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Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Icebox Cake for a Crowd

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This easy no-bake banana pudding icebox cake for a crowd is the perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks, family reunions, and any gathering. Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and softened vanilla wafers create a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat that requires no oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (12 oz) box vanilla wafers
  • 6–7 ripe but firm bananas
  • Additional vanilla wafers for garnish (optional)
  • 1–2 bananas, sliced for topping (optional)
  • Caramel sauce or chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the pudding base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 4 cups cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla: Pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until completely smooth and combined.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain.
  4. Layer the wafers: Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Arrange a single layer of vanilla wafers on top, covering the bottom completely.
  5. Add the bananas: Slice 3 bananas into ¼-inch rounds. Arrange the banana slices evenly over the wafer layer.
  6. Spread half the pudding mixture: Gently spread half of the remaining pudding mixture over the bananas.
  7. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining sliced bananas. Spread the rest of the pudding mixture over the top.
  8. Top with remaining whipped topping (optional): If you reserved some whipped topping for garnish, spread it over the final pudding layer.
  9. Crush some wafers for garnish: Take a handful of extra vanilla wafers and crush them. Sprinkle the crumbs over the top.
  10. Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.

Notes

For best results, chill overnight to allow wafers to soften into cake-like layers. Slice bananas right before layering to prevent browning. Use ripe but firm bananas for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, banana pudding, icebox cake, crowd dessert, potluck dessert, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert

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