If you’re on the hunt for a luscious, dreamy dessert that’s both nostalgic and a bit elevated, you have to try this Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe. Trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic! Cream cheese adds that silky tang that just takes the classic banana pudding to another level. Whether it’s for a family dinner, potluck, or just because you need a pick-me-up, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort dessert.

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Why This Recipe Works

Cream Cheese Boost: Adds a rich, creamy tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Instant Pudding Convenience: It’s quick to whip up and gives a smooth, thick base without extra cooking.
Layered Texture: Combining wafers, bananas, and creamy pudding offers a delightful mix of crunch and softness.
No Baking Needed: Makes this dessert easy to prepare even last-minute, perfect for any occasion.

Cream Cheese Banana Pudding, banana pudding with cream cheese, easy banana pudding recipe, layered banana dessert, creamy fruit pudding - This image shows a dessert in a clear glass bowl with multiple layers. The bottom layer in the bowl is creamy pale yellow pudding or custard. Above it, there is a layer of brown round cookies or biscuits placed vertically and closely together around the edge. Another layer of the same pale yellow pudding is on top of the cookies. The top layer is white whipped cream spread smoothly to cover the whole surface. On the center of the whipped cream, there are three orange cookies and three slices of banana arranged in a small pile with a small green mint leaf on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right ingredients for this Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe really makes all the difference. Simple pantry staples come together beautifully, and a few tips help you get the texture just right without fuss.

Cream Cheese Banana Pudding, banana pudding with cream cheese, easy banana pudding recipe, layered banana dessert, creamy fruit pudding - Flat lay of a fresh peeled banana sliced into rounds, a large block of cream cheese with a smooth cut surface, a small white bowl filled with glossy sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl with fine pale yellow vanilla instant pudding powder, a small white bowl of fresh milk, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl holding fluffy white whipped topping, and a neat stack of golden Nilla wafers arranged in a simple white ceramic bowl, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream cheese: Bring it to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free texture in your pudding base.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is your secret to luscious richness and sweetness; don’t confuse it with evaporated milk.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Make sure it’s INSTANT, not the cook-and-serve kind, to get the perfect consistency without heating.
Milk (2% or higher): Adds creaminess and thins the pudding mix just enough to be silky and pourable.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma; helps tie the whole dessert together.
Whipped topping (Cool Whip): Adds lightness and fluffiness, making the pudding dreamy and airy.
Nilla wafers: Provide a classic crunchy contrast; layering is important so they soften just enough without going mushy.
Bananas: Fresh and ripe bananas give a burst of natural sweetness and moisture, tying all the layers together beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe is how easily you can make it your own—whether you like it a bit sweeter, more tangy, or with fun add-ins. Play around with flavors and textures to suit your taste buds!

Variation: I sometimes swap out the vanilla pudding mix for banana cream pudding for an extra banana flavor punch—it’s delicious and takes it up a notch.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping, or swap wafers for gluten-free cookies if you need to avoid gluten.
Seasonal twist: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top for a tropical flair that’s fantastic for summer gatherings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese to a Fluffy Perfection

Start by beating the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is key—if your cream cheese is too cold, you’ll end up with lumps, which nobody wants in their pudding. Trust me, I learned that the hard way! Taking the time to get it silky pays off big.

Step 2: Mix in the Sweetened Condensed Milk, Pudding Mix, Milk & Vanilla

Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract to your cream cheese bowl. Mix all these until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. This creamy base is already sounding heavenly, right? Keep mixing until you don’t see any streaks.

Step 3: Fold in Half of the Whipped Topping

Gently fold in half of your thawed whipped topping—it adds a cloud-like fluffiness that complements the dense cream cheese mix perfectly. Be gentle here; you want to keep that airy texture intact.

Step 4: Layer It Up Like a Pro

Grab your favorite trifle dish or a good old 9×13 baking dish. Start by layering one-third of the Nilla wafers at the bottom. Then, add a single layer of sliced bananas—make sure they’re ripe but still firm so they don’t turn mushy fast. Pour one-third of the pudding mixture on top, covering the bananas completely. Repeat this two more times, building beautiful layers.

