Description
This cool and creamy dessert layers banana pudding, whipped topping, ripe bananas, and graham crackers into a no-bake masterpiece that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups whole milk
- (2) 3.4-ounce packages of banana-flavored instant pudding mix (like Jell-O or a similar brand)
- 16 ounces of whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 full box of graham crackers (about 3 sleeves or 14.4 oz)
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and both pudding packets. Mix for 1–2 minutes until the pudding thickens up nicely. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping (about 8 oz) until fully combined and smooth.
- Build the First Layer: Grab a 9×13 inch dish and line the bottom with whole graham crackers. You might need to snap a few to fill in the edges and cover the base completely.
- Add the Bananas & Pudding: Slice your bananas and spread an even layer across the graham crackers. Spoon a third of your banana pudding mixture on top of the bananas and gently spread it out.
- Repeat the Layers: Repeat the same steps—graham crackers, bananas, pudding—two more times. Finish off with a final layer of graham crackers to completely cover the top.
- Finish with Fluff: Take the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping and spread it generously over the final layer of grahams. Make sure to go all the way to the edges for a neat finish.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4–6 hours, though overnight is best for optimal softness and flavor blending.
- Garnish & Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, dollops of whipped cream, and a few fresh banana slices on top. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Neat Slices? Dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut for clean slices every time.
- Plan Ahead: You can prep this cake up to 3–4 days in advance, but know that the graham crackers will continue to soften as it sits.
- Banana Tip: Want to keep those banana slices fresh and bright? Add them as a garnish just before serving to prevent browning.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days, though the texture softens with time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 489kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 795mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 91g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg