Description
This Banana Pudding Lasagna is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery vanilla wafer crust, creamy cheesecake and banana pudding layers, fresh sliced bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfectly chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 packages (11 oz each) vanilla wafers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages of 8 oz each)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Banana Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.4 oz) Jell-O Instant Banana Cream Pudding & Pie Filling
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Additional Layers
- 5 large bananas, sliced
- Remaining vanilla wafers (for layering and topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Place one box of vanilla wafers into a blender or food processor and blend until you achieve fine crumbs. Combine these crumbs with the melted butter using a fork to mix evenly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Prepare the Banana Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk. Continue beating until the pudding thickens, usually a few minutes.
- Combine Cheesecake and Pudding: Gently fold the thickened pudding into the cream cheese mixture until blended smoothly.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the cheesecake-pudding mixture evenly over the vanilla wafer crust. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top, followed by a layer of whole vanilla wafers.
- Continue Layering: Spread the remaining cheesecake-pudding mixture over the wafers, then add another layer of sliced bananas.
- Add the Final Touch: Crush the remaining vanilla wafers into smaller chunks and sprinkle them evenly over the top banana layer for an added crunch.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled Banana Pudding Lasagna for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy layers.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours; overnight chilling makes the layers set better and enhances the flavor.
- Crushing vanilla wafers on top adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy layers.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