Step 5: Finish with Whipped Topping and Chill

Top your final layer with the remaining whipped topping, spread it evenly, then cover the whole dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one to two hours—this part is non-negotiable because it lets the pudding set and those wafers soften just enough to melt in your mouth. If you can wait longer, it actually tastes even better!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temp Cream Cheese: Always let your cream cheese soften on the counter for at least 30 minutes before mixing for lump-free pudding.
Instant Pudding Only: Double-check the pudding label since ‘Cook and Serve’ won’t thicken the dessert properly.
Banana Ripeness: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm — mushy bananas make the layers watery.
Chill Patience: Don’t rush to serve—refrigeration ensures the wafers soften just right without turning soggy.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe

Cream Cheese Banana Pudding, banana pudding with cream cheese, easy banana pudding recipe, layered banana dessert, creamy fruit pudding - The image shows a close-up view of a creamy layered dessert on a white plate with intricate cut-out edges, sitting on a blue and white cloth on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three main layers: at the bottom and middle, there are soft cake or biscuit layers soaked in cream, pale yellow in color with some visible pieces of banana slices. Between these layers are thick, light-yellow cream fillings that look smooth and fluffy. The top layer is white whipped cream, thickly spread over the dessert, slightly uneven with soft peaks. A small bright green mint leaf and a single round, golden-yellow cookie or biscuit sit near the back of the dessert for decoration. The background includes a glass of water with mint, out of focus bananas, and a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a few extra Nilla wafers crumbled on top for a little crunch, plus a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon to awaken the flavors. Sometimes, I add a few banana slices on top just before serving to keep that fresh fruit vibe going strong.

Side Dishes

This dessert is pretty rich on its own, but if you’re serving it at a meal, pairing with light, fresh dishes like a crisp green salad or grilled chicken keeps the meal balanced. It also shines brilliantly as a sweet finale to barbecues or potlucks.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like assembling this pudding in individual mason jars or clear glasses so the beautiful layers shine through. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and adds a fancy touch without extra effort. You can even add a decorative paper straw or a small spoon tied with a ribbon for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge, and it’s best eaten within 2–3 days for freshness and texture. The pudding firms up nicely overnight, but after a couple of days, the bananas can start to brown—so keep an eye on that if you want it pretty for guests.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe because the whipped topping and bananas tend to get watery or mushy after thawing, which changes the texture a lot. If you want to save some for later, the fridge is your best bet.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge to keep its texture intact. Reheating isn’t necessary, and warming it up actually messes with the creamy consistency, so I’d skip that step.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of softened cream cheese?

You really want the cream cheese softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly without lumps. Cold cream cheese is tough to blend and will leave you with a less creamy pudding. Just leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting and you’ll be set.
What is the difference between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is thick, very sweet, and contains added sugar, which helps thicken and sweeten this pudding perfectly. Evaporated milk is just concentrated milk without added sugar and won’t provide the richness or sweetness needed for this recipe.
Why does my banana pudding turn watery?

That usually happens when bananas are too ripe or overripe, releasing too much moisture. Using firm, ripe bananas and properly chilling the pudding helps prevent excess water. Also, don’t rush to serve—it needs time to set and thicken in the fridge.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works great and adds a homemade touch, but you’ll want to ensure it’s whipped to soft peaks and folded in gently so the texture stays light and fluffy.
How long should I chill the pudding before serving?

I recommend chilling it for at least one to two hours to allow the pudding to thicken and the wafers to soften perfectly. Overnight chilling makes it taste even better but just a couple hours is enough if you’re pressed for time.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe is one of those sweet comforts that I keep coming back to. There’s something so special about the creamy tang from the cream cheese layered with fresh bananas and crunchy Nilla wafers—it’s like a little bowl of happiness. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do. So go ahead, grab those bananas and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!

Cream Cheese Banana Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: Caroline
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This classic banana pudding recipe combines creamy layers of vanilla instant pudding, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese with fresh bananas and crunchy Nilla wafers. Topped with whipped topping, this no-bake dessert is chilled to perfection and ideal for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Pudding Mixture

8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
5 ounce package INSTANT vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk (2% or higher)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounce tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed (divided use)

Layers

11 ounce box Nilla wafers (divided use)
5-7 bananas, peeled and sliced (divided use)

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
Add Pudding Ingredients: Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently stir in half of the thawed whipped topping to the pudding mixture to add lightness and creaminess.
Assemble Layers: In a trifle dish, large bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish, layer one-third of the Nilla wafers on the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then pour one-third of the pudding mixture over the bananas, ensuring coverage.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering wafers, bananas, and pudding two more times to build three layers total.
Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top layer of pudding.
Chill: Cover the assembled pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours to allow it to thicken and for the wafers to soften before serving.

Notes

Use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding, for proper thickening.
Ensure you use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, for sweetness and texture.
Banana cream pudding flavor or banana extract can substitute vanilla pudding mix or vanilla extract for enhanced banana flavor.
Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the mixture.
Adjust the number of bananas (5-7) based on size and personal preference for fresh banana abundance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg