Name: Banana Pudding Lush
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-492217H59M37S
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1 2 cups crushed vanilla wafer crumbs; 1 4 cup granulated sugar; 1 2 cup salted butter, melted; 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened; 1 2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed; 6 medium bananas, sliced; 1 3 4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 3 4 ounce box instant banana pudding mix; 3 cups cold milk; 1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1 4 cup crushed vanilla wafer crumbs; Additional whipped topping, whole vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas for garnish, optional

Description

Banana Pudding Lush is a creamy layered Southern dessert featuring a buttery vanilla wafer crust, smooth cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, rich pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This easy make ahead dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust
2 1 2 cups crushed vanilla wafer crumbs
1 4 cup granulated sugar
1 2 cup salted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer
2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
1 2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 medium bananas, sliced

Pudding Layer
1 3 4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 3 4 ounce box instant banana pudding mix
3 cups cold milk

Topping
1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 4 cup crushed vanilla wafer crumbs
Additional whipped topping, whole vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas for garnish, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until evenly coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until creamy. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Layer sliced bananas on top.
In the same bowl, beat both pudding mixes with cold milk for about 3 minutes until thickened but pourable. Pour over bananas and spread evenly.
Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding layer. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer crumbs.
Chill for 4 to 6 hours or overnight before slicing. Garnish just before serving if desired.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas for best texture.

Allow crust to cool completely before adding layers.

Chill overnight for cleaner slices.

Add banana garnish just before serving to prevent browning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes + Chill time 6 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and Chilling
Cuisine: American