Banana Vanilla Pudding Trifle is a creamy, layered dessert that combines the rich flavors of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and buttery wafers into a delightful treat. This Southern-inspired dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a nostalgic blend of textures—soft bananas, velvety pudding, and crunchy cookies. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive celebration, this trifle is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 4 large bananas, sliced
- 1 box vanilla wafers or graham crackers, crushed
- Additional banana slices for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding:
- In a large bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture thickens.
- Cover and set aside in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- This will give your trifle a light and airy texture.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- Start by placing a layer of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers at the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding over the crushed wafers.
- Next, layer sliced bananas on top of the pudding.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream over the bananas.
- Repeat the layers (crushed wafers, pudding, bananas, whipped cream) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Finish and Chill:
- Sprinkle extra crushed wafers or graham crackers on top and arrange additional banana slices for decoration.
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Vanilla Pudding Trifle:
- Use Ripe Bananas: Opt for bananas that are perfectly ripe for the best flavor.
- Chill Bowls and Beaters: For extra fluffy whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.
- Layer Neatly: Take your time when layering the trifle for a beautiful presentation.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavor extracts or add chocolate chips between layers.
- Keep It Fresh: If you plan to serve later, consider adding bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
This Banana Vanilla Pudding Trifle is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia to every bite. You can find a similar recipe here. Let me know if you’d like any variations or additional tips! 🍌🍰