Description
A luscious and creamy Chocolate Banana Pudding that layers rich chocolate pudding with fresh bananas and crunchy chocolate wafer cookies, creating a delightful dessert perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (e.g., Ghirardelli)
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy cream
Assembly
- 1 12-ounce package chocolate wafer cookies
- 3 bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the water, instant vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth and thick. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours until the pudding sets and thickens.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy texture to be folded into the pudding mixture.
- Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream: Working in thirds, gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated. This will lighten the pudding and add creaminess to the dessert.
- Assemble the Pudding Layers: In a trifle bowl or large serving dish, place a layer of chocolate wafer cookies at the bottom. Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Spread a layer of the pudding and whipped cream mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layering process with cookies, bananas, and pudding until all ingredients are used or the bowl is filled, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle crumbled chocolate wafer cookies on top and optionally garnish with additional banana slices for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pudding overnight to allow it to set properly.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, consider using reduced sugar pudding mix or less sweetened condensed milk.
- Bananas can be substituted with other fruits like strawberries or peaches for variation.
- Use fresh heavy cream for best whipping results and to avoid a watery texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
