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Banana Pudding Icebox Cake

Creamy banana pudding icebox cake layers in a chilled glass trifle dish

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A no-bake, make-ahead dessert where vanilla wafers soften into tender cake layers amidst a creamy banana pudding filling. This nostalgic treat is perfect for potlucks and summer days, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 oz) box vanilla wafers
  • 4-5 large ripe bananas
  • 1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 (8 oz) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until it thickens. Let sit 2 more minutes.
  3. Fold the pudding into the cream cheese until fully combined.
  4. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and vanilla extract until uniform. Add a pinch of salt.
  5. Peel and slice bananas into 1/4-inch rounds.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
  7. Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers to cover the bottom.
  8. Top with a layer of banana slices, then spread about one-third of the cream mixture over them.
  9. Repeat layers two more times: wafers, bananas, cream, ending with a cream layer on top.
  10. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  11. Garnish with extra whipped topping, crushed wafers, or banana slices before serving.

Notes

For best texture, chill overnight. Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent sogginess. For a biscoff variation, substitute vanilla wafers with Biscoff cookies. Gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives work well.

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