flavor and color.
• Q: Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?A: Indeed, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture for the layer when mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract involves softening the cream cheese first.

Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the topping, use homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Whip the cream to soft peaks, then pipe it onto the cooled pie.
If you prefer a from-scratch approach, substitute homemade vanilla pudding for instant vanilla pudding mix.
Substitute graham crackers for vanilla wafers to achieve varying textures and tastes.
Substitute mascarpone for cream cheese to achieve a richer, creamier taste.

Pro Tips

1. Ripeness Matters Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The bananas should have a lot of brown spots as they will blend beautifully with the cream and pudding layers.

2. Cream Cheese Softening Tip Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly before mixing. You can leave it at room temperature for about an hour or microwave it for 10-second intervals until soft. This ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture.

3. Layer Protection To prevent the bananas from browning, consider sprinkling a little lemon juice over them before layering. This will keep them looking fresh and appealing.

4. Chill Thoroughly For the best flavor and texture, allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the layers set firmly and meld the flavors together.

5. Cookie Texture Variation For added texture, try using a mix of whole vanilla wafers and crumbled pieces in each layer. The larger pieces will hold shape better while the crumbled pieces will create a delightful texture contrast.