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Easy No-Bake Banana Pudding Icebox Cake: Best Summer Dessert

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This easy no-bake banana pudding icebox cake is the perfect summer dessert with only five minutes of prep. Layers of soft vanilla wafers, creamy pudding filling, and fresh bananas create a crowd-pleasing treat that gets better overnight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 (8 oz) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers
  • 4–5 ripe but firm bananas
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or pineapple juice (optional, to prevent browning)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold whole milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Add 1/2 cup cold water and whisk again. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
  3. Slice the bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Toss with a small amount of lemon juice or pineapple juice to prevent browning if desired.
  4. Spread a single layer of vanilla wafers across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, covering the entire bottom without overlapping.
  5. Arrange half of the banana slices evenly over the cookies.
  6. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the bananas, using a spatula to spread gently.
  7. Repeat layers: another layer of vanilla wafers, remaining banana slices, and remaining pudding mixture. Spread evenly to the edges.
  8. Crush about 10-12 vanilla wafers and sprinkle the crumbs over the top. Reserve a few whole wafers for garnish if desired.
  9. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Serve cold.

Notes

Chilling time is non-negotiable for proper texture. The water trick helps cookies soften evenly. Bananas should be ripe but firm. For best results, make a day ahead. Do not freeze as texture changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, banana pudding, icebox cake, summer dessert, easy dessert, vanilla wafers, no-bake cake

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-no-bake-banana-pudding-icebox-cake-best-summer-dessert/