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Southern Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese layered with bananas and Nilla Wafers

Southern Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese

A comforting and nostalgic dessert, this Southern Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese features layers of cookies, bananas, and a rich cream mixture, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cream Mixture
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Soften it fully for best texture.
  • 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 pkg Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups Cold milk Mix with pudding until thickened.
  • 8 oz Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream If using homemade, whip to soft peaks.
For Assembly
  • 4 large Ripe bananas Use bright yellow with brown freckles for sweetness.
  • 1 box Vanilla wafers or butter cookies Shortbread can also work in a pinch.

Method
 

Preparation of Cream Mixture
  1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Mix in sweetened condensed milk until glossy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens.
  4. Combine the cream cheese mixture with the pudding mixture and fold in the whipped topping until airy.
Build the Pudding
  1. In a deep glass dish or 9 by 13 pan, layer the ingredients starting with cookies, followed by banana slices, then cream mixture.
  2. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with the cream on top.
  3. Add banana slices before serving to prevent browning.
  4. Crush a few cookies for garnish, if desired.
Finishing Touches
  1. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  2. Before serving, add fresh banana slices and crushed wafers on top.

Notes

Store tightly covered to avoid fridge smells. Keeps well for about 2 days. Recommended to prepare layers in advance and add toppings right before serving.