There is so much yumminess in each layer of this scrumptious banana pudding—a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, velvety banana pudding and fresh banana slices in the middle, and a dreamy combination of cream cheese and condensed milk on top to elevate this dessert. And it’s NO BAKE so no sweating to make this luscious spring and summer dessert!

I just made this tonight, and although I should have allowed this yummy layered banana pudding to set a bit more (like waiting until tomorrow), I couldn’t wait. I took a slice and tried it! Wow! I was blown away with its creamy deliciousness and I can imagine, I will take so many more bites when I bring this to our church fellowship meal tomorrow.

Inspired by my family’s favorite banana pudding, we present these delectable layered banana pudding bars to you! These Banana Pudding Bars are the epitome of dessert perfection, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas, the creaminess of a luscious filling, and the satisfying crunch of a vanilla wafer crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Banana Pudding Bars recipe for its irresistible combination of creamy banana pudding, crunchy vanilla wafer crust, and easy preparation. It offers a delightful and crowd-pleasing dessert experience that balances nostalgic comfort with a touch of culinary creativity.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Bars

For the Vanilla Wafer Crust:

3 cups crushed vanilla wafers (1 box vanilla wafers)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, melted

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

1 3.4 ounce box of banana pudding mix
2 cups of milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 bananas, sliced thinly (the amount of bananas depends on how big they are)

For the Whipped Filling:

8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
2 cups whole milk
5 oz vanilla pudding mix
8 ounces of Cool Whip, thawed
1 box of vanilla wafers

Instructions

Process one box of vanilla wafers in a food processor or blender until crumbly. Add the crushed wafers and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Combine with a fork. Add the melted butter to the mixture and combine with the fork until crumbly.

Pour into the prepared baking dish and press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients for banana pudding.

Follow the instructions in the pudding packet to make the banana pudding layer. Add the milk to the pudding as instructed and allow to thicken. Mix in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

In another bowl, add the cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and no more lumps appear. Add the sweetened condensed milk and blend again until combined.

Now add the whole milk, vanilla, and banana pudding mix. Blend once more until a thin mixture is created. Let this sit for 5 minutes to allow the pudding to set.

Then add the cool whip to the thickened mixture and fold with a rubber spatula.

Pour half of the whipped cream cheese mixture into the dish.

Then pour the cooled banana pudding on top, spreading evenly again.

Layer the dish with thin slices of banana. Spread the rest of the whipped cream cheese mixture on top of the bananas.

Finish the dessert with a layer of vanilla wafers.

Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set. Cut and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pudding mix for this recipe?

While the banana pudding mix adds a distinct flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite pudding mix for a personalized touch.

Can I substitute the vanilla wafers with another type of cookie?

Absolutely! Get creative with your crust by trying different cookie varieties to suit your taste preferences.

How long can I store Banana Pudding Bars in the refrigerator?

These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining their deliciousness and texture.

Indulge in the joy of creating Banana Pudding Bars that are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to the delightful journey of culinary exploration. Share these bars with loved ones, and savor the sweet moments they bring. Here’s to many more years of delicious discoveries!

Banana Pudding Bars

Manila Spoon

A symphony of flavors awaits your tastebuds with our delicious banana pudding bars — crunchy vanilla wafer crust, velvety banana pudding, and a creamy crown of whipped perfection. Elevate your dessert experience with every heavenly bite.

5 from 18 votes

Print Recipe Save

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 8

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Equipment

9×13 Rectangle Baking Dish
Hand Mixer or Electric Mixer

Ingredients

Vanilla Wafer Crust

3 cups crushed vanilla wafers, (1 box vanilla wafers)
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Banana Pudding Layer

3.4 ounce box of instant banana pudding mix
2 cups of milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 bananas, sliced (the amount of bananas needed depends on the size of each banana)

Whipped Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
8 ounces of Cool whip, thawed (may also use freshly whipped cream of the same amount, if preferred)
11 ounce box of vanilla wafers

Instructions

For the Crust

Prepare a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Process one box of vanilla wafers in a food processor or blender until crumbly. Add the crushed wafers and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Combine with a fork. Add the melted butter to the mixture and combine with the fork until crumbly.
Spoon into the prepared baking dish and press evenly into the bottom of the pan.

For the Banana Pudding Layer

Follow the instructions in the pudding packet to make the instant banana pudding layer. Add the milk to the pudding as instructed and allow to thicken. Mix in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, add the cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and no more lumps appear. Add the sweetened condensed milk and blend again until combined.
Now add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla pudding mix. Blend once more until a thin mixture is created. Let this sit for 5 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Then add the cool whip to the thickened mixture and fold with a rubber spatula.
Pour half of this whipped cream cheese mixture into the dish. Spread evenly.
Then pour the chilled banana pudding on top, spreading evenly again.
Layer on top with thin slices of banana. Spread the rest of the whipped cream cheese mixture on top of the bananas.
Finish the dessert with a layer of vanilla wafers.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight to allow the filling to set. Slice and enjoy!