Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

Easy Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe: Sweet Layers of Heaven

Crafting a delightful banana pudding lasagna promises an adventure through layers of creamy, sweet indulgence.

Each spoonful blends classic comfort with unexpected twists.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Southern charm meets culinary creativity in this playful dish.

Smooth vanilla custard nestles between delicate cookies and ripe banana slices.

Soft textures and rich undertones invite you to savor every magical bite.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Banana Pudding Lasagna Is a Dessert Dream

  • Create Delightful Layers: Build a stunning dessert with simple, step-by-step assembly that looks professionally crafted.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like nuts or add chocolate chips to match personal taste preferences.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Impress guests with a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines classic southern flavors of banana, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding.
  • No-Bake Bliss: Skip the oven and enjoy a refreshing dessert that requires minimal cooking skills and maximum deliciousness.

What’s in Banana Pudding Lasagna

Crust Base:
  • Vanilla Wafers: A classic cookie that forms the crisp, buttery foundation of the dessert.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the wafer crumbs together and creates a golden, compact base.
Pudding Layer:
  • Banana Pudding Mix: Provides the signature banana flavor and creamy texture.
  • Whole Milk: Ensures a rich and smooth pudding consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a silky texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall depth of flavor in the pudding.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Bananas, Whipped Cream, Pecans, Caramel Sauce: Provide layers of texture, sweetness, and visual appeal to complete the dessert.

Layering Banana Pudding Lasagna Made Simple

Step 1: Create Wafer Crust

Grab vanilla wafers and crush them into fine, sandy crumbs. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the crumbs until they form a golden, uniform mixture that holds together when pressed.

Step 2: Press Crust Into Dish

Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and firmly press the buttery wafer mixture into the bottom. Create an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundation for your delicious dessert.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Pudding Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Banana pudding mix
  • Whole milk

Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken, ensuring no lumpy spots remain.

Step 4: Enhance Pudding Texture

Fold into the pudding mixture:
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Gently incorporate these ingredients to create an incredibly silky and luxurious pudding consistency.

Step 5: Layer Fresh Bananas

Slice ripe bananas and arrange them in a single, even layer directly over the wafer crust. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the crust.

Step 6: Pour Pudding Layer

Carefully pour the creamy pudding mixture over the banana layer. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly, ensuring a smooth and consistent surface.

Step 7: Initial Chilling Period

Place the dessert in the refrigerator and let it set for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up completely.

Step 8: Create Whipped Cream Topping

Top the chilled dessert with generous dollops of whipped cream. Use a piping bag or spoon to create decorative peaks and swirls.

Step 9: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped cream layer, adding a delightful textural contrast and rich, nutty flavor.

Step 10: Drizzle Caramel Finish

Artfully drizzle caramel sauce across the top of the dessert, creating an elegant golden pattern that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

Step 11: Final Chilling

Return the dessert to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to ensure perfect serving consistency.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the banana pudding lasagna and serve chilled. Watch as the beautiful layers are revealed, showcasing your culinary masterpiece.

Sweet Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Lasagna

  • Master the Wafer Crust: Crush vanilla wafers until they become fine, even crumbs for a perfectly compact and flavorful base that holds together beautifully.
  • Prevent Banana Browning: Toss fresh banana slices with a little lemon juice to maintain their bright color and prevent unsightly darkening during refrigeration.
  • Achieve Silky Pudding: Whisk pudding mix thoroughly and fold cream gently to create a smooth, lump-free texture that's luxuriously creamy and light.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Let the dessert rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a more intense, harmonious taste profile.
  • Elevate Presentation: Use a piping bag for whipped cream to create elegant, professional-looking peaks that make the dessert visually stunning and inviting.

Fun Twists on Banana Pudding Lasagna to Try

  • Chocolate Banana Pudding Lasagna: Replace vanilla wafers with chocolate cookie crumbs and mix chocolate pudding instead of banana pudding for a rich, decadent version.
  • No-Bake Tropical Version: Incorporate crushed pineapple and toasted coconut flakes between pudding layers for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Berry Banana Fusion: Layer fresh strawberries and raspberries between banana pudding layers, creating a vibrant and fruity alternative to the classic recipe.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Dream: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the pudding mixture and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for an indulgent, nutty transformation.

What Goes Great With Banana Pudding Lasagna

  • Pair Sweet Southern Sips: Crisp, chilled sweet tea complements the rich banana pudding lasagna, balancing its creamy sweetness with refreshing notes.
  • Enhance Dessert Harmony: Serve alongside a small glass of bourbon, whose caramel and vanilla undertones perfectly echo the dessert's warm, indulgent flavors.
  • Complement Nutty Textures: Pour a light cream liqueur that mirrors the pudding's smooth consistency and enhances the pecan's toasted crunch.
  • Elevate Creamy Indulgence: Select a cold-brew coffee with hints of caramel, providing a robust counterpoint to the dessert's delicate banana and wafer layers.

How to Keep Banana Pudding Lasagna Fresh and Dreamy

  • Store the Banana Pudding Lasagna in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect the dessert from moisture and potential contamination.
  • Keep the dessert in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, where temperature remains most consistent.
  • Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture, as bananas and cream-based desserts can deteriorate quickly when stored.

Banana Pudding Lasagna FAQs You’ll Want to Read

  • What are the key ingredients in this Banana Pudding Lasagna?

The key ingredients include vanilla wafers, butter, banana pudding mix, whole milk, heavy cream, fresh bananas, whipped cream, pecans, and caramel sauce.

  • Is this dessert difficult to prepare?

No, it’s quite simple. The recipe involves basic steps like crushing wafers, mixing pudding, layering ingredients, and chilling, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dessert a day in advance. In fact, the longer it chills, the more the flavors develop and the layers set perfectly.

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Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe

Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in this Banana Pudding Lasagna, layering creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and graham cracker magic. Silky smooth textures and rich flavors invite you to savor each blissful bite of this classic dessert reimagined.


Ingredients

Scale

Pudding and Cream Layer:

  • 2 packages (3.4 oz) banana pudding mix
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookie Base:

  • 2 packages (12 oz) vanilla wafers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Fruit and Topping Layer:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter to create a uniform, golden base.
  2. Press the buttery crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.
  3. Whisk banana pudding mix with whole milk until smooth and thickened, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Fold heavy cream and vanilla extract into the pudding mixture, creating a luxurious, silky texture.
  5. Arrange a layer of sliced bananas directly over the wafer crust, covering the entire surface.
  6. Gently pour the creamy pudding mixture over the banana layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  7. Refrigerate the dessert for 2-3 hours, allowing the pudding to set completely and flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, top with generous dollops of whipped cream, creating decorative peaks.
  9. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped cream for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  10. Drizzle caramel sauce in an artistic pattern across the top, adding a sweet, golden finish.
  11. Chill for an additional 30 minutes to ensure optimal serving consistency.
  12. Slice and serve cold, revealing the beautiful layers of this decadent dessert.

Notes

  • Crush wafers thoroughly to prevent crumbly base from falling apart during serving.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly distributed crumb mixture.
  • Slice bananas consistently to create uniform layers and prevent uneven texture.
  • Chill mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for firmer, more stable peaks.
  • Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for dairy-free version.
  • Substitute pecans with toasted coconut flakes for nut-free alternative.
  • Prepare pudding mix day before to enhance flavor development and set time.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to pudding mixture for warm, subtle spice undertone.
  • Prevent banana browning by tossing slices in lemon juice before layering.
  • Make mini individual servings in parfait glasses for elegant presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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